Shaler Academy is Ridgefield’s early childhood learning program. Pre-kindergarten, Kindergarten, and Learning Center students work together in establishing fundamental tools for learning. Core values-responsibility, kindness, respect, fairness, caring and honesty are incorporated throughout the daily curriculum and foster a springboard of caring throughout the school curriculum. Age level commonality amongst the student body affords teachers the opportunity to work collectively as a department towards the development of grade level long and short term objectives in a collaborative learning environment.

Early childhood educational research indicates that children exposed to an open ended, non-threatening and student centered classroom environment will be more likely to achieve age appropriate social, emotional and cognitive maturity during this critical learning time frame. Additionally, as part of the early childhood experience, teachers assist students in accruing a positive attitude regarding the overall learning process. Positive attitude building results in students who achieve at higher levels throughout their school careers. Shaler Academy’s teachers are committed to this philosophical dictum.