Where a Love of Learning Begins: The Early Childhood Program at Saddle River Day School + OPEN HOUSE Oct 27 + Nov 2
As the starting point for a child’s educational journey, the Early Childhood Program at Saddle River Day School plays an important role in laying the foundation for future success. Our dedicated teachers create a warm, stimulating environment that inspires a lifelong love of school and learning, while a low teacher-to-student ratio allows for meaningful personal attention and individualized instruction. Our developmentally appropriate curriculum supports the social, emotional, and academic growth of each child, with an emphasis on collaboration, curiosity, independence, responsibility, positive peer interactions, and mastery of foundational skills.
This year, we are excited to welcome Meghan Walsh and Teresa DeLorenzo to our Early Childhood team. Ms. Walsh joins our PreK-4 classroom after serving as a Teacher’s Assistant across PreK-3, PreK-4, and Kindergarten, bringing a strong understanding of our curriculum and developmental progression. Mrs. DeLorenzo brings extensive PreK-3 experience and a background in art education, along with a creative, nurturing approach and deep understanding of early childhood development. Together, they bring valuable experience and fresh perspectives to a team committed to helping every child thrive.
Our youngest learners are thoughtful, inquisitive, and eager to explore. Through a strong academic foundation and opportunities to learn through play, our educators encourage children to ask questions, take appropriate risks, experiment, and discover new interests. Project-Based Learning is an important part of the SRDS Early Childhood experience, giving students opportunities to explore topics of interest, make cross-curricular connections, and share their learning through presentations and exhibits. These experiences build confidence, communication skills, independence, and a genuine love of learning from an early age.
Our focus on the whole child extends beyond academics. Students develop social and emotional skills while building confidence, learning to navigate relationships, taking responsibility for their actions, and becoming increasingly independent. Spanish, visual arts, technology, and science—including hands-on experiences in a real lab—further enrich the curriculum, while our Coaching Academy, Music Institute, and Sports Institute provide additional opportunities for students to explore emerging interests and talents.
Our Early Childhood educators also partner closely with parents and caregivers, working together to understand each child and guide their development with intention. Students are supported as they build the skills and confidence needed for a seamless transition into the Lower School, while their participation in school wide events and interactions with older students make them an important part of the larger SRDS community.
With dedicated educators like Ms. Walsh and Mrs. DeLorenzo joining our experienced team, SRDS continues to invest in the people and programs that give our youngest learners a strong start. Here, children are known and valued, learning is joyful, and every day brings new opportunities to discover, grow, and thrive.
VISIT SADDLE RIVER DAY SCHOOL
Fall Open Houses
Thursday, October 27 at 6:00 pm - Grades K-12
Monday, November 2 at 9:00 am - Early Childhood Open House (Pre-K - Kindergarten)
For more information about Early Childhood admissions or to arrange a visit, please contact Kris Sweeny, Assistant Director of Admissions or Christ Lebovits, Assistant Director of Lower School Admissions.
For further information about our Early Childhood program, please click here.
Group Information Sessions and Tours (limited space - capped at 4 families)
Wednesday, October 21 at 9:00 am - Grades 9-12
Wednesday, October 21 at 4:00 pm - Grades 5-8
Wednesday, November 18 at 9:00 am - Grades 9-12
Wednesday, November 18 at 4:00 pm - Grades 5-8
Now is the right time to invest in your child's education. At SRDS we teach students how to think and not what to think, and we prepare students to be innovators, thinkers, and leaders.
To register for an event, please email or call Kris Sweeny in the Office of Admissions ksweeny@saddleriverday.org or (201) 327-4050.
Saddle River Day School
Pre-K3 to Grade 12
147 Chestnut Ridge Road • Saddle River, NJ 07458 • Tel: 201.327.4050
About Saddle River Day School
Established in 1957, Saddle River Day School is a Pre-K3 through grade 12, co-ed, independent school serving just over 600 students. The school provides a robust curriculum and inspires students to achieve academic and personal excellence by teaching them how to think and not what to think. Each division (Lower PreK3-4th; Middle 5th-8th; Upper 9th-12th) offers a signature yearlong research program.
Saddle River Day also offers 40+ AP and post-AP college-level courses for students in Grades 8-12, a robust Business & Entrepreneurship program, a full range of visual and performing arts as well as interscholastic athletics (grades 6th-12th), and highly individualized college counseling to encourage students to discover their passions and prepare them for whatever comes next. SRDS graduates are thriving at colleges like Columbia, Cornell, Duke, Georgetown, Johns Hopkins, NYU, Northwestern, UPenn, Villanova and Wake Forest.
For more information about the project or Saddle River Day School, please visit saddleriverday.org.
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