Frank A. BerryElementary School

WELCOME TO CIRCLE OF FRIENDS!

Click HERE for the 2025-2026 Circle of Friends Application

Circle of Friends is an innovative preschool program that integrates children with and without special needs. Children without special needs are accepted on a tuition basis. Circle of Friends offers developmentally appropriate programs for three and four year olds. Each session is two hours and forty minutes per day. An excellent staff-to-child ratio is maintained.

PHILOSOPHY

We believe that children learn through play, guided exploration and direct instruction. These components are the means through which children can both learn about their world and demonstrate their understanding of it.

As a team of early childhood specialists, we design activities that enable children to develop and trust their own abilities to interact with each other and with materials. We recognize that each child develops at his/her own rate and in an individual style. Our goal is to provide experiences and activities through which each child will develop a sense of competence and pride in his/her achievements.

Nothing is more central to our philosophy than building children’s self-esteem. It is only through children’s own positive self-concept that they can develop a respect for others.

PROGRAM GOALS

The goals of the program are:

1. To offer developmentally appropriate early childhood education to all children.
2. To promote respect for individual differences and to develop an appreciation for the diversity within our community.
3. To foster the development of life long independence and positive social skills.
4. To enable all children to effectively communicate their ideas, desires and feelings. 
5. To develop skills necessary for successful participation within the Kindergarten program.