Blue Rock School—the Lower Hudson Valley’s only progressive, independent day school—invites families to its Kindergarten Play Day from 10 a.m. to noon on October 19, 2024. This event welcomes 4- and 5-year-olds for a morning filled with storytelling, crafts and playful activities while parents explore the school’s unique educational approach.

Founded in 1982, Blue Rock School is dedicated to creating a non-elitist community of students from diverse backgrounds. Located on a picturesque 5-acre wooded campus, the school offers a discovery-based, test-and-grade-free learning environment that nurtures children’s natural curiosity and love of learning.

“In kindergarten, we encourage learning through play and hands-on exploration because our intention is to nourish children’s natural curiosity and innate desire to learn,” says Tania DeTemple, public relations coordinator. “We strive to help the children develop the confidence and security needed to take risks in thoughts and experiences that lead to new understandings.”

Students benefit from an interdisciplinary curriculum that emphasizes the arts, nature and play in small class settings. Blue Rock students can be found exploring outside year-round, integrating nature into their daily learning experiences. “Outdoor learning improves a child’s emotional, intellectual and behavioral development; supports mental health and well-being; deepens the connection with nature; and promotes creativity and problem solving,” adds DeTemple.

Space is limited, and preregistration is required. Location: Blue Rock School, 110 Demarest Mill Rd., West Nyack. To RSVP, call 845-535-3353 or email [email protected]. For more information, visit BlueRockSchool.org.