Learning Lodge Academy: Nurturing Growth and Fostering Success
Learning Lodge Academy in New Port Richey, FL, offers a comprehensive educational experience designed to cultivate a nurturing atmosphere where students develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills. From early childhood education to school-age programs, the academy focuses on fostering an environment of optimism, trust, and collaboration, ensuring students feel safe, inspired, and nurtured.
A Foundation of Care and Education
Learning Lodge Academy provides care and education for children starting at six weeks of age, with a diverse range of classrooms tailored to specific age groups. These include infant, toddler, and two-year-old classrooms, as well as preschool (3-4 years) and Kindergarten Prep classrooms (4-5 years). The academy's commitment to providing a high-quality preschool experience is evident in its curriculum and implementation.
Infant and Toddler Care
Infant and Toddler care at Learning Lodge Academy consists of individualized eating and sleeping plans, along with physical development support such as cuddling and tummy time. A ballet bar is even available for pulling-up practice. The program also incorporates sign language (ASL) activities, sensory art projects, music exploration, and encourages friendships to foster social development.
Two- and Early-Three-Year-Old Programs
As children progress into the two- and early-three-year-old stages, the depth of educational activities, creative arts, and physical support increases. Each morning begins with a group activity called circle time, where children are welcomed, and the day’s activities are explained. Classrooms are designed with early learning in mind, featuring a variety of learning centers, a library, and a dramatic play area.
Curriculum and Approach
Learning Lodge Academy employs a blended learning approach that combines center-based and teacher-led activities. The curriculum is guided by the Creative Curriculum by Teaching Strategies, Second STEP (a social-emotional curriculum), and weekly themes to promote cognitive, social, and physical development. The focus areas include:
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- Language and Literacy
- Social and Emotional Development
- Fine and Gross Motor Skills
- Nature and Science
- Creative Arts
- Early Math
- Physical Health practices
The learning environment is balanced with developmentally appropriate learning centers and teacher-directed activities. Spanish exploration, music, and social-emotional teaching are also integrated into the curriculum.
School-Age Programs
For school-age children (5-12 years), Learning Lodge Academy offers before and after care, as well as summer camps. These programs provide support to families when elementary schools are closed due to late starts, early releases, snow days, professional development days, and summer breaks.
Enrichment Programming
Enrichment programming is included as part of the tuition for school-age students, encompassing physical education, music classes, and sign language.
The Little Lodge Academy VPK Program
Little Lodge Academy offers a Voluntary Prekindergarten (VPK) program, which is a free prekindergarten program for 4 and 5 year olds. The Department of Education, Office of Early Learning, governs the curriculum and assessment requirements for the VPK Program. The staff at Little Lodge Academy apply a similar level of standard to the planning and implementation in other preschool classrooms to provide all students with a high-quality preschool experience.
Staff Qualifications and Development
Little Lodge Academy hires professionals who have met or exceeded state requirements, possessing a minimum of 40 hours of childcare training and CPR & First Aid certification. Staff are provided with on-site professional development on an ongoing basis to deliver high-quality lessons that promote literacy and engagement using Kagan Cooperative Learning methods. Additionally, all VPK teachers have a Child Development Associate and participate in trainings provided by the Early Learning Coalition.
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Program Essentials
Little Lodge Academy provides children with a morning and afternoon snack. Health and Immunization records are required for registration, along with a completed registration packet and applicable fees.
Extracurricular Activities and Student Life
Learning Lodge Academy offers a cooperative learning program that cultivates a nurturing atmosphere. Collaborative and cooperative interactions help students develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills. The academy provides a comprehensive STEM program and unique hands-on learning projects using the Engineering Design Process to investigate, design, construct, test, and modify challenges. Students showcase their learning experiences by sharing them with the community.
Clubs and Teamwork
Students can participate in various clubs designed to provide practical extracurricular activities that advance their educational growth in a fun, social environment. These clubs enable students to apply what they learn to real-world situations and activities. By participating in these groups, students learn the importance of working together to achieve common goals.
Building Character and Community
Learning Lodge Academy emphasizes character development, encouraging students to:
- Stay Sharp
- Be Carefree
- Act with Integrity
- Work Together
- Collaborate
- Cooperate
- Plan Ahead
- Be Responsible
These principles foster a positive and supportive community within the academy.
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Enrollment and Application
Learning Lodge Academy is now accepting applications from students eager to experience high-quality education in New Port Richey, FL. To apply, families can start a conversation with the administration to learn more about the curriculum and the lottery process for admissions.
Enrollment Fee and Deposit
Once a spot is offered, an enrollment fee of $100 and a tuition deposit equal to the first week of tuition are due to hold the spot.
Parent-Teacher Collaboration
For students six weeks through Kinder Prep, Learning Lodge Academy includes parent-teacher conferences in the Fall and Spring, where teachers share student growth and achievements. Milestones are tracked, and student work is collected throughout the year, culminating in a portfolio that families take home each year.
History and Accreditation
Learning Lodge Academy was founded in 2013 by its principal, a former teacher and instructional trainer/coach. In the summer of 2014, the Learning Lodge Academy Governing Board entered into a lease agreement with the Unity Truth Center Board for use of the facilities on Pine Hill Road in Port Richey, Florida. The academy initially served 170 students in kindergarten through third grade and employed 16 full-time staff members.
In both the 2014-15 and 2015-16 school years, Learning Lodge Academy proudly earned a school grade of 'A' under the Florida School Accountability System. This success is attributed to the commitment of its leadership, highly trained teachers and staff, STEM curriculum, Cooperative Learning, rigorous implementation of the Florida Standards, and parent involvement.
Broader Educational Choice Options
Florida law provides families with a choice in their child's education. Learning Lodge Academy was founded to offer a broader choice of where children attend school.
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