Learning By Discovery and Adventure

The Majestic Harbor Educational Philosophy

Tell me and I will forget.
Show me and I may remember.
Involve me and I will understand.

- Confucius

CURRICULUM

The learning environment at Majestic Harbor Community School is highly academic. While we recognize the value of free play, and provide ample time for this type of activity, much of our day is devoted to age-appropriate learning activities that involve the body, mind and senses of our students.

The formal curriculum at MHCS is based on the guidelines set forth by Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks. This is a detailed outline of specific content to be taught in the areas of language arts, history, geography, mathematics, science and the fine arts. Using these guidelines as the core of our curriculum provides a solid, coherent foundation of learning.

We are aware that children learn best when they are actively involved in their education. Therefore, our program provides numerous activity-based, hands-on learning experiences daily. At MHCS, students have the opportunity to study objects, materials, phenomena and ideas in depth, and draw meaning and understanding from those experiences. It is our belief that this type of activity is essential if students are to remain engaged and excited about learning.

Simply put, children are amazed by just about everything, and they want to find out as much as they can about all of it. We believe in capitalizing on the awe and wonder of childhood, and using it to help our students gain greater knowledge and understanding of the world around them.

Nature itself is one of the most fascinating classrooms ever created, and we recognize that our natural environment provides countless opportunities for learning and discovery. Therefore, our daily curriculum includes animal life and outdoor exploration. Children will participate in caring for animals, gardening, and observing the world around them. It is our hope that discussions concerning the interconnectedness of plants, animals, people and the environment will foster the development of ecological awareness and a sense of responsibility toward all living things within the children.

Every aspect of our curriculum, whether traditional or natural, creates developmentally appropriate learning environments and opportunities that empower children to become confident and successful lifelong learners who can think independently and critically and can solve problems.

TODDLER 1 PROGRAM

15 Months to 2.9 Years of Age

Young toddlers grow emotionally and intellectually through experiences with rhythms, patterns of sound, light, movement and texture. Our Toddler 1 program is conducted in an environment filled with sensory delights. Interesting colors, moving creatures and tactile experiences await the young toddlers that come to us.

We at MHCS know that children of this age need to bond emotionally with their caregivers. Providing our young toddlers with a nurturing environment filled with smiles, songs and individualized, one-on-one conversation is the first step towards developing secure, trusting children who are eager to learn and willing to take risks.

Opportunities for sensory-motor exploration and discovery abound at our facility. Large and small motor experiences as well as sensory and cognitive experiences are maximized by age-appropriate learning centers. Ours is a stimulating environment that responds to the child and their efforts and actions, providing them with their first successes and thereby laying the foundation for self-confidence, pride and self-worth.

TODDLER 2 PROGRAM

2.9 Years to 3.5 Years of Age

Toddlers are highly active people who use their five senses to gain an understanding of their environment and the world around them. They greet every opportunity to touch, taste, smell, feel, see or hear with enthusiasm. Therefore, our Toddler 2 program provides numerous opportunities for hands-on learning and experiences.

The Toddler 2 program at MHCS is designed to support and encourage the child’s transition from the sensory-motor world of infant/toddlers to an increasingly social world. We seek to optimize the emerging physical, sensory-motor, perceptual, cognitive and social skills of each child through reading, singing, creative play and exploration.

Children at this age are developing language, mathematical reasoning and scientific thought. Developmentally appropriate learning centers provide opportunities for discovery while beginning to teach some of the most basic educational skills.

PRE-SCHOOL PROGRAM

3.5 Years to 5 Years of Age

Our educational model is based on theories developed by Jean Piaget, Erik Erikson, Lev Vygotsky, William Heard Kilpatrick, John Dewey, Maria Montessori, Jean-Jacques Rousseau, Rudolf Steiner and other leading educators. Majestic Harbor’s educational curriculum offers a strong educational program in writing, literature, history, mathematics, and science. The core educational program has been designed to ensure every student’s active participation in music, art, Spanish, dance, theater, computer interaction, and athletics. Through this well-rounded, well-balanced program, students acquire strong academic skills as well as develop an appreciation for the arts and an ability to express themselves creatively.

Pre-school children are like sponges. They soak in the world around them, using their emerging skills to explore their surroundings, process their discoveries and learn from them. They take great delight in developing a new skill and performing it repeatedly, for anyone willing to watch and cheer for them. We consider ourselves privileged to have the opportunity to experience these thrilling moments with our students.

The Pre-School Program at MHCS offers a broad range of experiences designed to assist the children in developing and expanding their skills and capabilities. Our goal is to provide the children with the knowledge and skills that they will need to succeed in Kindergarten and continue to thrive academically.

PLAY TIME

While MHCS places a great deal of emphasis on academics, no child’s day would be complete without opportunities to play and socialize. We have areas for dramatic play both inside and outside of our facility, complete with costumes and props. Our playground contains a variety of toys designed to meet the developmental needs and capabilities of every age group. Water tables and sand tables provide opportunities for sensory play and an extensive collection of books allows for quiet alone time.

Through play, children expand their imaginations. They begin to see possibilities and they develop ideas. When you combine imagination with academic skills and knowledge, the results can change the world. There is just no telling where the foundations that our children are building today through academics and play will take them. We at MHCS can’t wait to find out.