Schola De Vita, or SDV Progressive Preschool, situated in Robinson’s Mall in Las Piñas, stands out as a haven for early childhood education. With five classrooms catering to toddlers, nursery, and junior kinder classes, the school provides a dynamic and engaging learning environment.
Teacher Meg Cuenca, SDV's Directress, shared insights into the school's journey and relocation to Robinson's Las Piñas after facing challenges post-pandemic.
"Schola De Vita is a non-sectarian school from preschool to grade 12, located inside Mother Earth Subdivision in Talon Dos, Las Piñas," explained Teacher Meg. The move to Robinson's Las Piñas was driven by the need for more space and enhanced convenience for parents, offering ample parking and opportunities for personal time.
Progressive education: Focused on the child
When asked about the school's progressive approach, Teacher Meg emphasized its child-centered nature. "So, when you say progressive, the main focus is child-centered. So, when it's child-centered, the activities are very engaging, children are really doing hands-on activities, and it's very interactive."
Highlighting the value of play, Teacher Meg discussed how the school prepares children for academic skills by incorporating enjoyable activities. "We believe that if the child is happy in school, all other skills will follow. All other learning will follow."
Tailored programs for busy parents
Understanding the challenges faced by busy parents, SDV offers various programs, including Saturday play dates designed for those working Monday to Friday. The school also introduced programs like Tiny Bonds for parent and child engagement, Tots class for two to three-year-olds, and Little Explorers for those not ready for full-time nursery attendance.
Teacher-student ratio and support
The school maintains an ideal classroom size, ensuring a maximum of 14 students with at least two teachers. Additionally, an ABA therapist provides support, addressing behavioral needs and ensuring a conducive learning environment.
Assessment without grades
SDV rejects numerical grades, opting for a developmental checklist aligned with multiple intelligences. Teacher Meg emphasized the school's view of each child as a work in progress, working towards mastering skills throughout the school year.
Effective communication through technology
In the age of social media, SDV leverages technology for effective communication. Viber groups and messengers keep parents informed, while higher-level classes utilize Google Classroom for announcements and supplementary activities.
Affordable education with accessibility
The school's affordability is evident in its program pricing, ranging from Php 1,800 for Saturday play dates to Php 40,000-50,000 for year-round nursery and junior kinder classes. Its location in Robinson's Las Piñas further adds to its accessibility and convenience for parents.
In summary, Schola De Vita Progressive Preschool distinguishes itself with a child-centered, progressive approach, tailored programs for busy parents, a supportive teacher-student ratio, assessment without grades, and effective communication methods. The combination of affordability and accessibility makes it a standout choice for parents seeking quality early education for their children.