An exceptional school influenced by Maria Montessori,

Reggio Emilia and Waldorf Steiner

The Atelier School

Transitional Kindergarten

Kindergarten

First Grade

Transitional Kindergarten

Our Transitional Kindergarten Program opens its doors to children that are four years of age by September 1st. This program bridges the path between preschool and kindergarten and allows children to learn and grow in an environment tailored to their academic and social needs. There is a strong emphasis on experiential learning.

Kindergarten

Students enrolled in our Kindergarten Program should be five years of age by September 1st. This is a special year as students are guided to take on more complex work with increased expectations and privileges in the classroom while experiencing rapid academic and social growth. Their time management skills are developing, and they continue to hone their ability to concentrate. Students take off in the world of reading and writing.

First Grade

Students entering First Grade should be six years of age by September 1st. In the first grade, students will continue in an inquiry-based, student-led classroom where they will first understand concepts with their hands as they encompass all senses in their learning. Students strengthen their writing ability, better understand numbers and think scientifically as they explore their world.

Three Approaches

Combining Montessori, Reggio Emilia, and Waldorf inspired education creates a unique learning environment that fosters holistic development. Montessori emphasizes self-directed learning and independence, empowering children to explore their interests. Reggio Emilia promotes creativity, collaboration, and critical thinking through project-based learning and the arts. Waldorf focuses on imagination, hands-on experiences, and nurturing the whole child. By integrating these approaches, children benefit from a balanced education that cultivates intellectual, emotional, social, and physical growth, fostering a love for learning, resilience, creativity, and a strong sense of self.

Academics

Students are enriched academically through student-led learning, provocations of discovery, loose parts play, imaginary play, and traditional modalities of teacher-led lessons. Enrichment subjects include Language and Literacy, Practical Life, Social Studies, The Arts, Mathematics, Science, Social Emotional Learning, Grace and Courtesy, Foreign Language, Special Interest Studies, and Physical Education. The details and specifics of the curriculum for each class will be discussed at your private tour. Students will bring home weekly folders representing the material they are practicing and learning.

Play

Play is serious business when it comes to a child’s health and development. Learning is best fueled by tapping into a child’s natural urge to play. As they actively engage with and joyfully discover their world, children gain 21st-century skills that increasingly call for teamwork and innovation. Play also improves the cognitive, physical, social, and emotional well-being of children and young people. Through play, our students learn not only about their world but about themselves. Students at the Atelier School spend a good portion of their day playing in their atelier and playing outdoors. As the Norwegians say - “There is no bad weather, only bad clothes.” We will play outdoors every day, so be sure your student is equipped.

Students of the Atelier School love their Loose Parts Play. It is a highly beneficial approach that promotes children's learning and development in various ways. Loose Parts Play encourages children to use their imagination and creativity, fostering problem-solving skills and critical thinking by providing an assortment of open-ended materials such as sticks, stones, fabric scraps, and blocks. It allows them to explore and experiment with different materials, textures, shapes, and sizes, enhancing sensory experiences and developing fine motor skills. Children learn about spatial relationships, patterns, and basic mathematical concepts by manipulating and arranging loose parts. Additionally, Loose Parts Play encourages collaboration, communication, and social skills as children engage in cooperative play, negotiate roles, and share ideas. It also supports emotional development by offering a non-prescriptive and flexible play experience, allowing children to express and regulate their emotions. Overall, Loose Parts Play empowers children to become active, curious, and self-directed learners, fostering their holistic development across cognitive, physical, social, and emotional domains.

Loose Parts Learning

Art

Engaging young children in a combination of open-ended process art, art history, and directed art lessons offers numerous benefits. Open-ended process art encourages creativity, imagination, and self-expression, allowing children to explore materials and ideas freely, fostering their individuality and problem-solving skills. Art history exposes children to diverse artistic styles, cultures, and techniques, nurturing an appreciation for art and fostering cultural understanding. Directed art lessons provide structured guidance, teaching specific techniques and skills, enhancing fine motor skills, spatial awareness, and attention to detail. By incorporating all three approaches, children develop a well-rounded artistic foundation.

