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Program Overview

Our goal at the Bryn Mawr Little School is to provide a supportive learning environment based on each child's unique needs, and to lead each child along a path of self-discovery. Established in 1977 as a comprehensive early childhood center for children ages two months to five years, the Little School enrolls about 90 boys and girls each year and is a diverse community welcoming families from all parts of the city and surrounding counties.

History, Philosophy, and Culture

Infants, toddlers and two-year-olds spend their day in peer groups. For ages three and up, boys and girls are grouped in mixed-age classes that incorporate individualized developmental activities as well as a variety of social roles and relationships. We believe that each child is unique and that every child grows in different ways. We seek to meet children where they are and help them grow in the way that works best for them.

Communication is open and ongoing at the Little School. Families and teachers work together as partners to facilitate your child's initial adjustment and continuing development. Communication between home and school is the key to every child's success. Families get to know each other and the Little School faculty through special events that occur several times during the school year.

The Little School is approved by the Maryland State Department of Education and is licensed by the Child Care Administration of Maryland.
    • LiSWater Play

Little School Students...

  • Develop a sense of confidence by pursuing age-appropriate challenges
  • Share a sense of belonging and build strong friendships
  • Develop expressive and receptive language that allows them to think, learn and communicate effectively
  • Experiment with new ideas and find self-expression through art, music and play
  • Problem solve and gain independence
  • Participate in cooperative play to develop positive social behavior and to discover how to express feelings and ideas
  • Gain respect for cultural diversity
  • Acquire physical skills and learn about self-care
  • Participate in physical activities and experiences that support the growth of large and small motor skills and abilities
Each day, children participate in a range of multi-sensory activities that stimulate their curiosity and challenge their minds.

Little School activities include...

  • Authentic and dramatic play
  • Creative block building
  • Active outdoor play
  • A variety of campus-wide activities
  • Mixed-media art
  • Hands-on science activities
  • Interactive music and yoga
  • Celebrations of diversity and family
  • Real life number and math awareness
  • Understanding and using language through shared reading and writing, nursery rhymes, poetry, dramatic interpretation, book making, journal "writing" and storytelling.
The Bryn Mawr Little School faculty subscribes to the principles and guidelines of the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). The faculty is encouraged and supported in their pursuit of professional development in order to ensure the highest standards of early childhood practice. Viewing the world as one of opportunity and possibilities, teachers at the Little School open the doors to learning by preparing an environment that supports exploration and discovery as the building blocks of knowledge. Our goal is for children to begin their journey of becoming active and engaged learners with confidence, curiosity and imagination.