DAY SCHOOL PROGRAMS
The Weekday Education Program at Aldersgate Day School provides classes for children ages one to Kindergarten and is offered as an outreach ministry of Aldersgate United Methodist Church.
Aldersgate Day School is open five days per week; most of our class programs are 9:00 am - 12:00 pm (Lunch Bunch and Extended Day offered until 2:00 pm), however we offer one Pre-Kindergarten class and one Junior Kindergarten class from 9:00 am – 2:00 pm. Our Kindergarten class will be in its 3rd year and runs from 9:00 am - 3:00 pm. Our school year runs generally from the week after Labor Day through Memorial Day and closely follows the Fairfax County Public School calendar, with Kindergarten lasting 7 days longer.
Major Program Goals
The Day School staff strives each day to provide a positive supplement to the home so the child:
Grows in self-awareness and discovers that group experiences are gratifying
Finds and accepts love and care from adults other than parents
Matures in an awareness of God
Achieves a sense of belonging in the church environment
Our program activities are specifically designed to affirm each child’s self-worth through:
Development of unique skills and talents
Enhancement of social development
Preparation for a successful kindergarten experience
Under Three Programs
Toddler I and Toddler II (9:00 am – 12:00 pm)
These programs are for children who will not yet be 30 months old by October 1st. They are divided into two classes by age. A child can be enrolled one, two, or three days each week; however, these enrollment days should be regularly attended; this is not designed to be a “drop-in” program. Two to three adults in each room provide quality care in a warm, loving environment. Activities are varied from day to day based upon the age and readiness of the child. Both classes enjoy daily indoor and/or outdoor play.
Pre-Threes (9:00 am – 12:00 pm)
The Pre-Threes class is for children who will be 30 months old by October 1st. A child can be enrolled two or three days each week. More than mere babysitting happens in the pre-threes setting where guided, pressure-free learning occurs during informal, relatively unstructured activities. Our pre-threes have weekly music classes and enjoy plenty of playtime both indoors and out. Enrollment includes 11 to 13 children and a dedicated team of two teachers.
Three-Year-Old, Pre-K, and Junior Kindergarten Programs
Three-Year Old Classes (9:00 am – 12:00 pm)
The three-year-old class is offered to children who will be three years old by October 1st. A child may be enrolled in the two-day, three-day, or 5-day program. Classes are from 9am to 12pm. Each day includes indoor free play/center time, playground time, and dramatic play. Gross motor, fine motor, and other developmental activities are stressed. Show-and-tell and sharing times are incorporated into the schedule to help in the development of oral expression and listening skills. Three-year-olds have weekly music classes, and occasional programs as part of specific instructional units and special events. Enrollment includes 12 to 14 children and a dedicated team of two teachers.
Pre-Kindergarten (9:00 am – 12:00 pm or 9:00 am – 2:00 pm)
The Pre-Kindergarten class is offered to children who will be four years old by October 1st. A child may be enrolled in the three-day or five-day program. Each day includes indoor free play/center time, playground time, group work, and dramatic play. Show-and-tell and sharing times are incorporated into the schedule to help in the development of oral expression and listening skills. Pre-K students have weekly music classes, and field trips occur as part of specific instructional units and special events. While the primary goal is socialization, low-key academic concepts are introduced and integrated into classroom activities. Enrollment includes 12 to 14 children and a dedicated team of two teachers.
Junior Kindergarten (9:00 am – 2:00 pm)
The Junior Kindergarten class is offered to children who will turn five years old in late summer or early fall but are not ready for kindergarten. In a semi-structured setting, children work on early academic skills as they stay busy creating, playing, and developing the social skills necessary for kindergarten. A weekly music class is offered as well as occasional field trips to enhance specific instructional units and special events. Enrollment includes 12 to 14 children and a dedicated team of two teachers.
Kindergarten Program
Kindergarten (9:00 am - 3:00 pm)
The kindergarten class offers a full, Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS)-aligned curriculum featuring Virginia Department of Education approved goals, objectives, and standards of learning. The program is limited to 12 children with a highly qualified teacher possessing a master's degree, as well as two highly experienced aides. A weekly music class and bi-weekly chapel program are offered, as well as occasional field trips to enhance specific instructional units and special events. This program is geared toward children bound for First Grade.