Director's Message

​​Thank you for reading about Alpine Academy! We started in 1995 as a babysitting center and have since become not only a day care, but a school where children have fun, make friends, and practice academic skills.
 
We are passionate about finding the right balance during the day. In addition to enjoying free time, outdoor play and special celebrations, we want children to find joy in educational pursuits, whether it is holding a pencil, sounding out words, or measuring the ingredients to make muffins.
 
One key to child development is to keep the groups small, with only four to twelve children in a room with their own teacher. This gives the teacher the chance to really know each child and focus on his or her strengths and needs.
 
Another priority is using a steady curriculum for early reading, writing, math, and science skills. For example, research and practice have taught us that children learn to read better by learning a few sounds at a time, instead of learning one letter per week, so that’s what we do. Having a proven list of skills and knowing the best ways to teach is crucial.
 
Most importantly, I am passionate about hiring mature, experienced teachers who believe that working with children is their calling. I love watching Alpine’s teachers interact with the children in the classroom, on the playground, or when a child just needs a hug. A sense of warmth comes over me, and I know the teachers and children feel it, too.
 
We believe in the power of love, especially in a school environment. Please visit us and see if you feel it, too.
 
All my best,
Cathy Hammond
Founder & Director