Educational Philosophy

 

The educational philosophy at BEST Academy is play and child-centered. There is very little direct instruction and teachers are trained and encouraged to play with the children and utilize every teachable moment. 

 

A lesson at BEST begins with the teacher introducing a topic through a book or a discussion. The children are encouraged to ask questions about the topic or material and think about what they want to know. Teachers guide and inspire this conversation and plan out lessons/ experiments with the children. At the end, children discuss what they have experienced and, depending on age, finish with a follow up activity, like graphing their results or learning a new song. 

 

A preschool classroom should be a place of joy where children develop their ideas about school that last a lifetime. If there is a behavior problem, teachers are urged to first look at their own teaching methods and make adjustments, before disciplining a child or calling a parent. 

 

The last piece of our philosophy concerns parents and families. Education is a triangle between the child, the teacher and the family. If any of these is missing or lacking, a child will not have a high chance of success. We mandate 20 hours of parent volunteering a year in order to register. At BEST we also send home lesson bags, so the child can see ideas reinforced at home, and so parents are informed about the daily activities of their child and can be an active part of the child’s education. Parents are always welcome to sit in on a class. Call or email their teacher or schedule a meeting with the director.

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Curriculum

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At BEST Academy, the Science Start program, developed in Rochester, New York, frames our curriculum. Science Start is an integrated program that teaches all subject areas through science experiments. This is the most natural way for young children to learn because science is the exploration and investigation of the world around us, and young children learn this way instinctually every day.

 

Five modules are taught throughout a twelve-month school year cycle: measurement and mapping; color and light; properties of matter; neighborhood habitats; and movement and machines. 

 

For more details, visit ScienceStart.com. We follow the physical, emotional, social and cognitive learning objectives set forth by the State of Georgia and Bright from the Start for children birth to age 4. 

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Nutrition

 

We are proud to serve an all-vegetarian menu. Breakfast, lunch and two snacks are provided daily.

 

BEST provides fresh and nutritious food for all students. Breakfast, lunch, and afternoon snack are served daily. Milk is always available with lunch. Food is prepared in a healthy and well-balanced way; fried foods are avoided and low-fat snacks are served. Fresh fruits and vegetables will always be included in our menus. 

 

Different foods are incorporated depending on the time of year or learning for the week. The students are encouraged to try new things, but they will never be forced. Students are taught about the food groups and how to establish positive eating habits, an important lesson for growing children. 

 

Our program follows all USDA guidelines and requirements. When possible, the menu will be supplemented with fresh produce from our own garden. The menu offers quality and variety in choice. Please notify the director if there is any special food related needs regarding your child.