Preschool

children at Colonial School preschool

About Us

Welcome to Colonial School

Welcome! Learning should be hands-on, creative, messy, imaginative and most of all, fun. Through strategic play, engaging lessons and positive interaction with peers, teachers and older adults from the Colonial communities, our students are well prepared for kindergarten and beyond.

Our focus is on the core development of each individual, so that collectively, our students may be civic-minded, compassionate and confident. It’s this history of excellence in education that has made Colonial School a number one choice of parents for generations.

Recognized for Excellence

Colonial Schools is recognized for excellence by the state of Ohio as a 4-star Step Up To Quality Program, a voluntary quality rating system for early care and education programs. We track the progress of each of our students, ensuring they are meeting important academic and developmental milestones expected of high-quality preschools. We also believe a child should learn many valuable skills that can’t be standardized and measured.

How We Prepare Students

Intergenerational Learning

Located on the grounds of Westover Retirement Community, we are committed to increasing interaction between children and adults. Our students spend quality time each month with grand-friends making art projects, sharing stories, exercising and celebrating holidays and birthdays. Not only do our grand-friends benefit from the joy of a child’s company, our students develop respect and understanding of older adults. Health and safety is our top priority so activities have been restricted over the past few years. We are happy to be gradually bringing back our intergenerational learning in a safe way.

We Teach The Whole Child

Our mission is to teach children the importance of making the world a better place. Opportunities are presented throughout the year for students to volunteer and give back to their community in a variety of ways. Students also learn manners, as well as character traits like honesty, compassion, integrity and respect. Most of all, we make sure students know they are loved by their Colonial School family.

We Play With Purpose

Young children learn best by doing. Our brightly colored and spacious classrooms are organized to accommodate a cooperative learning environment where students learn to be creative thinkers and problem solvers. Around each classroom are a variety of centers updated daily to reflect the individual learning needs of each child, as well as to coincide with a weekly thematic unit study. When children aren’t participating in a large group activity or engaging one-on-one with our teachers, they explore centers for dramatic play, art, science experiments, building, writing, sensory activities and more. Each day is structured to allow for flexibility and interest-driven learning.

What We Offer

Our Curriculum

Our curriculum is focused on the following goals:

  • They feel loved and valued by their teachers and Colonial family.
  • They engage in volunteerism and give back to their community.
  • They model positive character traits and manners.
  • They enjoy the experience of learning.
  • They have an appreciation for interacting with older adults.

Preschool

There are a variety of preschool options for 3- and 4-year-olds. We offer two-day, three-day and five-day classes. Learn more about Preschool.

Pre-K

We offer three-day and five-day pre-kindergarten classes for 4- and 5-year-olds. Learn more about Pre-K.

Extended Day

Extended Day instruction is available for students to coincide with their preschool or pre-K school schedule. We offer a half-day AM or PM schedule and full-day AM and PM schedule for two, three or five days a week. Learn more about Extended Day.

Extracurricular

Our extracurricular programs offer something for every child. Our programs provide learning to develop their minds and bodies in fun and exciting ways. Learn more about Extracurricular Programs.

Summer Camps

Spend the summer with us! Our weekly themed camps are educational and entertaining to keep your children engaged and active. Camps are from 9 a.m. to noon and are designed for children ages 3-7. Students of Colonial School and non-students are welcome. Learn more about Summer Camps.

Take a Glimpse Inside

Our focus is on the core development of each individual, so that collectively, our students may be civic-minded, compassionate and confident. This has made Colonial School a number one choice of parents for generations.

Meet Our Staff

Director’s Welcome

“For more than 25 years, I have worked in many different programs from preschools, elementary schools, child care centers and programs for children with special needs. I have never been involved in a program quite as special as Colonial Schools. Each day consists of a combination of large group times, center-based play, small group time and outdoor play. While we understand that it is important that children be academically prepared for kindergarten, we also know it is just as important to teach children how to be kind, respectful and helpful to those around them. We believe these important character traits are an important foundation for their future. Our intergenerational program is definitely a unique part of our program. We love spending time with our grand-friends celebrating birthdays and holidays, exercising or doing crafts with them. Our teachers are just amazing! All of our staff get to know each child and family. We are a big family at Colonial Schools.”

– Karen Makela, Preschool Administrator

Karen Makela

Our Staff

Marianne Honchell
Preschool Lead Teacher

Tammy Stempfley
Preschool Teacher

Tia Maccio
PreK AM Teacher/PreK PM Lead Teacher

Faye Meyer
PreK Lead Teacher

Stephanie Seals
Assistant Preschool Teacher

Patti North
Pre-K Lead Teacher

Suzi Lampe
Pre-K Lead Teacher

Lisa DiPilla
Pre-K Teacher

Kelli Watson
Pre School Lead Teacher

Kenzie Huston
Extended Day Teacher

Karen Makela
Preschool Administrator

Susan Costantino
Administrative Assistant

Rachel Tussey
Substitute Teacher

Melanie Hassler
Preschool Assistant

Lisa Weigand
Extended Day Teacher

Contact Colonial Preschool

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