Our Educational Philosophy
A Cherrybrook Preschool education is about striving for academic excellence not as an end in itself, but as a means to solid character formation.​​​ Our character education programme is a key component of our preschool curriculum because we believe that the acquisition of virtues is the foundation for an upright and integral personality, and for future success in life. Our teachers strive to live the virtues as an example for the children. ​
​
We cultivate virtue in our children by integrating character development into every aspect of the curriculum. The whole school environment – the classroom, gym, playing fields and social functions – are avenues for teaching virtues and imparting character.
Our Core Curriculum
Main Programme Guided By Montessori Philosophy
We adopt the Montessori pedagogy for the teaching of 2.5 to 6 year olds (18 months to 6 year olds at East Coast school). The children spend a large part of the school day in the mixed-aged Montessori classroom. This prepared environment is set up to allow them to learn through their own activity with the guidance of the directresses (aka teachers), who keenly observe each child. They offer gentle support and the right amount of challenge, always respecting your child's individuality and speed of learning.
​
The classroom has materials and activities to engage the children in Practical Life, Sensorial, Mathematics, Languages (English and Chinese), Cultural Studies (History, Geography and Science), the Creative Arts (Art and Music, Movement and Dance) and Physical Education, etc.​
Specialised Language Classes
​
Our children also have specialised English and Chinese language classes (same-aged classes), where we aim to develop a love of language leading to literacy and fluency.
​​​
In the afternoons, the children have extended Montessori and Chinese Language activities, time for rest, creative and imaginative play, and more opportunities for social interaction. ​
Cultivating a Love For Learning​
​
We focus on holistic development of your child to provide a strong foundation for future academic excellence.
We build these skills in a way that nurtures our children's natural curiosity for learning and that empowers them to become independent, confident, lifelong learners who are passionate about discovering the world around them. Skills covered:
​
​
​​​​​​
​
​
​
​
Enrichment Programmes
We offer opportunities for children to explore and develop varied areas of interests outside of curriculum time, for instance, speech and drama, Chinese wushu, S.T.E.M and more. These are subject to review each term.
Our Team
Respectful, dedicated to working with children and their families, intentional about nurturing character development in children, open to growing. ​
These are some of the key traits of our educators at Cherrybrook preschools that enable us to deliver a truly differentiated experience for our children and families.​​ Our students experience a climate of genuine service and acceptance that enable them to flourish.
Testimonials
Gayle and Jason,
Mum & Dad of Caleb, Claire and Charis
"Our experience in the past 5 years has been nothing short of wonderful. The teachers, the community of parents there - all contribute to making the school feel like family. The environment is incredibly wholesome and nurturing, truly seeking to bring out the best in every child - both in character and in academics.
Character wise, they follow a virtues education which is really meaningful - empowering each child to grow in virtues specific to his/her personality e.g. a strong-willed child might be guided in his self-control, or a reserved child might be encouraged to grow in assertiveness. My oldest could enter primary school as the best version of himself because of Cherrybrook setting a solid foundation for him in the preschool years.
Their curriculum is also holistic. The Montessori approach exposes the children to a broad range of knowledge - from math to geography; and the teachers often seek to follow the child's interests, as changing as they may be at different times! The teachers would check in to ask what our child is currently into, to engage them more deeply in the work. The English and Chinese teachers there are also really solid - they speak well and are passionate about the language. Our kids all have a love for reading and stories thanks to them. I remember my firstborn once having an aversion to writing Chinese characters - and the Chinese teacher introduced novel ways of teaching him. There are plenty of small gestures like this that the teachers take the initiative to do, to cater to each child and help him/her learn in the best ways possible.
They also follow a tutorial system where every family is assigned a tutor. This tutor acts as a liaison between the school and the family - and so much more. Our tutor has journeyed with us so closely over the past few years - understanding each of our children, our family values and dynamics, addressing our needs and advocating for our kids. It's been such a blessing to us in growing us as parents and as a family!"