Third Street Preschool

We Believe

Third Street is a Play-based Nursery school that draws inspiration from multiple early childhood philosophies and educators. This eclectic approach provides the opportunity for our exceptional teachers to plan curriculum with the developmental milestones of each age group of students in mind, which is then carried out through project-based learning. Through play, children reenact experiences, try out different roles, express ideas, develop vocabulary, process information and widen their view of the world surrounding them. Our curriculum is scaffolded from age level to age level, to ensure that our learners are mastering developmental goals in all areas of learning and ultimately, are prepared for kindergarten.

Our Approach

Interwoven into our program are our Guiding Principles:

Expertise & Guidance: Nestled inside the larger Third Street Music School, our preschool is a very special community. It is downtown, diverse, and committed to furthering the many ways that children grow and develop. Experienced teachers provide warmth, safety and inspirational learning opportunities as children find their places within the classroom community.

Equity, Inclusion & Belonging: A diverse student body is both a privilege and a responsibility. Equity, belonging, and dignity are fundamental principles deeply woven into the fabric of our preschool community. Through a focus on empathy and respect, children learn to interact with diverse peers and how to be an active participant in a classroom space, which enhances their social and communication skills. By fostering a culture of understanding and acceptance, our students, families and faculty are valued and feel valued, which is a key element for building self-esteem, a sense of belonging and community. Families are welcome at Third Street. We believe that partnering with our families enriches everyone’s first school experience and invites all to share traditions and customs from home with their Third Street Family! Third Street is a place where everyone’s unique identity is celebrated.

Experiential Play: Intentional play is celebrated at Third Street as a powerful tool for learning and growth. Young children learn best through play. It is a medium through which creativity, social skills, and cognitive abilities develop. Teachers develop curriculum through guided play, ever mindful of developmental milestones and kindergarten readiness. Both guided and imaginative play allow children to explore their interests, express themselves freely, experiment, and build a strong foundation for a lifelong love of learning.

The Arts: Third Street Preschool reflects the life of its host school. We are linked through our appreciation for the arts. Recognizing the transformative power of artistic expression, students are encouraged to explore their creativity and self-expression through various artistic mediums. Expert early childhood musicians and artists engage our students daily as they experiment with instruments, dance, rhythm, song and visual art. Beginning at age 3.5, our preschool students are invited to participate in 1:1 music lessons over the course of their days at school. Third Street Families are invited to the Third Street Music School’s performances on a regular basis.

Sustainability & Environment: Our commitment to meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs is visible everywhere at Third Street! Beginning in the classroom, students learn about eco-friendly practices like recycling and composting. Our Learning Garden provides a plethora of opportunities for children to actively engage in a “seed to table” curriculum. Here, they witness the full cycle of food production, beginning with composting with earthworms to planting and nurturing seeds, to harvesting and ultimately enjoying the fruits of their labor at mealtime. Our hands-on approach instills a sense of responsibility and respect for the environment.