Early Childhood Academics

Illustration of the St. Anne's-Belfield Pre-School cottages


Join Us in the Natural Classroom

Our program at St. Anne's-Belfield encourages nurturing, outdoor, play-based classes with an emphasis on exploration and discovery including creative learning stations such as:

  • A dedicated art lab, science lab, and engineering lab that invite sensory escapades and experiential learning experiences

  • Tree-lined hiking trails that foster inquisitive quests

  • Raised gardens yielding fresh produce

  • Sun-shaded pavilions for community work and gatherings

  • The quarry site and delightful new water feature for collaborative play and STEM design

Each day, students are immersed in a sensory-based classroom led by experienced early childhood educators surrounded by views of nearby mountain ridges and woods.



When you are outdoors in nature and immersed in this sensory rich environment, meaningful connections are being made. When children are actively engaged in the natural world around them, the learning has more meaning for each student and therefore they have a deeper understanding of the subject matter. Children “learn” how to learn and deepen their curiosity and joy in discovery which provides a strong foundation for the start of their educational journey.
 
— Kathy Carpenter, P. '07, '09, '12, Director of the Early Childhood Program




 

Early Childhood Program Offerings



 

Early Childhood Program (Twos, Pre-School, JK) At A Glance


Teacher with young students

6:1

Average Student-Teacher Ratio

Illustration of students painting

9 – 13

Students per Class

Illustration of teacher reading to students

100%

Homeroom Teachers Have a Bachelor Degree or Higher

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C-ville Weekly Best of C-Ville



 

Ready for the Next Step?

Learn more about our application process, affordability, and opportunities for prospective families to engage with us on the Pre-School Admission page.

Questions? Please don't hesitate to reach out to admission@stab.org


Your Admission Contact

Kate Borgeson

Kate Borgeson
Director of Lower School Admission, Age 2 – Grade 4
kborgeson@stab.org
(434) 220-4243

Kids in the early childhood program walking across a blacktop for