In 1979, Kinderplatz of Fine Arts was founded by Lu Bolen, an advocate for music education in the enhancement of child development. To meet the growing interest and need in the community, what began as a small music school with a handful of 5 to 6 students has grown into a thriving preschool educating and nurturing children from 18 months through kindergarten. Through years of growth, expansion, and the addition of traditional academic subjects like math, science, and language arts, Bolen and the school’s administration and board persevered in keeping fine arts at the center of the educational process by integrating music, art, and creative play across the curriculum.
“We believe that children learn best when they are very young, they learn best by doing, and they learn best when they are enjoying themselves,” shares Karen Bennett, who has been at the school for 32 years and now serves as the school’s Executive Director. “Young children have a unique way of viewing the world, and they require and deserve an atmosphere that will allow for their full growth and development. Kinderplatz provides children the opportunity to be adventurous and imaginative in an atmosphere of security and comfort.”
The school, which now encompasses approximately 125 students and 28 teachers, is organized into a lower school that focuses on children 18 months to 2 years old and an upper school for children 3 years old through kindergarten. In both areas, lessons and learning environments are tailored to spark creativity and engage children in the learning process perfect for each stage of development. Kinderplatz is a legacy, as many alumni students enroll their own children.
“Kinderplatz is a play-based learning environment where children grow and learn developmentally through a wonderful and creative fine arts approach with hands-on activities,” says Karen. “We have incredible staff members who work in all our classrooms and provide intentional opportunities for learning. When parents come in the school, they are always so excited to look in the rooms and see the teachers engaged with the children.”
Instruction for each subject is approached thoughtfully and in a way that keeps the children actively involved in the learning process. For example, language development is taught using literature and reinforced by repetition and games while hand-eye coordination is mastered through art activities such as painting and clay work. Dancing and folk games enhance large motor skills in a fun and engaging manner.
For math and science, lessons utilize thematic activities to expand upon a number and animal focus each week. Additionally, the science curriculum puts strong emphasis on experiments and extending the classroom into the natural world. Through the school’s Jack Savell Memorial Nature Reserve, children can safely explore nature, life cycles, and observe the many wonders of the outside world.
In the different programs, children also learn valuable life-long skills such as following directions, cultivating reading readiness, study skills, and positive attitudes and habits that will equip them for future success. Additionally, teachers work to instill core values in students such as honesty, self-confidence, personal responsibility, and having internal motivation.
This fall, Kinderplatz continues to expand with the opening of additional classrooms. “A number of years ago, we had a discussion about the importance of brain research from birth through kindergarten,” explains Karen. “We decided to poll our parents and see what they thought about possibly opening an 18-to-23-month classroom. The class was full in no time, and we realized that it was a huge need for our community. So, we decided to open another 18-to-23-month-old class this fall. We are very excited about it.” In the future, the school may also explore expansion through adding classes for ages 12-18 months or for children older than kindergarten.
Helping children develop and thrive at Kinderplatz is the fulfillment of what Karen has wanted to do since her own childhood. “From kindergarten on, I have always wanted to work with children. I love making a difference in their lives and being able to provide them with as many opportunities as we can while they are young,” she says. “At Kinderplatz, we know the importance of brain development, and we’re thrilled to be a part of some of those most important years.”
The Kinderplatz school year runs from September through May with a variety of thematic camps offered each summer. Kinderplatz of Fine Arts is located at 2701 Riverglen Drive in Fort Worth. For more information on programs and curriculum, and to set up a tour of the school, visit www.kinderplatz.org, call 817-207-0660, or email info@kinderplatz.org.