Grow With Us THE LOWER SCHOOL
AT NYA Toddler - Grade Four
NORTH YARMOUTH ACADEMY
NORTH YARMOUTH ACADEMY THE LOWER SCHOOL
The North Yarmouth Academy Lower School emphasizes values that connect students throughout the school: cultivating integrity, character and intellect to help the children of today become adults who will prosper as learners and innovators throughout their lives. The Lower School embraces Montessori methods through kindergarten. In the first and second grades, the program builds off a Montessori foundation continuing to provide an active and engaging learning experience. In the third and fourth grades, the approach continues to foster curiosity and motivation to learn while also preparing students for an easy transition to the Middle School at North Yarmouth Academy.
“We love that NYA’s Lower School is a warm, inclusive environment. Our children feel respected and supported by faculty, staff, and students.” -Libby and Dave Millar
Throughout the Lower School, students develop skills that are closely aligned with NYA’s values and all that we strive to inspire through academics, athletics and the arts. These include: respect; compassion; perseverance; and honesty. Teachers in the Lower, Middle and Upper Schools work closely with one another to prepare students as they move from one part of the school to the next. Marissa Markonish is Head of both the Lower and Middle Schools to ensure both the quality of the programs and the ease of transition for students and their families. Students in the Lower School have full access to NYA’s 25-acre campus, which includes playing fields, a gymnasium, ice arena, a music building, academic buildings and more. Experiential learning and field research along the coast of Maine and the shores of the Royal River are offered in addition to traditional classroom instruction.
PROGRAM OFFERINGS TODDLER PROGRAM | 18-MONTHS TO 3 YEARS OLD The toddler program provides a warm and inviting setting for our youngest students, age 18 months to 3, and welcomes them to the Montessori classroom. The nurturing environment supports the physical, cognitive, social, and emotional development of each child as they continue their growth toward independence. Learning is child-directed and focuses on social-emotional development. All areas of the Montessori classroom are represented in this setting and include: Practical Life, Sensorial, Math, Language, Cultural, Geography, Science, and Peace. The Montessori materials, which are slowly introduced to the children in small group lessons, reside on the shelves in their respective locations for the children to choose of their own free will. Working with these materials fosters concentration, independence, and the development of gross and fine motor skills. Circle time encourages and builds a community atmosphere and includes songs and finger plays that help support emerging Language and Math skills. Additionally, the children enjoy creative movement, music, art, and Spanish.
PRIMARY PROGRAM | PRE-K AND KINDERGARTEN The primary program embraces Montessori methods of teaching and welcomes children age three to kindergarten. Montessori education nurtures the intrinsic desire of children to learn and work collaboratively across age groups as they develop a wide range of intellectual, social and emotional skills. Embedded within the heart of this approach is the Great Period, a block of time dedicated each day to independent work and individual or small-group lessons on a wide variety of topics that encompass fields from environmental science to writing or storytelling. Children have the freedom to work at their own pace and teachers gently guide them, but the over-arching educational goal remains to inspire rather than instruct. Children learn through exploring and manipulating materials designed to provide the opportunity to think, feel and learn.
All of these activities help lay the foundation for increased abstract thinking, all within the context of connecting with teachers and other students. Students in the primary program also pursue enrichment courses each week including music, visual arts, movement, and/or gym. Our ice skating program begins in kindergarten at our own Travis Roy Arena. Formal Spanish instruction also begins in kindergarten.
