Like many PNS parents, I first heard about PNS from neighbors who raved about it, but I was prepared to complete a long, exhaustive search for preschools to find the right one for us. I put PNS at the top of my list, and began a file of questions to ask and information to collect from the variety of schools that I expected to investigate. While my preparation was helpful and my list was long, after my two phone conversations and one classroom visit to PNS, I knew that I wouldn’t have to look any further. From those first impressions through my son’s completion of his second year, I have found that PNS exceeds all my hopes and expectations for a preschool, and I am already looking ahead to my youngest son’s first day (in 2007!).

As a high school teacher, I know what an effective secondary education looks like, and I have been amazed to see how the curriculum at PNS provides the foundation for successful learning in the future. The daily activities in each classroom connect directly with the most important educational practices and research—the children are using all types of learning; they learn real lessons; and they acquire skills in a developmentally appropriate way. They are building skills in reading, math, science, and social studies in the ways that experts in education say is best—they don’t just color worksheets of apples or memorize flash cards with the alphabet. While any preschool program can get a 4 year old to memorize phonics or math problems, real learning is much more. At PNS they are learning to be good learners, with independence and cooperation, by actively participating in the world around them. To learn reading and writing, they write letters to their friends, then read the names on the classroom mailboxes to deliver and pick up their mail. A field trip to the Matawan post office connects the entire activity to the outside world, and shows them the system that brings mail (in our case, a Mother’s Day card) to our homes for the cost of a 37 cent stamp. On Earth Day, a relay race to sort recyclable items taught the concept of recycling, and using their brains and their muscles at the same time made the information take root more firmly. In October, they learned about Christopher Columbus (social studies) and his adventures, and experimented with their own boats and other objects to see what would sink in a tub of water (science!). Every day was filled with similar, interconnected activities, in which the kids were having a wonderful time, learning important ideas and skills without even knowing it.

In addition to the wonderful, intellectually enriching curriculum, the structure of the school creates an environment that we all want for our children. The teachers are exceptionally talented and experienced, and truly dedicated to teaching preschool age children. Each day, week, and month is meticulously planned to ensure that the children are having fun, learning, and growing. The classroom environments may appear to an outsider to be full of energy and noise, which they are, but they are also carefully crafted to allow the little ones to enjoy all the parts of the learning process. Within the first few weeks of the school year, even the 3 year olds are fully aware of the schedule and the systems, knowing how to clean up, move to the right place for the next activity, or help their classmates as necessary. Everything is made to be fun, and it works!

Finally, one of the most unique elements of PNS is the involvement of the parents. We all know that one of the best ways to ensure our student’s success in school is for us to be involved, and PNS offers a great foundation for this. It was so wonderful to watch my son adjust to school, play with his friends, and experience the learning activities. In addition to the co-oping days, PNS incorporates families into many other aspects of the school. Students frequently complete projects which include family photos, memories, or wishes, and families are always included in the many special performances, shows, and field trips.

PNS is one of the most effective learning environments I have ever come across. The teachers understand how children learn, and they understand how to create learning experiences which allow their students to succeed. Children who experience this type of school will always be prepared for the challenges they will face in the future.

Beverly S