Nursery school
For children ages 2 through 4 years of age on or before September 1, with certain exceptions allowed for age. Optional times of 9 am to 1 pm or 9 am to 3 pm daily.
Gaithersburg, Maryland
Welcome to Sandy Ridge Academy! Now enrolling.
A private nursery school and preschool with before and after care program, located in the educational building of a community church.
- Ages 18 months to 12 years
- MSDE licensed teachers
- Child care subsidy accepted
Our programs
Two programs, one caring school
Year-round child care
Operates from 7:30 am to 6 pm Monday through Friday, with established before and after care hours for school-age children.
Tuition & funding
Tuition is private pay. Sandy Ridge Academy accepts child care subsidy as partial or full payment. Transportation is provided by the family/guardian.
How we teach
A team approach between families and staff
A team approach between families and staff is used in assessing each child and planning individual goals and objectives. Our curriculum is administered in a structured child and teacher directed manner with a strong emphasis on reading/language arts, math, fine motor/written expression, science, and social studies as appropriate to each child’s developmental and chronological age.
All facets of the child's development are addressed including: language, cognitive, gross, fine and sensory motor, and personal care. The learning environment is also created to promote positive social and emotional growth. Resources are provided to families to access community opportunities for their children.
Conferences are also held at least twice yearly to review individual child progress, accomplishments, and milestones. Ongoing communication is fostered with the belief that a strong partnership between Sandy Ridge Academy staff and families is the link to greater child success.
Classes & teachers
Qualified staff, thoughtful class groupings
The class sizes and ratios are based on state regulations. The children are grouped taking age, size, and ability level into consideration. The classes are staffed with an MSDE licensed teacher, teacher assistant, and a volunteer or additional teacher assistants depending on the aforementioned factors.
- Nursery school teachers have 4 year degrees and are licensed by MSDE as a preschool teacher.
- Child care teachers must have a minimum of a high school degree, experience working with children, and required courses in infant, early childhood, or school-age care depending on their assigned age group.
- Teacher substitutes for the nursery school must hold a four year degree from an accredited university.
Staff develops behavioral management programs as needed following academy policies and procedures as the guideline. Sandy Ridge Academy uses a positive approach to both learning and play nurturing and respecting the multiple intelligences and varied learning styles of each child.
Admissions
Open to every family
Sandy Ridge Academy is approved by the Maryland State Board of Education. It is open to children and employees regardless of race, color, gender, and national origin. Sandy Ridge Academy will work closely with parents and guardians on the admission process and as appropriate in alliance with pediatricians, educational liaisons, child advocates, or social workers.
Sandy Ridge Academy, Inc. the legal authority, is a private nursery school and preschool with before and after care program. Funding is through private pay tuition, contributions, and grants.
Sandy Ridge Academy is now enrolling.
Call for a tour! (301) 926-2233