Saxon Hill School offers three programs. All programs incorporate the highest standards of early education and teaching methods. Our philosophy is integrated into each program.
| Program | Age Criteria | Meeting Days | Meeting Time | # of Students | # of Staff | Parent Volunteers per class |
| 2 Day | 3 by 8/31 | M, TH | 8:30 - 11:30 | 15 | 2 | 1 |
| 3 Day | 4 by 3/1 | T, W,TH | 8:15 - 11:45 | 17 | 2 | 1 |
| 4 Day | 4 by 8/31 | T, W, TH, F | 12:30 - 4:00 | 17 | 2 | 1 |
The programs differ not only in meeting time, class size, and child-adult ratios, but also in composition and the needs of the students at any given time. Our teachers tailor the routines and expectations of each program to the group enrolled in that program each year. The 4-Day program is a Vermont State licensed kindergarten, and may include both preschool and kindergarten students.
We have found that the consistency of a daily routine, within a given program, is necessary as a jumping off place. Children are more secure and ready to learn when there is a pattern they can expect to occur during the day. This does not mean that we lock ourselves into a rigid structure. We often allow ourselves to depart from the usual schedule for the sake of a new experience, such as field trips.
Enrichment Mondays
Saxon Hill School also offers an Enrichment Mondays program as an option for enrolled students. Enrichment Mondays typically run in 8-week increments, and give students an opportunity to explore a new activity in depth, in a familiar location, with some of their friends. Activities offered in the past have included gymnastics, dance, language, and art. Parent-volunteers typically teach Enrichment Mondays. Fees in addition to regular tuition.
Summer Camp
Camp sessions run from June through July. Saxon Hill School summer camps provide SHS families and community members a fun and structured summer program to choose for their children. For more information on the summer programs, call Michele Campbell, 878-2164. Fees in addition to regular tuition.
Chapin Apple Orchard Tours
Saxon Hill School teachers and parents oversee and staff educational programs that are provided at the Chapin Apple Orchard in Essex, VT. These programs are offered to Saxon Hill students, and to surrounding communities schools, including private and public schools. For more information, contact Michele Campbell 878-2164.
Program Staff
The staff is led by Michele Campbell, Director of Education. Michele has taught at Saxon Hill School since 1978, and assumed the Directors position in 1999. The Head Teachers are highly qualified in early childhood development and education, with many years of classroom experience. The Assistant Teachers also have significant experience with young childrens education, and have been teaching for several years. The majority of the staff has been at Saxon Hill for over 10 years. Teaching staff quality and experience is paramount at Saxon Hill. Parents that serve on the Board are regularly involved in staff hiring and management activities. The schools annual budget includes ongoing professional development activities, to ensure that our teachers continue to expand their knowledge within the field of early childhood education.
|
|
2 Day |
3 Day |
4 Day |
|
Teacher |
Lorie Balas |
Heather Barton |
Michele Campbell |
|
Assistant |
Mardi Young |
Kathie Ward |
Lorie Balas |
|
Parent helper |
1 |
1 |
1 |