SSIS Early Childhood: Bright Futures

"Teacher, look! The water—it’s so fast!" exclaims Ansel, age 4, his eyes twinkling with excitement as he pours a bucket into the small stream of the outdoor learning center. This hands-on exploration is just one example of how SSIS fosters curiosity and independence in our youngest learners.

Nestled along the Rach Dia River, our leafy Early Childhood learning environment lays the foundation for an exceptional educational journey. These early discoveries spark joy, curiosity, and a love of learning that will guide children through graduation and beyond. 

One day, the excitement Ansel feels now might inspire him to conduct advanced experiments in our high school’s independent research labs or explore his creativity through middle school electives like strings or robotics. Wherever their passions lead, our students develop the creativity, independence, and analytical skills that define the SSIS experience.

"What makes our program unique is our profound respect for each child as an individual," shares Ms. Charlotte Cannell, our lead Early Childhood educator with over two decades of experience. "We honor the child by recognizing and nurturing their inherent curiosity. We believe that children are competent and capable researchers. We strive to create an environment where their curiosity is the compass, guiding their learning journey. This involves supporting their interests, fostering their independence, and carefully observing their engagement. Through this process, we witness the beautiful emergence of their unique passions, which is truly inspiring."

A World of Possibilities in a Nurturing Space

In this diverse, inspiring early childhood environment, our youngest learners explore new adventures each day, led by our expert early childhood educators, each with at least a decade of experience. From counting stones collected from the sensory garden one day to collaborating with one of our specialist teachers in art, music, library or PE another day—just as our kindergartners recently did with their kindness quilt—their natural curiosity plays a large part in shaping their learning. 

“Early childhood is the foundation of education, and SSIS has provided the perfect start for my son. I am amazed to see how, at just four years old, he can confidently explain his schedule, telling me, ‘Today is Monday, so I have Music class,’” says Angel, mother of three children at SSIS. “I can see that my son feels safe and loves school—so much so that he's already talking about kindergarten. I feel confident knowing he will be well-prepared.”

Along with the other specialist classes our early childhood students visit throughout the week, Music provides a unique opportunity to not only develop creative expression but also strengthen cognitive, social, and emotional skills. “Every aspect of our program thoughtfully cultivates curiosity and aligns with future opportunities,” shares ES Principal Melanie Sylvester. “Besides our highly experienced classroom teachers, our specialists also work alongside our youngest learners, introducing them to foundational skills in areas such as the arts, physical education, and library sciences. We’re very proud of our program.”

Building Bright Futures Through Curiosity

In our Early Childhood program, the journey is about more than preparation for the next step—it’s about shaping a lifetime of possibility. During these formative years, curiosity, confidence, and capabilities are nurtured, building the character and resilience to embrace the challenges and opportunities ahead. 

The formative years, spanning from early childhood to adolescence, are not simply a fleeting stage, but the critical foundation upon which a meaningful and fulfilling life is built. This period of explosive growth and development is paramount. It is within these years that the seeds of intellectual curiosity, emotional resilience, and social competence are sown. These essential qualities, nurtured and cultivated during this crucial time, will not only shape an individual's future trajectory but also enrich every aspect of their existence.

Whether these young learners go on to join the elementary robotics club, explore innovations in the STEAM Design Center, or excel in advanced high school coursework, their journey begins in our Early Childhood program.