The Environment We Cultivate
The environment is not simply a backdrop for learning but an active participant in children's educational journey. At St. Michael’s, we are dedicated to carefully crafting our spaces to embody the values and philosophy of the Reggio Emilia Approach.
Our Philosophy
St. Michael's Episcopal Day School is a Reggio-inspired and nature-based preschool located in the heart of West Austin. We believe childhood is a time for wonder, discovery, and building meaningful relationships with the world. At St. Michael’s, learning unfolds through play, exploration, nature, and shared experiences that connect children to one another and their community. We create space for children to slow down, follow their curiosity, and find joy in the process of learning.
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Emergent Curriculum
Emergent curriculum is the philosophy of teaching and planning curriculum that focuses on responding to children’s interests to create more meaningful learning experiences. Priority is given to active participation, relationship building, inquiry, and play-based learning. The curriculum is child-initiated, collaborative, and responsive to the needs of the child.
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Image of the Child
Our pedagogy is guided by the belief that children are valuable citizens in the community, bringing with them a wealth of knowledge, perspective, and lived experiences that inform their encounters with the world. These contributions directly shape the development of classroom curriculum.
Messy Play
Messy play is exactly what it sounds like: play that is a sensory experience in nature. Whether it be paint, sand, or water, messy materials draw children in and invite them to create an experience in their own way. Messy play is infinite, open ended, and, more importantly, child directed.
The Hundred Languages
Children utilize a multitude of expressive languages to represent their ideas and make meaning of the world. These languages reach far beyond verbal communication to include: the transformative properties of light, the power of digital technologies, the friendship between clay and hands, among countless others.