About the Nonprofit
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St. Mary's Episcopal School (SMES) is a tuition-driven, 501(c)3 nonprofit preschool and kindergarten providing quality early childhood education to approximately 100 Richmond-area children ages 2-6.
Our school's goal is to nurture the development of the whole child, fostering their cognitive, physical , social, and emotional growth through play and exploration in order to successfully prepare them for all aspects of their future education. SMES’s play-based philosophy, emergent curriculum, and emphasis on nature give children the freedom to discover the joy and wonder of learning both in the classroom and in our school’s beautiful outdoor spaces.
At SMES, learning through play occurs in carefully prepared environments where teachers follows children’s leads to plan meaningful experiences that foster creativity, deep thinking, and problem solving. These environments invite children to explore, investigate, question, examine, predict, use trial and error, and manipulate while creating in-depth, concrete, and long-term learning. Each day, students are given opportunities to become confident and independent. They learn and understand that showing empathy and caring for one another is an important part of belonging to a community. They learn to be responsible for not only their belongings but their words and their actions.
Research shows that children who play outside regularly are fitter, leaner, and happier; have stronger immune systems, lower stress levels, more active imaginations, and greater respect for themselves and others; develop more environmental awareness and values; and play more creatively. Each day, our students spend at least one hour outside, but often more. Our nature trail provides unique opportunities to experience the change of seasons, discover what is under a rock or log, listen to the sounds of nature, explore animal footprints, watch a mother bird feed her babies, go on a nature hunt, and participate in a variety of discovery activities. Our front and back playgrounds are located in the natural setting of our campus, allowing children to connect with the beauty of nature while running, climbing, laughing, and playing with their friends.
To encourage all interested families to apply for admission regardless of financial constraints, our school offers tuition assistance in the form of scholarships to qualified students.