DORAL, Fla., Feb. 6, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --An internationally based approach to early education is expanding in the U.S. The Reggio Emilia educational philosophy, which originated in Northern Italy, has historically attracted worldwide recognition by educators and researchers alike. Prestigious companies such as Google, recently integrated the Reggio Emilia philosophy at their onsite preschool in Google headquarters in Silicon Valley.
Here in South Florida, Shelton Schools with their Joy of Learning pre-school campus and Shelton Academy K-8, have become one of the first in the state of Florida to offer this child-directed education model inspired in the Reggio Emilia approach where students are encouraged to become independent thinkers, innovators, and competent to lead socially and intellectually fulfilling lives.
According to Georgina Prats, CEO of Shelton Schools the academy's vision is to inspire a lifelong passion for learning by providing enriching educational layers encouraging the child to discover, connect, create and excel.
From pre-school to middle school, Shelton Academy is committed to building a strong community that celebrates its cultural diversity as well as cultivating and guiding each child's intellectual, emotional, social and moral potentials. Students are taught to seek diverse perspectives, gather and use information ethically, and use social tools responsibly and safely.
The school's environment also plays an important role in the child's learning. Supporting the creative and exploratory environment, the school's 55,000 square foot facility lends itself to manipulation and transformation by adults and children. Its modern facility lends itself to creating an environment of openness and sharing-not only for students and teachers, but for parents as well.
Through challenging experiences, the school's after school program supports the school mission by fostering personal growth, teamwork and leadership; strengthening the relationships that are unique to our school; and providing opportunities for students to develop a love for enrichment. The school invites children who are not part of their daytime student body to attend the various workshops, courses, activity that are offered some of which are: tennis, gymnastics, cheerleading, basketball, swimming (pool under construction), karate, yoga, music, dance, art and drama.
http://www.sheltonacademyschools.com/
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES ON THE "REGGIO EMILIA INSPIRED APPROACH":
http://www.reggioalliance.org/
http://p21.org/
SOURCE Shelton Academy