Educational Approach
Philosophy
Working in small groups with similar skill levels, students at KLA School of Prospect develop abilities in content areas that match Kentucky’s K-12 Program of Studies (Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, Arts & Humanities, Physical Education, Social Studies, Computers & Technology) plus develop a strong sense of faith and morality through Christ centered values.
The school considers student assessments, parent-teacher conference, and longitudinal research integral in measuring success. The Brigance is used for student assessments which are conducted prior to new student enrollment and continually used to track development throughout the school year. Parent-teacher conferences are held each fall and spring, in addition to continuous opportunities for collaboration and visits.
The environment at KLA School of Prospect is seen as the student’s third Teacher and the aesthetic beauty within our school is seen as an important part of respecting the child and his/her learning environment. Organized, clutter-free spaces along with soft lights, real vases, plants, and natural wood furnishings add to the welcoming feel of each classroom. Very little, if any, commercial products are included. Interactive spaces, a variety of learning hubs, plus several ateliers (art studios) fill the state-of-the art facility and allow students to work together in small groups, share their own perspective, hear others’ perspectives, negotiate, cooperate, and make decisions within the group. Examples of children’s work and collections made from former outings are displayed at eye level for both children and adults to see.
Reggio Emilia
Hailed in December, 1991 by Newsweek Magazine as the best preschool approach in the world, KLA School of Prospect follows the world-renowned Reggio Emilia (pronounced red’jO AmE’lya) teaching philosophy. This approach to education was developed after World War II for municipal pre-primary schools (children under the age of six) in Reggio Emilia, Italy. Enabling children to readily acquire the skills of critical thinking and collaboration has been widely adopted throughout the United States, Europe, New Zealand, and Australia.
Key elements include:
• Inquiry (a cycle of hypothesis)
• Research (a cycle of connecting ideas)
• Invention (a cycle of experience)
• Documentation of student’s work
• Teacher as researcher
• Strong home-school relationships
Our Curriculum
KLA School of Prospect’s curriculum is divided into seven main content areas that match the Program of Studies for Kentucky’s Primary Schools, grades K – 12. Through this model, preschool educational concepts are matched with the skills and knowledge that are expected of students as they transition into primary school. This alignment reflects the increased development of preschool age students and a growing awareness of preschool as the principal foundation for primary school success. Teachers conduct developmental reviews of each student based on each content area and maintain detailed portfolios of each child’s progress to share with parents during parent-teacher conferences.
We are proud to be one of the first Reggio schools in Kentucky and to join thousands of other Reggio programs throughout the United States, Europe, Canada, and Australia in reshaping early childhood education. Developed for municipal pre-primary schools (children under the age of six) in Reggio Emilia, Italy, the Reggio Emilia Approach has fast replaced Montessori (also founded in Italy) as the world’s leading approach to pre-primary education because it allows children to readily acquire the critical skills of thinking and collaboration.