About Us

School Philosophy

We believe that early childhood experiences provide the foundation for one's lifetime. The Hitchcock School's program provides individualized experiences based on authentic assessment to promote the optimal social, emotional, physical, intellectual, language and spiritual development of each child.

We believe that young children learn through direct and concrete experiences as well as through teachable moments. Ongoing opportunities for discovery, exploration and experimentation are provided to encourage children to think, reason, question and experiment through intentional activities planned by the teachers and those that emerge from the interests and needs of the children and families.

We believe that a child's self-perceptions are influenced by the attitudes of significant others in his/her life. Adults involved in the child's life are viewed as partners and are encouraged to actively participate in the educational experiences of the child. The Hitchcock School's program strives for a positive and accepting social-emotional environment for children, families and staff to work together and feel supported and nurtured.

We believe that each child, family and staff member is unique. Individual needs and differences are valued and celebrated in order to promote tolerance and respect for the diversity found within the Hitchcock School and in the larger society.

Educational Goals

The Hitchcock School provides a variety of activities and materials based on proven developmentally appropriate practices that emphasize concrete experiential learning in order to achieve the following goals:

  • Foster positive self-concept.

  • Develop social-emotional skills.

  • Encourage children to think, reason, question, and experiment.

  • Encourage language and cognitive development.

  • Encourage and demonstrate sound health, safety, and nutritional practices.

  • Enhance physical development and skills.

  • Encourage creative expression and appreciation for the arts.

  • Promote a respect for the cultural diversity of staff, children and their families.

  • Be responsive to individual family home values, beliefs, experiences and language as well as to the individual learning needs of all children.

  • Support early spiritual formation based on trust, concern for and acceptance of others.