Business Details
Trusted Early Childhood Education & Care in Washington, DC
At St. Columba's Nursery School, we celebrate the joy and discovery of early childhood through an inclusive, play-based approach. Our developmentally appropriate curriculum fosters holistic growth, emphasizing social-emotional learning, creativity, and exploration. With experienced educators and thoughtfully designed environments, we nurture children aged 2-5 to become confident learners and compassionate friends.Daily outdoor play, structured enrichment activities, and individualized care form the foundation of our programs. We prioritize kindness, inclusivity, and family engagement, ensuring every child feels valued and supported in their unique journey.
Services
Traditional School Day
Bear Cub Program
Early Arrival
3:30 Club
Stay & Play
Highlights and features
- Our experienced educators specialize in play-based, developmentally appropriate early childhood learning.
- We prioritize social-emotional skill development through structured curricula like Second Step.
- Daily outdoor play and enrichment activities foster holistic growth and creativity.
- Inclusive programs accommodate children with diverse abilities and learning differences.
- Flexible scheduling options include extended care and age-specific classroom environments.
Services
Traditional School Day
Our core program for children aged 2-5 offers structured learning through play-based curriculum. Daily activities include Circle Time, Choice Time, and outdoor exploration with a focus on social-emotional development. The Creative Curriculum incorporates thematic studies and weekly Science and Music enrichment to foster holistic growth in a nurturing environment.
Bear Cub Program
Designed for 24-30 month-olds, this program introduces foundational preschool experiences through sensory play and social interaction. Children engage in age-appropriate circle time, hands-on learning, and outdoor play while developing early social skills in a supportive, loosely structured environment with specialized educators.
Early Arrival
Flexible morning drop-off option from 8:00-8:30 AM allows families to start their day earlier. Children participate in supervised play activities before joining their regular classroom, easing the transition into the full school day with familiar routines and peer interaction.
3:30 Club
This one-hour after-school program from 2:30-3:30 PM provides additional playtime, afternoon snack, and story sessions. It offers a gentle transition for families needing extended care while maintaining the school's educational focus through continued enrichment activities.
Stay & Play
Extended care until 5:30 PM combines structured and free play with educational activities for working families. The program includes additional outdoor time, indoor play sessions, and afternoon snacks in a nurturing environment that maintains continuity with the school's educational philosophy.
People
Amy Walter
Teacher
Amy Walter brings her passion for early childhood education to St. Columba's, where she creates engaging learning experiences. She enjoys gardening and cooking, often incorporating these interests into classroom activities that connect children with nature and practical life skills.
Fanta Kamara
Teacher
Fanta Kamara fosters joyful learning environments at St. Columba's while sharing her enthusiasm for animated films. She uses storytelling and creative play to engage young learners, making complex concepts accessible through imaginative and developmentally appropriate teaching methods.
Questions
What age groups do you serve?
We accept children aged 24 months to 5 years, offering age-specific programs including our Bear Cub Program for 2-year-olds and Traditional School Day for older preschoolers.
What curriculum do you use?
Our play-based curriculum combines Creative Curriculum studies with weekly Science and Music enrichment, emphasizing social-emotional learning through Second Step and We Thinkers programs.
Are meals provided?
We serve a mid-morning healthy snack daily. Families provide nut-free lunches and water bottles for their children to bring from home.
What outdoor activities are available?
Children enjoy daily outdoor play with access to dynamic playgrounds featuring a new sand and water feature, promoting gross motor development and imaginative exploration in all seasons.
Do you offer extended care?
Yes, we provide Early Arrival (8:00-8:30 AM), 3:30 Club (2:30-3:30 PM), and Stay & Play (2:30-5:30 PM) options for flexible scheduling needs.
How do you support diverse learners?
Our inclusive programs intentionally accommodate children with disabilities and learning differences through individualized support while celebrating neurodiversity within our classroom communities.
Reviews (1)
Jocelyn Rock
Sep 16, 2018
Report
Exceptional teachers/ caring -daily blogs and amazing outdoor space and big focus on outdoor learning.
