The 4 Cs of PIFS
CONFIDENCE
We view each child as a powerful learner. Our program is designed to help children discover just how capable, intelligent, observant and powerful they are. Teachers are respectful partners.
- Curriculum follows children’s unique interests, encouraging them to share observations and experiences and empowering them to feel good about their ideas.
- Facilities such as our multiple playgrounds, Smokey’s Playscape, and multipurpose gym room offer a multitude of safe opportunities for children to build self-esteem and independence by taking physical risks.
CURIOSITY
Children are naturally curious. We encourage them to explore, seek new information and ask questions.
- Resource classes (art, science, nature and music) and enrichment programs give children the freedom to play and to learn across developmental domains, allowing them to grow intellectually through experimentation.
- Children are challenged to question information, test new ideas, and simply play with materials in new and unusual ways.
CREATIVITY
Our focus is on the process rather than the product, promoting learning, exploring, and creative thinking over achieving a specific result or answer.
- Hands-on, guided play-based experiences teach our children to represent their ideas and emotions in words, visual arts, drama, movement and music.
- Our annual Spring Art Expo is a school-wide celebration of our multi-faceted approach to creative learning as art merges with science, nature, social studies, literature, drama, music, and more.
COMMUNITY
We strive to make our school an extension of home for our children, their families and our teachers. Many of our alumni families have made forever friends at PIFS. Families enjoy:
- Multiple events for families throughout the year planned both by the school and by our Parent Activities Committee (PAC).
- Open invitation for parents to meet with the Head of School, read a book in class, share a special family tradition, or otherwise be involved in school and classroom events.
- Daily Brightwheel posts and monthly newsletters with classroom photos and curriculum updates.
We maintain a culture of respect and responsibility for all facets of our environment and the community beyond our school. By instilling this respect in our children, we teach them that they are part of something bigger, planting the seeds for them to become citizens of the world.
- A special connection to nature is part of our school’s heritage and our science room, gardens and Smokey’s Bounders program provide opportunities for children to learn and care about plants, animals, water and food sources.
- This learning is reinforced in the classroom with conservation and recycling programs.
- Snack and lunch menus with food from our own gardens, and organic and non-processed food when possible, teach children about sustainable eating and healthy habits.
- Teachers model positive relationships by supporting children with empathy, kindness and care for all.
- Charitable outreach projects such as food and toy drives foster an understanding of self and others.
