Woodbury Preschool

At the Woodbury Preschool we understand that every child has a unique way of learning. Our staff of early childhood teachers provides a warm, caring environment for children ages 3 and 4. Guided by their own interests, children learn and develop in playful activities set among Strong’s engaging, dynamic, hands-on exhibits. The preschool is named in honor of museum founder Margaret Woodbury Strong, whose parents, John and Alice Woodbury, made the world Margaret’s classroom and encouraged her to play in countless ways, ranging from games and sports to travel and collecting.

The Power of Play

The Woodbury Preschool uses the power of play to nurture each child’s learning, creativity, and self-discovery. Through play, children have experiences that introduce and connect them to the larger world, help them develop trust with peers and adults outside of their family, and build their confidence and self-reliance.

The Curriculum

Our curriculum is responsive to the interests of the children in the class. Guided by teachers who facilitate their explorations, children delve deeply into topics that fascinate and stimulate learning. Small and large group activities involve art, music, cooperative games, movement, pre-reading, math, and other age-appropriate experiences. Parents have the opportunity to see how their children learn through student art, photographs of students at work and play, video recordings, and projects.

The Classroom Setting

Small classes enable children to build confidence as they explore the world under the close supervision of early childhood teachers. Each class has 14 students and two teachers.

Specially designed classrooms serve as the children’s base. These colorful spaces, set apart from the museum galleries, provide a familiar, comfortable, and manageable environment for preschoolers. Children grow in independence as they learn to navigate the classrooms and the interesting materials they hold for touching, sorting, collecting, and creating.

Supervised by their teachers, children also experience the colorful, imaginative museum environment including the museum’s signature exhibits Reading Adventureland and Field of Play. Weather permitting, children enjoy experiences in a secure outdoor play space designed for the exclusive use of the preschool.

The Parent’s Role

We consider parents to be school partners and we encourage classroom visits and parental involvement in class projects. Parents may arrange to observe their children through a two-way mirror in the classroom’s observation area. A get-acquainted play date at the museum kicks off the program each year, and parent-teacher conferences are held regularly throughout the school year.

Important Information

Ages

To be eligible to enroll in the preschool, children must be 3 or 4 years old on or before December 1, 2008.

School Calendar

School begins September 8, 2008, and ends June 12, 2009. The preschool follows the Rochester City School District school closures for inclement weather as announced on radio and television.

Days,Times, and Fees

Mornings* 3-year-old Program
Tuesday/Thursday, 9:00–11:30 a.m.: $1,465 per year
4-year-old Program
Monday/Wednesday/Friday, 9:00–11:30 a.m.: $2,095 per year
*Note: Early drop-off available: 8:30 a.m. at no additional cost

Afternoons 3- and 4-year-old Combined Programs
Tuesday/Thursday, 1:00–3:30 p.m.: $1,465 per year
Monday/Wednesday/Friday, 1:00–3:30 p.m.: $2,095 per year
Monday–Friday (both the T/Th and M/W/F classes), 1:00–3:30 p.m.: $3,565 per year

How to Enroll

Enrollment is open to all children via a lottery system. A non-refundable application fee of $50 is required to enter the lottery. Click here to download a printable application or to request an application by phone, call 585-263-2700.

Applications, along with the $50 non-refundable application fee, will be accepted from December 3, 2007, through February 1, 2008. Families will be notified of their acceptance into the preschool by Monday, February 25, 2008. A limited number of needs-based partial scholarships are available through the lottery system. Please see the application form for more information.