Suzuki Preschool of Newton
—an integrated arts program
Welcome to the Suzuki Preschool of Newton, a non-profit community school. We are located in the Newton Cultural Center at 225 Nevada St., Newton, MA 02460.
We are now enrolling for the 2011/2012 school year!
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The preschool is modeled after the internationally known Dr. Shinichi Suzuki and the Talent Education Program in Japan. The preschool is an integrated arts program focusing on providing an environment rich in activities and experiences to encourage emerging development in all areas of growth. Our classrooms are warm and inviting and prompt the children to build a world of discovery and play. The program equips each child with basic skills to develop academic excellence, a sense of independence, and a strong emotional self-image. We believe these traits will lead to success in future experiences.
Mission
It is the mission of the Suzuki Preschool of Newton to instill in children at an early age a love and respect for education and the arts, which will enrich them through their lives. We promote cultural, intellectual, and character development through instruction and parent partnership.
Philosophy
The philosophy of the preschool is the belief that natural talent and ability can be fostered through training and nurturing the spontaneous growth process. The focus is to develop a lifelong love for learning and a positive attitude of self-worth and independence, which Dr. Suzuki refers to as a “noble heart”. True learning and skill development are best accomplished when a child’s interest, thoughts, and ideas are consistently stimulated and reinforced by parents and teachers working together.
Curriculum
The curriculum focuses on providing an environment rich in activities and experiences to encourage development in all areas of growth. The academic program concentrates on building cognitive, social, emotional, and psychomotor skills. The integrated creative arts program is interwoven into the curriculum through foreign languages, Suzuki music instruction, art, creative movement, and physical education.
Faculty
Marlene Lerer, the Associate Director of the school and the Director of the preschool, has worked with Dr. Suzuki to develop preschool programs using Suzuki philosophy throughout the United States. She received her B.S. in Early Childhood Education and a M.Ed. from Ohio State and Cleveland State University.
Debra Perry, the lead teacher for the three-year-old classroom, has worked in early childhood education for more than ten years. She has been an educator and a caregiver at schools and institutions throughout Massachusetts.
Laetitia Cardone, the lead teacher for the four-year-old classroom, has taught prekindergarten classrooms in Massachusetts and California, including the Newton School for Children.
Michelle Ordorica, an assistant teacher at the preschool, received her B.M. Cum Laude and M.M. from Boston Conservatory and her Early Childhool Education Certificate from Mass Bay Community College. She is a graduate of the Suzuki School of Newton.
Amy Beekhuizen, an assistant teacher at the preschool, taught at the UNI Suzuki School for four years and was a private instructor from 2004 to 2010. She has her B.A. and M.M. from the University of Iowa and received Suzuki training from Patricia D’Ercole and Edward Kreitman.
Parent Program
The Parent Program connects the teaching efforts of the school and home. The program operates in conjunction with the academic program:
- A series of workshops designed to orient parents to Suzuki Philosophy
- Parent weekly newsletters
- Scheduled parent conferences
- Parent Volunteer Group
- Monthly parent meetings
Admissions
If you are interested in learning more about the Suzuki Preschool, please call the preschool and set up an appointment to come in and observe the classroom and tour the facility.
Suzuki Preschool of Newton
225 Nevada St.
Newton, MA 02460
617-964-4522
