EUROPEAN ACADEMY OF EARLY EDUCATION.

An exciting new concept in preschool education.

The European Academy of Early Education is a uniquely different educational program for preschool children ages three through kindergarten. Unlike many other early education programs, this new state-of-the-art facility was designed and built to accommodate the diverse educational program it offers.

The school is the reality of an educational dream of its founder, Beata Cook. Raised and educated in Europe, Beata had long imagined an ideal school that would stimulate the minds and imaginations of preschool children. She believed children in this age group have no learning limits and they are capable of learning and exploring a broader base of knowledge than merely free play, pretend and imagination.

When entering the building, it is easy to see that the facility is unusual. A large pen atrium decorated with a hand-painted mural opens to specially designed and equipped classrooms. Students rotate from classroom to classroom, where they explore and develop an understanding and appreciation for art; dramatic expression with a stage to learn the fundamentals of theater performance and production; music; Spanish; language arts; science; social studies; math; computer technology; etiquette; physical education; and dance in a room equipped with ballet bars and mirrors. The learning program provides and expands the foundational skills required for future learning.

An underlying belief of the academy is that learning and development are individual. It is difficult to establish uniform age-appropriate expectations for all children. Placement of children is determined by an evaluation process prior to admission to discern the child's individual strengths and needs and to be sure they are placed in appropriate cognitive and developmental learning groups. Students are issued monthly progress reports that monitor their individual growth in every dimension of learning.

In the fall of 2000, EAEE will expand to include an advanced kindergarten program that will put children on a first and second grade level. The educational program will bring mind-nurturing experiences and developmentally appropriate practices to five- and six-year-olds form the educational foundations needed to reach their ultimate potential.

An after-school program is currently available for children attending the academy. The program will expand in the fall to include children from early education to grade five. Parents will be able to select components tailored to the interests, needs and strengths of the child. Electives being considered are foreign language, painting and sculpting, dance and music appreciation. Supervised study time will be arranged for students who require it.