Located in Quintin Paredes, Binondo Manila, Junior Starters is making waves in the field of early childhood education with its unique approach that seamlessly blends traditional and progressive teaching methods. The school, founded in 2019 by Danica Tan-Pike and Christina Tan-Sy, has expanded its footprint with branches in Banawe, Quezon City, and Parqal Mall, Aseana City Parañaque.
Educational philosophy and curriculum
Junior Starters stands out for its eclectic approach, striking a perfect balance between progressive and traditional methodologies. Miss Danica Tan-Pike, the school president, explains, "We opted to have this kind of curriculum so that our students will be able to adjust easily to the traditional approach when they move to big school."
For English literacy, Junior Starters employs the widely acclaimed Jolly Phonics UK curriculum, known for its effectiveness in facilitating a smooth transition to reading, especially for non-English speaking children.
An enriching learning experience
To ensure a holistic learning experience, the school integrates a variety of activities into its class schedule, including STEM, art, cooking, taekwondo, and parkour. What sets Junior Starters apart is its commitment to "Fun Fridays," offering mini events for students to socialize and enjoy a perfect blend of education and fun.
Inclusive education and partnerships
Junior Starters is an inclusive school, partnering with CareSpeaks Therapy Center to support children in their education. This partnership involves therapists observing students and providing insights on approaches to enhance inclusivity and socialization.
Class structure and communication
The school offers classes for toddlers, junior nursery, senior nursery, and pre-kinder, along with Mandarin classes. With an emphasis on traditional methods, students use workbooks for math and reading/writing subjects. Physical education and general knowledge subjects are also part of the curriculum.
Parent-teacher communication at Junior Starters is commendable, with regular updates through notebooks and a Viber group. Parents receive photos twice a week, fostering a transparent and engaging connection between the school and families.
Teacher to student ratio and tuition fees
Maintaining an optimal teacher-student ratio, Junior Starters ensures personalized attention. For toddlers, the ratio is 10 students with two teachers and one teacher aide, while junior nursery to pre-kinder has a maximum of 16 students with two teachers and one teacher aide.
The tuition fees range from Php 90,000 to Php 110,000 for half-day classes, depending on the child's level, while whole-day classes cost Php 140,000. Flexible payment options, including annual, semi-annual, and per term, are available. The school also offers a three-day free trial for parents to assess the child's learning level.
Junior Starters emerges as an exceptional educational institution, offering a harmonious blend of tradition and progress in early childhood education. The commitment to a well-rounded curriculum, inclusive practices, and effective communication with parents makes it a standout choice for those seeking an enriching and supportive learning environment for their little ones.