About The Olive Branch Community School
Philosophy Approach
Curriculum Essential Ingredients
Curricular Method
Emergent Curriculum
At The Olive Branch Community School, curriculum arises naturally and stems from the children’s interests and inquiries. Our perceptive and intuitive teachers are skilled in observation and interpretation of children’s play and language, and thus help to guide curricular pathways based both in the conscious, enthusiastic interests of the children, as well as the covert academic and developmental milestones they are working toward each day. When children show curiosity, our teachers are quick to curate the environment to support their exploration and play. This can take the shape of group discussions, evolving classroom materials, invitations/provocations, read-aloud stories, and more that encourage children to explore their current interests or ideas. This exploration is always clearly documented and beautifully displayed in order to make learning visible in the classroom for both the children and their families. By following the lead of the children and supporting their curiosities, this approach ensures that all learning is exceptionally deep and rich, and that the children take great pride in the work they do at school.
Curricular Goals
Skill-Building Program
The Olive Branch Community School is a program that centers passionately around how to learn, rather than what to learn. In a preschool-aged environment, it is important to develop a strong foundation of skills and traits by which to navigate life, relationships, and further education. We strive to help children develop the skills to be able to find answers to their own questions, and to be kind and empathetic people. Among others, our goals for our children include guiding them to become:
Successful and proactive learners
Confident, curious, and kind
Contributing members of community