Educating with love has been the school's mission for more than 200 years.
Deciding to enroll your child into pre-K can be a stressful decision for parents. More than that, where to enroll them weighs heavily into the decision. At the Academy of the Sacred Heart, they understand that transitioning little ones from home life to school is a milestone in a child's development. This is why the school's Little Acorn program strives to make the experience as seamless as possible by sparking a child's curiosity to learn while helping them build their confidence.
Educating with love has been the school's mission for more than 200 years. As an independent Catholic school for children of all faiths, the Academy provides a nurturing learning environment that offers challenging academics and small class sizes.
As an example, center time focuses on readiness skills such as identifying letters, pre-writing, numbers, counting, colors and shapes. Students practice these skills through stories, art, games and hands-on activities that incorporate STEM. Within these skills, children also develop patience, independence and the ability to share and listen.
"The Little Acorns learning center is located at the heart of school life at the Academy," Marcia Renken, the lower school principal says. "These students have their own space to learn but can also see the comings and goings of the older students, allowing our youngest to develop relationships with them."
The primary school welcomes learners as young as 3 years old into The Little Acorns program, which uses technology as enrichment, providing iPads for each student to dabble in the beginning stages of coding. Smart bikes and Osmo technologies in the classroom enhance the students' letter, number, problem-solving and critical and creative thinking skills. Students have physical education four days a week, as well as weekly yoga and daily music and movement in the classroom.
"My favorite thing about the Academy is that I feel like it's a home," Dr. Jessica Miller, a current parent says. "I feel like I'm dropping my children off at a friend's or a relative's house every day when they walk through the doors."
The Academy of the Sacred Heart is hosting an admission informational meeting Oct. 17 at 7 p.m. at the campus, located at 619 N. Second St. in St. Charles. Private tours are also available by appointment. To schedule, email Admissions@ash1818.org.
