ABOUT THE SCHOOL

Mission Statement

Established in 1962, Emmanuel Day School has been a ministry of Mercer Island's Emmanuel Episcopal Church to three generations Preschool Children and their families. Our mission is to nurture the emotional, social, spiritual and intellectual growth of each child. We do this by providing stimulating experiences, balancing free play and structured activities, and focusing on themes for each day and season. Our curriculum includes activities to increase intellectual development (arithmetic, language, speaking, and recognition), artistic exploration (music, dance, and artwork), physical development (large and small motor skills and lots of time outdoors) and social skills (taking turns, learning manners, solving disagreements, and inventing with others).

Our philosophy is that this combination of structure, play, socializing and learning helps children love learning while putting in place the disciplines and experiences that will help them thrive in school. All this is done in an environment of loving care, respectful appreciation, and dedication to the value of learning. We are glad for and incorporate the diversity of religious beliefs among the families of our school, and our governing principles are derived from the values of our church - respect the dignity of every human being, work for justice and peace, and do for others what you would want them to do for you.

Our Teachers

One of our schools greatest assets is our teachers. They are devoted and experienced. They bring together unique talents to prepare your child for kindergarten. Together they have over 30 years of teaching experience. They are dedicated, enthusiastic and responsive to each child's needs. Our teachers profess a wide variety of religious backgrounds and model the moral values of loving, caring and sharing.

General Curriculum Goals

The daily schedule, activities offered and room arrangements are determined with a purpose in mind: · "Process Oriented" - We want your child to have the experience of doing and being involved. · Balance of active and quiet activities - This allows individual, small and large group participation to reach different personalities and levels of ability and maturity. · Exposure to a wide variety of materials presented in different ways. · Repeat experiences as a means of developing your child's skills and interests. · Division of the classroom into interest centers for a child to explore and manipulate materials. Arrangements change throughout the year to provide variety and stimulate interest.

Religious Affiliation

Emmanuel Day School has been affiliated with Emmanuel Episcopal Church since 1962. The school operates on the campus of the church under the purview of the Rector and Vestry of the church and is supported by the parish. We pay attention to several holidays of the major faith traditions during the year, but we are thankful to operate a church founded school that is committed to demonstrating tolerance, acceptance and appreciation for the different religious traditions of our student families and teachers.

Nondiscrimination

Emmanuel Day School does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, national origin, sex or ability. The school will make every effort to accommodate and serve children with disabilities. In partnership with the Mercer Island School District, Emmanuel Day School contracts to serve certain individual students aged three to five under Public Law 94-142.