Music

Our enriching music program is designed to ignite a lifelong love for music while fostering their holistic development. Through singing activities, children explore different vocal techniques, develop rhythm and pitch awareness, and build confidence in their musical abilities. They are exposed to a diverse repertoire of new songs, expanding their musical vocabulary and cultural understanding. Introducing basic music theory concepts, such as note values and dynamics, helps them grasp fundamental musical elements and lays a foundation for future learning. Additionally, incorporating music and movement activities allows children to express themselves creatively, develop coordination, and enhance spatial awareness. This comprehensive program nurtures their musical skills, stimulates cognitive and linguistic development, and promotes social interaction and self-expression in a joyful and stimulating environment.

Drama

Teaching musical theater to children offers a multitude of benefits. Through dramatic play and performance, children develop essential communication and interpersonal skills, enhancing their self-confidence and ability to express themselves effectively. Role-playing and character exploration foster empathy, emotional intelligence, and a deeper understanding of diverse perspectives. Participating in musical theater cultivates teamwork, collaboration, and discipline as children work together to create a cohesive spring performance. Drama and music also improve language development, memory skills, and spatial awareness. Our Musical Theater program empowers our students to discover and develop their unique talents while instilling lifelong skills and a lifelong appreciation for the performing arts.

Atelier School

2023 - 2024 Admissions

  • $400

    The Registration Fee is an annual fee that covers the curriculum, books, science labs, cooking, one uniform shirt, and one backpack.

  • $8500

  • 1 Annual Payment of $8500 due September 1st

    Bi-Annual Payments of $4250 due on September 1st and February 1st

    10 Installment Pay Plan:

    September 1st - $850 First Installment

    October 1st - $850

    November 1st - $850

    December 1st - $850

    January 1st $850

    February 1st - $850

    March 1st - $850

    April 1st - $850

    May 1st - $850

    June 1st - $850 Last Installment

  • The Atelier School offers partial scholarships every year. If you are interested in receiving a partial scholarship, inquire about what is available on your tour.

    1. Call to schedule a private tour.

    2. Pay Registration Fee.

    3. Fill out the Student Application Packet and return it to Miss Tina.

    4. Purchase items on your student’s Supply List.

    5. Buy school uniforms.

    6. Attend Meet & Greet on September 5th.

FAQs

What are the school hours?

9:00 am - 3:00 pm Regular School Hours

8:00 am - 4:15 pm Extended Hours (additional fee)

Please refer to the Yearly School Calendar for school closure dates and details regarding Special Event Days.

What type of parent involvement occurs at the Kindergarten Atelier School?

The Atelier School welcomes parents to attend and participate in many events throughout the year. These events include Family Meet and Greet, Back to School Night, Winter Holiday Program, Annual Art Expo, and the Discovery Fair. Parents also participate in field trips.

Are lunch and snacks provided?

Lunch is not provided. Students must bring lunch daily. One nutritious morning snack is provided for the students every day.

Do students wear uniforms?

Yes, students wear uniforms Monday through Friday. We do have several Free Dress days as well.

Do students say the Pledge of Allegiance?

Yes, students say the Pledge of Allegiance every day. On Fridays, we have a patriotic assembly called Friday Flag, and students also sing patriotic songs and learn new facts about their country.

What is the average class size?

The average class size is 10 - 12 students per class. The opportunities for individualized attention is endless.

Will students go on field trips?

Yes, field trips offer a hands-on and interactive approach, allowing our students to engage with their environment and make meaningful connections to what they have been learning in the classroom.

How are birthdays celebrated at school?

Birthday celebrations are a warm and enchanting event at the Atelier School that focuses on forging a meaningful and memorable experience for your child. The emphasis is on creating a nurturing environment where the child is honored and surrounded by heartfelt wishes, stories, and blessings shared by their teacher and friends. The celebration also includes a traditional birthday story and candle-lighting ring that students get to decorate themselves. This is a tradition everyone looks forward to. If your child has a summer birthday, we celebrate them in June.


"Every child's potential is a spark waiting to ignite. Together, we nurture their dreams, ignite their passions, and empower them to shine brightly as the future leaders of tomorrow."

Tina Naber ~ Owner, The Atelier School

Tina Naber completed her undergraduate degree in Heidelberg, Germany, home of the first kindergarten. While living in Germany, she volunteered in a German kindergarten, where her love of teaching bloomed. Tina has since taught kindergarten for 19 years and was the administrator of a private preparatory elementary school in Temecula for many years. Her passion for teaching and educational leadership is unmatched. Miss Tina believes in a threefold approach, engaging the head, heart, and hands - thinking, feeling, and doing.