Program


The Nest is a Christ-centered learning community for three and four year old children integrating faith and the arts.

About the Nest

The first forays into formalized learning set the tone for a lifelong love of learning.  The school provides a safe and creative environment to a community of young learners.  The Nest offers both a part-time morning program and a full day program.  It serves approximately 42 students.

nest students on drama boatProgram Highlights

  • Integration of faith and the arts, with an emphasis on skill development in the arts
  • An emphasis on building community and healthy socialization
  • Outdoor play in the park
  • A language-rich environment filled with stories and rhymes to prepare children for reading
  • A diverse community of learners

Hours

Morning classes are in session from 8:30-11:40 am.  Full day classes are in session from 8:30 am -3 pm. Doors open at 8:10 am.

Faculty/Student Ratio

The faculty to student ratio is 1:5
 

Classes

nest self portraitWe offer a morning program (2,3, or 5 mornings) for three and four year old children and a full day option for four and five year old children.  Classes are mixed-age and have up to 18 students.  Classes are named “rocks”, “rivers”,  and "trees" because we encourage the children to become strong like a rock, flow like a river and grow like a tree.  Rooted in biblical metaphor, these class names inspire urban children to connect with nature in their community. 
 

2 Days-Rocks Class 

The Rocks class meets two mornings a week: Tuesdays and Thursdays.  The class is taught by a lead teacher, an assistant teacher, and a drama teacher.  The class is for three-year-olds.
 

3 Days-Rivers Class

The Rivers class meets three mornings a week: Mondays, Wednesday, and Fridays.  The class is taught by a lead teacher, an assistant teacher, and a drama teacher.  The class is mixed-age and tends to have more of an even split between three and four-year-olds.
 

5 Days-Trees Class

The Trees class meets five mornings a week. It is taught by a team of two teachers, one of which is also a drama teacher.  The class tends to be mostly four-year-olds.  
 

Rocks/Rivers Option

Three-year-olds who would like a five morning a week option, may attend both the Rocks and Rivers class. The lead teachers for these classes are different, but the classroom, the assistant teacher, and the drama teacher are the same, providing continuity.  

Full Day Option-Sky Class

In the fall of 2010-2011, we will begin a full day program which will be available to four and five year old children.

History

The school opened the doors to 16 students in 2006 as a pilot program of Mustard Seed School and has been growing ever since.  In 2008, the program was formally adopted as a program of Mustard Seed and now includes approximately 42 students.