Our School Programs
The School's expectations are simple and age appropriate. Children learn to cooperate and share both ideas and toys, to treat other people with respect, and to resolve differences in a socially acceptable manner. Education at Park Avenue Methodist is an active, child-centered enterprise, led by a talented faculty who love to teach and thrive on watching their children grow towards the day they will move on into a more academic setting. The children are given the time they need to explore their world and interact with each other. They are also given the time and freedom to develop their interests and become socially adept members of a community. PAMDS students are known for their kindness towards others and their cooperative natures. This accurate perception is the result of the fact that PAMDS emphasizes respect and cooperation with friends, creating an environment in which children feel safe, comfortable and valued. In a warm, supportive environment children learn to take pride in their accomplishments and appreciate the accomplishments of others.
The daily programs are designed to meet the specific developmental needs of each group of children. Scheduled activities include group meetings, theme-based projects, music, art, and outdoor play. There is also plenty of time each day for exploration of the many activity centers in the room. These experiences, developed around the child's choice of activity, with an emphasis on free play, are critical for the development of the language skills and mathematical thinking that will inevitably occur as they become ready for future success in school.
In the classroom there are many different activities for the children: puzzles, games, blocks, dress up, art, and music. Children also do many special projects in art, science, cooking, woodworking, etc. Much time is devoted to free play because through imagination and play children learn social interaction, make friends, develop language skills, explore new ideas and of course, have fun. As a result of PAMDS's flexible curriculum, the teachers are able to respond to the interests of the children and some of the best projects have grown from the interests of the children.
There are also many reading and math readiness activities: rhyming, word play, mazes, as well as patterning games and activities. The older children frequently learn to write letters and numbers, and make and illustrate alphabet books. A book is read to the class every day and children learn to listen and respond to the story. During class time children are given many choices. They learn to use their time productively as they move from activity to activity.
PAMDS fosters a learning environment where school is a fun and exciting place. Children are encouraged to work hard to master new skills and look for creative ways to solve problems. Children are encouraged to come up with innovative ideas and explore different possibilities.
While teachers work on building and strengthening academic skills, they also emphasize personal and social growth. Children are happy, confident and independent. They learn how to be individuals as well as members of a group, both in school and out. Childhood is a very special time when children undergo developmental processes essential to becoming balanced and happy human beings. This development comes more through play than by way of academics. Finding zest in life through play, getting along with other children, and acquiring positive relationships with adult authority figures is what the teachers want for their students. These goals are in no way secondary to fostering academic preparedness. This focused view on childhood has been and is central to its existence as a school.
After leaving PAMDS the children go to many different competitive schools in the city, both independent and public, and do very well. They leave with a strong foundation so that no matter where their interests and aptitudes lie, they will have satisfying and productive lives.
Tuition For 2012 – 2013
| Tuition at Park Avenue Methodist Day School for the year 2012 – 2013 is $17,000 | ||
| Deposit | $5,000 | Due on signing |
| Second Payment | $6,000 | Due July 15, 2012 |
| Balance | $6,000 | Due December 15, 2012 |