About Us
Welcome to Arch Street Preschool! With the Board of Directors’ leadership and vision, Arch Street Preschool gives educational access to a diverse group of children in Philadelphia. Our school is PW PBIS participant and a Keystone Stars participant center reflecting the quality of our staff and learning program. As an educator, I am passionate about individualized learning that honors the uniqueness of each child, partnerships with parents and families, and appreciation of teachers as professionals. Arch Street Preschool is truly a special place for both children and those who support them. Our school is a safe place for all.
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Dana Barnes
Arch Street Preschool Director
Vision
We want every child in Philadelphia to have access to excellent early education.
Mission
Bringing together children
of different races, socioeconomic levels, and neighborhoods, the school bridges divisions to offer a rich learning experience centered on play and developmentally appropriate curriculum.
Philosophy
At Arch Street Preschool, learning is a joyful experience where children and families bring unique gifts to be cherished and strengths to be developed. We believe God loves each of us so we see the good in each person and family. We believe in the growth of the whole child and cultivate the social, emotional, intellectual, creative and physical development of each learner. Families are partners in our learning community.
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Core Values
Diversity
We welcome and value differences as learning opportunities. Our school is built on a Christian foundation as we encourage children to love themselves and one another. Arch Street Preschool welcomes families from a wide range of economic, social, racial, and cultural backgrounds.
Discovery
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Children naturally want to explore their environment so we encourage a sense of wonder and give children voice and choice in their learning. We invite children to consider the world around them during self-directed playtime, outdoor play experiences and field trips to engage the city’s cultural resources. As children investigate the world, we instill a desire to love and care for the earth and its people.
Play
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We believe a child’s work is play.
Ample time is given for indoor and outdoor play daily, weather permitting. Staff supervision is used for
educational interaction guided by the
curriculum, the child’s interests,
questions and needs.
History
Arch Street Preschool is a 501c3 non-profit corporation that was born out of Arch Street Presbyterian Church. Some members of the church, concerned about the lack of quality early education in the City of Philadelphia, dreamed of a school where children of different races and socioeconomic backgrounds could come together for excellent early education. Quality early education for a diverse group of classmates can break down the walls that divide and create not only rich learning experiences but also a genuine community. We want children to discover and play together today to prepare for leading the community together tomorrow.
