Preschool Perspectives
BY MADELINE PISTORIUS
14 FEBRUARY 2026 | NOLAFAMILY.COM work and actions on other’s well-being. Our classroom environment is an active community in which children learn by doing, by watching others, and by sharing adults. We guide them to interact and collaborate with respect, kindness and courtesy, and to consider the impact of their of learning and independent thinking as students explore personal interests and engage in self-directed projects. The Montessori environment offers students a wide variety of materials and activities that emphasize concentration, problem-solving, and self motivation—skills necessary for future success in education and life. What should parents know about your teachers and classroom environment? our educators encourage children to share their experiences with peers, parents, and F or families with young children, finding the right learning environment is an important step. With so many schools, programs, and educational approaches, the search can feel overwhelming. Understanding what makes each preschool unique can help. We interviewed a Montessori school, a standalone preschool, and a school-extended preschool to learn what children experience within each type of program, at these specific centers. Montessori: Cathedral Montessori How would you describe your educational philosophy for preschool-aged children? Our educational philosophy is one of commitment to honoring the uniqueness of each child. Our classrooms foster a love
ideas. “Teachers” are not the center of the classroom, and actually, are not “teachers” but guides to scaffold the children’s learning.
their teachers and classmates. Throughout the day, students attend two sessions with our talented enrichment teachers, share a healthy snack with their peers, and engage in meaningful conversations during Circle Time. During Center Time, children work in small groups with teachers and engage in independent play to build social, fine motor, and problem-solving skills. We firmly believe that when children are playing, they are learning! How would you describe your educational philosophy for preschool-age children? The philosophy of the Little Hearts program at Academy of the Sacred Heart centers on providing a high-quality educational and recreational program that respects each family’s culture and values. It offers a balanced approach to learning, blending the rich traditions of Sacred Heart with the developmental standards of each age group. The primary goals of the Little Hearts program are to: Help each child grow in all areas: social, emotional, cognitive, physical, and spiritual Enable each child to develop a positive self-concept and an optimistic attitude towards learning. Inspire a lifelong love for learning in an atmosphere that encourages curiosity and promotes positive self-esteem. Promote a sense of love, well-being, and security in every young student. The program emphasizes a hands-on, child-centered early education in a caring, nurturing, and loving environment,
How do you support children with different learning styles or developmental needs?
Each child is unique and that is one of the beautiful gifts of a Montessori education. Each child is met where they are in their learning and supported by their teachers, the materials, and their peers, to realize their highest potential while developing a love of learning and respect for self, others, and the global community. The Montessori method can support different learning styles, and developmental needs, because it is a hands-on approach, which also encompasses auditory and visual learning. Learning is not limited to the traditional classroom. Children are given a great deal of freedom, within limits, in the classroom where they can move freely, choose works, build independence, and become autonomous problem solvers. If you could describe your school in three words, what would they be? Respectful. Inclusive. Inspiring.
School-Extended: Academy of the Sacred Heart What does a typical day look like for a child in your program?
A typical day at Little Hearts begins with outdoor activities or “free choice” in the classroom. This allows children to transition into the school day in a relaxed, non- structured way while being greeted by
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