Bringing Early Childhood Learning to Life
Through the Liggett Approach, our youngest learners engage in dynamic, hands-on, and collaborative learning where exploration and creativity come together to ignite a love for learning. Rooted in research and designed to nurture intellectual and social growth, our Early Childhood program ensures every child is seen, supported, and inspired to thrive.
Early Childhood
Excellence Through Rigor
We challenge students at all levels to think critically, take risks, and continuously advocate for their own growth and development. By constantly engaging students in meaningful, relevant, hands-on activities, they exercise self-advocacy, gain confidence in their abilities, and develop genuine appreciation for learning itself.
Early Childhood
Excellence Through Rigor
The Right Beginning
Through the Reggio Emilia approach, we create a first-time educational experience that promotes trust and safety, encouraging children to take risks and voice their perspectives and needs.
Early Childhood
Excellence Through Rigor
Rigor That Matters
Based on their observations, ULS teachers integrate provocations - thoughtfully curated materials and scenarios that inspire curiosity and invite children to ask questions, investigate, collaborate, and learn. Even the smallest moments are seized to spark wonder, make thoughtful connections, and use reason to form conclusions.
Early Childhood
Student-Centered Learning
We intentionally place students at the heart of their own educational journey.
Early Childhood
Student-Centered Learning
Empowered Education
Student-centered learning and inquiry are pathways to discovery.
Through the Reggio Emilia approach, children’s interests guide the learning process, allowing them to take ownership of their education. Whether exploring a new book or diving into a hands-on activity, students are given the freedom to express themselves in one of the “100 languages,” a concept that supports the myriad ways (through voice, movement, art, etc.) children learn and engage with the world around them.
Early Childhood
Student-Centered Learning
Meaning Over Memorization
Teachers act as facilitators who carefully observe and document each child’s development, designing activities that stimulate individual interests, nurture individual abilities, and validate individual communication styles - all while providing the right balance of challenge and support. This personalized approach ensures that children grow at their own pace and are confidently prepared for the next step in their learning journey.
Early Childhood
Student-Centered Learning
Valuing Student Voices
In our program, children are viewed as curious, creative, and capable individuals who can use many different methods to express and explore their understanding of the world and their place within it.
Early Childhood
Strategies That Drive Growth
We constantly refine our approach based on decades of comprehensive data and best practices, preparing students to meet their full potential and cultivate a life of purpose. Our Early Childhood educators are committed to continuously refining their teaching strategies, making learning a dynamic, responsive, and collaborative process in partnership with families and students.
Early Childhood
Strategies That Drive Growth
Growth Beyond Grades
Student progress is visibly tracked through tools like Seesaw, a student-driven digital portfolio that documents each child’s educational journey from year-to-year. Beyond sharing with parents, this allows students to see and celebrate their own growth over time.
Early Childhood
Strategies That Drive Growth
Spaces Designed to Inspire
The Reggio Emilia philosophy places great emphasis on the environment, which we prepare with intentionality to inspire curiosity and learning.
Early Childhood
Strategies That Drive Growth
Innovating With Intention
Our teachers are lifelong learners who continuously engage in professional development - with some running Reggio Emilia inspired workshops and even traveling to Italy to immerse themselves in the philosophy first hand. Their commitment ensures that our students are always benefiting from the latest educational best practices and expertise.
Early Childhood
Practical Learning for Life
We use every resource at our disposal to make learning relevant, applicable, and impactful. At ULS, learning isn’t confined to the classroom - it extends into every aspect of a child’s daily experience. We use our natural environment and extensive campus resources to make learning relevant and practical.
Early Childhood
Practical Learning for Life
A Culture Of Connections
Rather than merely consuming information, students actively engage in real-time dynamic learning. Whether tending to class pets, working in the outdoor gardens, or hosting guest speakers, children are consistently practicing life skills in both real and classroom settings.
Early Childhood
Practical Learning for Life
Poised for Success
By the time they reach kindergarten, our students are well-prepared in their ability to follow routines, adapt to changes, and embrace new challenges with confidence.
The Liggett Approach in Action
The Liggett Approach adapts to every stage of development, fostering inquiry, creativity, and intellectual growth. Explore how it shapes students into independent thinkers and lifelong learners from their first day through graduation.
Explore the Liggett Approach at Every Stage