Academics
Experience Early Childhood at Portledge
At Portledge, we believe in the gift of childhood! Guided by the Reggio Emilia philosophy of Early Childhood Education, we respect children’s right to play, discover, collaborate, construct, and experience joyful learning. We are inspired by the spark in their eyes, huge smiles, warm embraces, exuberant moments, and the curiosity children bring to school daily. Our Early Childhood program is designed around children, and our units of study are influenced by the student’s interests, questions, and passions.
The classroom and specials teachers collaborate to offer children various deep, meaningful learning opportunities. We understand that children thrive when they feel safe, loved, understand the routine and structure of the day, and when they are given space to explore, experiment, and wonder.
“The wider the range of possibilities we offer children, the more intense will be their motivations and the richer their experiences”
- Loris Malaguzzi
- Loris Malaguzzi
How an Italian Approach to Early Childhood Education Inspired Teaching & Learning at Portledge School.
by Leigh Farrell & Katie Henry '99
After World War II, parents and townspeople of the city of Reggio Emilia in Northern Italy set their minds to building a school that would help to ensure a better future for their children. Brick by brick, the townspeople began to rebuild their community by creating a school that would encourage a new way of educating and learning. Their goal was to build a school that embodied the principles of respect, responsibility, and community in an enriched environment that supported discovery and exploration through a self-guided curriculum. These educational methods, designed by founder Loris Malaguzzi, began the groundwork for what is now the Reggio Emilia approach to Early Childhood learning. Today, Reggio Emilia is a world renowned approach influencing the education of young children and teachers around the globe.
Each year, educators from all over the world attend the international conferences held at The Loris Malaguzzi Center in Reggio Emilia, Italy, to deepen their understanding of the principles of this approach and draw inspiration from its schools and researchers. Ten Portledge teachers are among those who have had the privilege of attending the Loris Malaguzzi Center and now incorporate the Reggio Emilia philosophy at Portledge.
Each year, educators from all over the world attend the international conferences held at The Loris Malaguzzi Center in Reggio Emilia, Italy, to deepen their understanding of the principles of this approach and draw inspiration from its schools and researchers. Ten Portledge teachers are among those who have had the privilege of attending the Loris Malaguzzi Center and now incorporate the Reggio Emilia philosophy at Portledge.
Subtle elements of each faculty’s Reggio Emilia experience are evident in their implementation of the Portledge curriculum and in their interactions with their students. Children are encouraged to explore their interests deeply and share their learning. In the younger grades, students lead the way as the themes and topics of study emerge from their interests. Deep thinking and observation are inherent in both the teachers’ and students’ daily experiences. Methods of recording observations to share with others are integral to our Reggio Emilia journey. Our youngest children are active learners by persistently seeking answers to their questions and solutions to their problems, using a variety of means including interviewing experts,conducting experiments, consulting text, and engaging in collaborative problem solving.
Collaboration among faculty, parents, students, and outside community members broadens the scope of learning for all active participants. At Portledge, young children are afforded a great amount of responsibility and are held accountable to be respectful and active members of the classroom and community. As you walk by the colorful and interactive classrooms, that many refer to as their second home, you notice children’s thinking and learning documented on the walls, hear animated voices debating a topic, and observe children collaborating to build their new masterpiece. Teachers can be found provoking discussions, facilitating small group projects, and documenting student voice. Following these practices, Early Childhood education at Portledge respects children’s intrinsic sense of wonder by providing them time and space to play, interact, and construct their own meaning of the world. This approach to education has become a natural fit at Portledge, echoing our mission: Portledge School offers a competitive college preparatory program in a warm, inclusive community. Students are inspired to realize their individual potential by developing the critical thinking skills and moral courage necessary for lifelong learning in an increasingly complex world.
For more information on Portledge Early Childhood Programs please contact:
Leigh Farrell
Director, Early Childhood Programs
Leigh Farrell
Director, Early Childhood Programs
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Summer Backyard Boogie Music Class
School hours
Pre-Nursery: 8:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Nursery: 8:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Nursery: 8:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Prekindergarten: 8:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
**You can now customize your child's PreK experience to meet your family's unique scheduling needs. Reach out to Leigh DeMaria to hear about our flexible options.**
**You can now customize your child's PreK experience to meet your family's unique scheduling needs. Reach out to Leigh DeMaria to hear about our flexible options.**
Supply Lists 2022-2023
Early Childhood Programs
List of 3 items.
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Pre-Nursery (2’s)
- 8:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
- 3 days a week (additional days available with sufficient interest)
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Nursery (3’s)
- Hours: 8:30 am- 12 pm
- Extended hours available upon request
- Days: five days a week
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Pre-Kindergarten (4’s):
- Hours: 8:30 am- 3:20 pm
- Days: five days
An Early Childhood Day:
Our days begin at 8:30 am. Children are greeted at the door by their teacher and welcomed to begin the morning free play or a project designed to spark their curiosity. The morning follows with a morning meeting where children learn how to express themselves and share their news and thinking with the class. The schedule, calendar, and weather are discussed.
Our day continues with a variety of activities including but not limited to:
Our day continues with a variety of activities including but not limited to:
- Projects based on student interest
- Play-based centers
- Art
- Science
- Drama
- Music
- P.E.
- Library
- French (Pre-K)
- Snack
- Outdoor play
- Drawer’s workshop (N and Pre-K)
- Phonics and literacy (Pre-K)
- Handwriting (Pre-K)
- Calendar Math (Pre-K)
355 Duck Pond Road, Locust Valley, NY 11560 | (516) 750-3100
communications@portledge.org (general inquiries)
admissions@portledge.org (admissions inquiries)
hr@portledge.org (employment inquiries)
communications@portledge.org (general inquiries)
admissions@portledge.org (admissions inquiries)
hr@portledge.org (employment inquiries)
*NOTICE OF NONDISCRIMINATORY POLICY AS TO STUDENTS
Portledge School does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, age, marital status, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law. This policy applies to, but is not limited to, educational policies, admission, financial aid, hiring and employment practices, use of school facilities, athletics, and other school-administered programs.
Portledge School does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, age, marital status, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law. This policy applies to, but is not limited to, educational policies, admission, financial aid, hiring and employment practices, use of school facilities, athletics, and other school-administered programs.