Noah's Ark is a christian school for young learners whose purpose is to provide a solid academic foundation in an atmosphere that encourages spiritual, social, emotional, physical, and intellectual growth and development of the child as a whole.
Noah's Ark's curriculum teaches everything needed for a smooth transition into their next educational step whether it is Kindergarten, 1st - 5th grade. PreK students are taught colors, shapes, numbers, letters, sounds, words, sign language, Bible Stories celebration of birthdays and holidays,etc. Students also have sharing and conversation time; stories, songs, and finger plays; creative art activities and crafts; games, small and large muscle activities; visitors from throughout the community (when possible); food preparation; science and nature activities.
It is the philosophy of Noah's Ark that early childhood should be a time of fun, warmth, security, exploring and discovery and spiritual growth. Young children are creative and receptive; the staff strives to nurture and encourage these qualities in the children who attend. Our students experience a traditional academic curriculum in a christian environment where they are guided and supported to develop mind, body and spirit.
The Christian based, A Beka curriculum, is an advanced program that not only gives students a solid academic foundation in reading, writing, and math, but also the individual attention and caring environment that helps provide students a great foundation for lifelong learning. Students in kindergarten through 5th grade are taught Pennsylvania certified teachers with many years of experience.
Morning bus service is available for PreK - 5th.
Afternoon bus service is available for 1 - 5th.
For bus service, please contact your local school district's transportation office at:
Chestnut Ridge (814) 839-3002
Bedford (814) 623-4223
Discipline
Giving positive verbal rewards encourages acceptable behavior and helps others act in such a way as to receive praise. Asking a child to stop and think about their correct behavior enables that child to work on self-control.
For not cooperating in a group listening situation, the child is spoken to by the teacher/aide and reminded of acceptable behavior. If the student continues to be uncooperative they will be give a warning. Removal from the group for a period of time-out is the next tactic for a child who continually demonstrated unacceptable behavior. This time-out is not a punishment, but rather what at a time when a child may calm down, remember what the teacher is asking for, and decide for themselves when they are ready to rejoin the group with appropriate behavior. Corporal punishment is not an accepted method of dealing with children at school. If unacceptable behavior persists, the parent will be asked to a conference to discuss the child's behavior.
Snacks
Sign-up sheets are posted each month so that parents may bring snacks for their child's class. The school provides 2% milk or water so beverages are not needed. Healthy snacks like fruit, veggies, crackers, pretzels, etc. are preferred for daily snacks. Cookies, chips, cake, candy, etc. may be brought for special occasions like birthdays or holiday parties.
Snacks are sometimes used as a part of the curriculum, often related to the unit topic, or as an experience in tasting.
Parents are asked to provide their children with a meal before bringing them to school. With advanced notice, children may bring special treats for their birthday or other special occasions during the school year.