About the School
Harundale Presbyterian Weekday School (HPWS) is accredited and certified through the Maryland Board of Education and provides instruction in language arts, mathematics, science and social studies. The school has been in operation for over 60 years. We are located at the Harundale Presbyterian Church in Glen Burnie. The teachers hold bachelors degrees in education. The ratio of students to teachers is 8:1 for the 4 year old classes and 7:1 for the 3 year old classes. The school is open to all children regardless of race, religion or national origin. You can download a brochure by clicking here.
Mission
We believe that children learn by being nurtured through, love, discipline and reasoning, by being exposed to problem-solving situations and by becoming aware of themselves and the world around them. The purpose of the school is to the help children feel comfortable in a situation outside of the home, to learn to function in a group, to be able to follow instructions and to get along with other children We use teacher-directed activities that allow for children's creativity while providing materials in the classroom that allow the child to have new experiences and develop problem solving skills. We provide opportunities for children to develop physically, emotionally and socially.
Three year old program
For 3 year olds, we offer a 2-day class (NEW for 2016-2017), which meets on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and a 3-day class, which meets on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Both meet from 9:30 to 12:00. Our 3 year olds flourish in an accepting environment where their educational social and emotional development is gently guided and encouraged. The three year old preschool experience is a balance of free play, outdoor play, structured group activities, music, and art.
- We are focusing on following directions, problem solving and thematic learning.
- Expanding on waiting for turns, sharing, making choices and transitioning from one activity to another.
- Small and large motor development with activities throughout the day.
- Enjoying various types of music, and using of instruments.
- Circle time will discuss the calendar, weather, stories/songs and Introduce thematic learning units.
- Chapel lessons every other week to develop an understanding of God and to teach basic values such as being kind and loving.
4 year old program
For 4 year olds, we offer a 3-day class which meets on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, and a 5-day class (NEW for 2016-2017). Both meet from 9:30 to 12:00. The 4 year olds continue on our foundational learning style. Each class is filled with learning activities directed by our teachers. An added academic component of letters, phonetic awareness along with math concepts and numbers. After completion of this program children are fully prepared for kindergarten.
- Language and literacy skills to help prepare children learn to read and to write by learning letter recognition and recognition of their names.
- Children will learn a sense of responsibility for themselves and for others trough free play and activities.
- The beginning of mathematics is an understanding of numbers, patterns, shapes and sizes.
- Scientific thinking via exploring the environment and world through hands on activities.
- Social studies to teach them about the world around them, to appreciate differences, learn different cultures, family roles and civic pride.
- Arts includes participation in music, fine arts, dance and drama. --Gross motor and fine motor skills.
- Weekly chapel lessons to develop an understanding of God and to teach basic values such as being kind and loving.
Typical Daily Schedule
- Arrival
- Free Play/Skill Builder
- Circle Time
- Free Play
- Learning Stations
- Art Projects
- Clean up/Snack
- Story Time
- Large Motor activities
- Prepare for dismissal
- Sing goodbye song
- Dismissal