ELEMENTARY PROGRAM | GRADES 1 THROUGH 4 The elementary program at NYA employs multiage classrooms where students can teach to and learn from their peers. The first grade program provides a smooth transition for students from the Montessori classroom, building from that strong foundation, and preparing students for the second grade. The curriculum emphasizes social and academic growth, while promoting a sense of community within the classroom and campus. The teacher guides students through an exploration of culture, language, mathematics, and science as well as concepts that shape social learning. The classroom offers a rich and open learning environment incorporating class meetings; group work; individual, small-group, and full class instruction; and varied learning and discovery centers. The classes are structured to meet the needs of each individual, as the students are given the opportunity to work at their own level and at their own pace. As students progress through the grades, the program continues to provide a small, nurturing environment allowing students to transition with ease, create strong connections, and pave the way to success in the Middle School. Students are given the opportunity to be self-directed learners through guided discovery and academic choice. Teachers emphasize developing fluency in mathematics, reading, and writing. They inspire and support each student to reach his or her potential while embracing a love of learning. Students in the elementary program participate in frequent field trips and classroom projects that are integrated into the curriculum. Enrichment classes include music, visual arts, Spanish, and physical education with ice skating at NYA’s Travis Roy Arena. First and second graders receive instruction in the ukulele, and third and fourth graders receive instruction in the violin.
YEAR-ROUND OPTIONS ADDITIONAL COVERAGE Additional programming is available during NYA breaks and during the summertime provided there is sufficient enrollment. Specifically, coverage will be available for the following:
-Three days before Thanksgiving
-Two to three days during the week of Christmas
-Three days during the week of New Year’s Day
-Two weeks during NYA’s March break
-NYA summer programs will be offered to children age 2 to 5 (in addition to programs for age 5 to 14)
Note: Care is not offered during the week before the NYA school year begins, the week of the Yarmouth Clam Festival (the third week in July), and the week following the close of school at NYA.
PROGRAM OPTIONS 2016-2017 SCHOOL YEAR Toddler (18-months to age 3) Monday-Friday Mornings Only (8:00-11:45) Tuesday/Wednesday/Thursday Mornings Only (8:00-11:45) Monday-Friday Full Day (8:00-2:30) Tuesday/Wednesday/Thursday Full Day (8:00-2:30)
$10,950 $8,200 $15,400 $11,350
Primary (Pre-K) Monday-Friday Mornings Only (8:00-11:45) Monday-Friday Full Day (8:00-2:30)
$10,150 $14,700
Primary (Kindergarten) Monday-Friday Full Day (8:00-2:30)
$14,700
Elementary (Grades 1 -4) 1st and 2nd grades, Monday-Friday Full Day (8:00-2:40) 3rd and 4th grades, Monday-Friday Full Day (8:00-3:00)
$15,750 $15,950
Before Care: Monday-Friday Mornings (7:15-7:45)
$1,550
After Care: 3-5 days per week until 5:00 1-2 days until 5:00 5 days per week for one hour per day 5 days per week for 30 minutes per day
$3,700 per year $2,350 per year $2,350 per year $1,200 per year
Additional Coverage During NYA Breaks: Monday-Friday (8:00-5:00)
$400 per week or $80/day
Summer Program Ages 2 to 5, June 12 - August 18, 2017: Full day 8:30-3:30 $350 per week Half day 8:30-12:30 $250 per week Before Care No Charge After Care No Charge
Visit NYA.org for information on transportation to and from school north to Edgecomb and south to Scarborough for children in kindergarten & older
OUR MISSION North Yarmouth Academy is an independent, college preparatory, coeducational school. The Academy offers a structured program that establishes clear standards and high expectations in an environment that emphasizes values of mutual respect, trust, and community. North Yarmouth Academy is dedicated to fostering integrity, character, and intellect in its students. The North Yarmouth Academy program encourages students to develop: • • • • • •
Problem-solving skills based on sound analytical and creative thought; Sophistication in writing, speaking and artistic expression; Appreciation for the importance of athletic activity, teamwork and cooperation; Self-confidence and self-respect through a breadth of experiences that extend beyond the classroom; Concern for the larger community and an appreciation for the natural environment; Desire to continue the process of lifelong learning. For more information on North Yarmouth Academy’s Lower School, contact Leslie Durgin, Associate Director of Admission and Lower School, at 207.847.5462 | ldurgin@nya.org or visit www.NYA.org
148 Main Street, Yarmouth, ME 04096
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207.846.9051
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www.NYA.org