Curriculum Overview
The learning opportunities children have in their early school years have great impact on future learning. We strive to ensure that every experience children have at NEA is memorable, relevant, and positive. Our innovative curriculum is designed to support children’s curiosity to research and question the world around them. When planning thematic units, our teachers integrate literacy, math, science, social studies, music and art all around the thematic unit. With a myriad of exciting activities, our theme-based curriculum units guide children in their search for knowledge through play, social interaction, exploration, and creativity, as well as through discussion, observation and reflection.


We provide plenty of time for self-directed play, where children move freely around the classroom and choose areas of play that they are most interested in. Self-directed play is fundamental for developing many crucial life skills including creativity, independence, social skills, just to name a few. Children learn how to collaborate and compromise with others, recognize and respond to others’ feelings, share, show affection, resolve conflicts, and adhere to the rules. In turn, these important early lessons help children understand the roles and rules of society!





Children are provided with numerous opportunities to form a strong foundation for future mathematical awareness and understanding. Through play, games, and teacher-led activities, NEA students are exposed to age-appropriate math concepts and operations including counting, patterning, measuring and estimating, ordering, graphing, spatial relations, etc.
Students discover science at NEA through exploration in the science center, theme-related science activities, hands-on experiments, and discussions. Our goal is to set the stage for children to grow into confident young scientists. NEA curriculum encourages the use of basic practices of science and engineering as children explore Life, Physical, and Earth Sciences. Through our science program, children learn to think critically about their environment, conduct experiments, make observations, collect and record data, and discuss their findings.


An important task of our program is to help children acquire the values of the democratic society. We actively promote the ideals of respect for all beings, care for the surrounding environment, and understanding that all people have equal value. We ensure that each child develops a sense of acceptance and appreciation for the similarities and differences of diverse people and rich cultures.




Expressive Arts – children’s creative abilities are developed through many different forms of expression, such as drawing, painting, music, singing, dancing, and imaginative role play. NEA’s enrichment programs enhance this component of our curriculum.
In addition to quality curriculum, NEA provides enrichment programs such as Music, Yoga, Spanish, Science, Drama, Dance, and Art. These programs support and enhance our weekly themes and provide well-rounded and balanced development for children.
*All of our enrichment classes are included in tuition.


By including themes such as “Fitness and Nutrition,” “Fruits and Vegetables,” and “I Can Take Care of Myself,” we promote healthy living and teach good personal care habits and hygiene skills.


To complement our curriculum, and also for pure fun, children go on exploratory field trips to various locations including museums, the beach, nature preserves, farms, amusement parks, local businesses, the zoo, and the theater.
Whether it is our Heritage Brunch, Father’s Day Olympics, Earth Day Parade, or a visit from the Snow Fairy, NEA families are invited to special school events throughout the year to celebrate and build our community.