Pre-K in the Park
Pre-K in the Park began in 2010 at the Saratoga Arts Center on Broadway in beautiful Saratoga Springs, NY. In 2024, we took an exciting step forward, moving into our own bright, open space—while keeping our roots firmly planted in the local parks that inspired our name.
From the beginning, outdoor learning and community connection have been at the heart of our work. Our children explore, imagine, and discover through real-life experiences and monthly field trips throughout Saratoga. Whether we’re visiting beloved neighborhood spots, discovering new green spaces, or creating art inspired by the world around us, our program celebrates curiosity, creativity, and a sense of belonging.
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What also makes Pre-K in the Park truly unique is our devotion to the timeless traditions of early childhood—storybooks, oral storytelling, puppetry, singing, music, and nursery rhymes. Once the cornerstone of preschool education, these practices have quietly disappeared from many programs, but they remain vibrant and central here. They honor the young child’s mind and spirit, support language development, and create a warm emotional rhythm to our days. Storytelling, in particular, is woven into our social-emotional culture and often helps children process feelings, navigate change, and understand their world with confidence and imagination.
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We believe children thrive when they experience a balanced approach—play, exploration, and meaningful early academics—all supported by strong social-emotional foundations. While many programs lean heavily in one direction, we intentionally integrate all three. The result is a nurturing environment that celebrates childhood while preparing children for what comes next, both academically and emotionally.
Mission
Our mission is to nurture childhood joy by providing an emotionally supportive, developmentally meaningful program that honors each child’s natural growth. We prepare children for kindergarten with a foundation of confidence, curiosity, and emotional readiness.
Vision
You’ve heard of Waldorf, Reggio-Emilia, nature-based education, and phonics-forward programs like Heggerty (used in our local kindergartens). Now imagine a school that thoughtfully blends the best of all of them—while also honoring traditional early academics.
That’s Pre-K in the Park.
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We integrate traditional academics, social-emotional learning, movement, and open-ended art within a rich, nature-based environment. Each day includes true free play, outdoor adventures, storytelling, puppetry, songs, music, crafts, and explorations around town, creating a preschool experience filled with learning, joy, and authentic childhood.
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At Pre-K in the Park, children develop the skills, confidence, and readiness they need for kindergarten—while truly enjoying being little.
