The Villa Values of Education , Faith , and Community are evident every school day at St . Ursula Villa where emphasis on academic excellence , spiritual growth , and whole child development truly shapes the lives of our children – the leaders of tomorrow . Villa students partner with their teachers and parents to set high expectations in all areas of learning and development . Each student ’ s unique talents are nurtured and individual needs are met by a caring staff .
Early Childhood Education
Toddler Program ( 2-year-olds as of August 15 )
• Schedule offers 2 mornings ( 8:00 – 10:45 ) per week with experienced , degreed teacher and assistant
• Builds confidence and self-esteem ; fosters independence and beginning academic skills
• Develops communication skills through books , songs , dramatic play , and puppets
• Improves gross and fine motor skills with activities of balancing , jumping , climbing , writing , cutting , and drawing
• Nurtures creativity with centers focusing on art , sensory experiences , dramatic play , and blocks
• Encourages socialization through classroom routines , cooperation , sharing , and playing
Traditional Preschool ( 3- and 4-year-olds as of September 1 )
• Multiple schedule offerings of 3 , 4 , or 5 days per week , half days ( 8:00 – 12:00 ) or full days ( 8:00 – 3:00 )
• Experienced , degreed teachers and assistants use thematic approach to learning
• Physical , intellectual , emotional , social , and spiritual development with recognition of individual differences
• Strong curriculum with hands-on learning in early literacy and math readiness with creative expression through art , music , and dramatic play
• Weekly classes with specialty teachers in Art , Music , Physical Education , Library , and Outdoor Education
• Guest presenters enhance learning experiences
Montessori Program ( 3- , 4- , and 5-year-olds as of September 1 )
• Multi-age environment with options of half day ( 8:00 – 12:00 ) or full day ( 8:00 – 3:00 ) for 3- and 4-year olds ; full-day schedule for Montessori Kindergarteners
• Experienced , degreed , Montessori-trained teachers and assistants implement hands-on , child-centered approach to Early Childhood education
• Hands-on manipulatives follow Montessori model and adapt to individual learning styles and levels
• Strong developmental program ensuring continuous growth and successful transition to First Grade
• Guest presenters / programs plus specialty classes of Outdoor Education , Art , Music , Library , and Physical Education
• Montessori Kindergarten classes in French and Spanish , and Computer Lab
Traditional Kindergarten
• Full-day ( 8:00 – 3:00 ) program with experienced , degreed teachers and assistants for low teacher / student ratio
• Emphasis on whole child development honors individual differences in a strong academic curriculum to maximize success in First Grade
• Specialty classes of Art , Music , Library , Physical Education , and Computer Lab
• Foreign Language instruction in Spanish and French , and Outdoor Education enrichment