Founded in 1959, this esteemed early childhood institution in Halifax offers a trusted and enriching preschool experience designed to foster children's intellectual, social, emotional, and physical development. Emphasizing a balanced curriculum tailored for children aged 2 to 5, the school provides a supportive environment where young learners flourish, cultivating essential skills that pave the way for a successful transition to elementary education.
🏫 Vibrant Campus Environment
Situated in a spacious, colorful facility, the preschool features a primary playroom complemented by multiple specialized activity areas. The thoughtfully designed spaces encourage exploration and creativity through diverse hands-on experiences. A covered outdoor playground ensures year-round access to fresh air and physical activity, reinforcing the institution’s commitment to holistic child growth. This inclusive setting welcomes children of all abilities, supported by staff trained to address a variety of developmental needs.
📚 Engaging Curriculum and Learning Activities
The curriculum is crafted to spark curiosity and inspire a lifelong love of learning. Children engage in a wide array of group activities such as drama, yoga, puppetry, arts and crafts including painting, drawing, and puzzles, all facilitating creativity and social interaction. Incorporating music and movement throughout the year helps develop coordination and self-expression, fostering confidence in a nurturing atmosphere.
💡 Unique Educational Programs & Community Connections
Beyond the classroom, the preschool offers enriching experiential learning opportunities that connect children to their local community. Regular visits to the Halifax Regional Police and Fire Departments introduce important safety concepts, while programs on health, recycling, and pet care promote environmental and personal responsibility. Yoga and introductions to diverse cultural traditions cultivate mindfulness and global awareness. During colder months, professional musicians visit the school, enhancing auditory and artistic experiences.
Field trips are an integral part of the curriculum, with visits to prominent local landmarks such as the Art Gallery, Discovery Centre, Point Pleasant Park, Dartmouth Ferry, railway station, and Cornwallis Park. These excursions broaden children's perspectives and deepen their connection to the city of Halifax.
🤝 Strong Parent-Teacher Partnership
Parental involvement is deeply valued, forming a vital pillar of the school community. Regularly scheduled parent-teacher meetings occur twice each school year, providing individualized updates on children’s progress and developmental milestones. A Parent Committee convenes biannually to foster collaboration and share ideas, while a comprehensive Annual General Meeting in September offers transparency and community engagement opportunities.
Weekly communications titled “HECS Highlights” keep parents informed with stories, photos, and song lyrics, nurturing a strong home-school connection that supports each child's growth journey.
🎓 Accredited Excellence and Dedicated Leadership
Fully certified under the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development’s Early Years Branch, the school maintains rigorous standards of educational quality. Its dedicated team comprises highly qualified instructors holding degrees in Early Childhood Education or Bachelor of Education, ensuring expert guidance in early learning principles and child development best practices.
Under the leadership of Principal Sara Lordly, the school upholds a non-profit philosophy focused on inclusive, high-caliber preschool education. A voluntary Board of Directors alongside a Coordinating Director ensures that administrative oversight aligns with the community’s shared vision of fostering young learners’ potential.
🌈 Summary: A Foundation for Lifelong Learning
This historic Halifax preschool combines a rich legacy with innovative programming to create a warm and stimulating learning environment. Emphasizing social-emotional growth alongside academic readiness, the school stands as a beacon for early childhood education in the region. Through intentional curriculum design, engaging extracurricular activities, and meaningful community involvement, it fulfills its founding mission to support children as they build confidence, self-worth, and respect for others. Families seeking a nurturing, inclusive, and academically focused preschool experience discover here a trusted partner in their child's formative years.
