Philosophy

Since 1966, St. Mark's Mini School, through support and guidance from the United Methodist women, has provided the important "first step" in education to children from a variety of races, nationalities, and religions.  Beginning with an enrollment of 18 children in a two day per week program, it has grown to include 135 children with options of a two, three, four, or five day per week program plus extended day sessions. 

Each child is unique with unique background experiences, interests, characteristics, and abilities.  Children learn in different ways and at different rates.  Mini School's philosophical beliefs are based upon standards established by the National Association for the Education of Young Children, knowledge of child development, theories of child behavior, and acceptable best practices for educating young children. 

We understand the importance of children's play and the teacher's role in guiding and facilitating intellectual, social, emotional, and physical development.  We believe in the importance of building relationships with children and families through dialogue,  understanding, and interactive experiences.  Our educators encourage children to make decisions while learning and we teach them to understand how their decisions effect others. In addition, we will guide your child through teacher-planned and child-initiated activities based on the children's interests.  These activities enhance children's skills in all areas of development. 

The classroom is viewed as an extension of the program's philosophy.  Our goal is to provide an environment that is safe, accessible, engaging, child-centered, and reflective of diversity.