Let the anxiety begin.

Applications for the 2014-2015 school year for state-funded FREE Pre-K at Savannah-Chatham public schools will be available online and at the Pre-K school sites on March 19, 2014. The deadline to submit the application is April 4, 2014.The Lottery will be held electronically on Wednesday, April 16, 2014.

The FREE Georgia pre-k program is a full-day program available at some public and private schools. Some of the programs don’t have enough spaces for all those who want to attend.

To participate in the Pre-K Program at Savannah-Chatham public schools, children must be four years of age* on or before September 1, 2014, and must be a resident of Chatham County.

In order to apply for the lottery, parents must provide the following documentation to the school prior to the April 4, 2014 deadline:

Proof of Residence (current gas, water, electric bill, or lease)
Certified Birth Certificate

*Five-year-old children who have not previously attended the Pre-K program and who have developmental delays that impact their readiness for school may also enroll at the request of their parents.

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THE PUBLIC SCHOOL PRE-K APPLICATION, LOTTERY & REGISTRATION, CLICK HERE.

(Some private childcare facilities also offer the free, state-funded pre-K program including Maggies’ Morning School, Savannah Youth University, Candler’s The Children’s House, and YMCA Childcare Plus: but have a different application process. If you’re interested in a private child care that has it, call the school to find out when their applications are due. Many are on a first-come, first-serve basis. Registration for pre-K at Maggie’s Morning School started Feb. 3. Details here.  )

Maggie’s Morning School in Savannah will begin open registration for the 2014-2015 school year on February 3rd, 2014.

Maggie’s Morning School will NOT have a weekend open house for the BFTS (lottery state funded) Pre-K program as in the past. Instead, parents may register any time beginning on Monday February 3rd. Please note, this is popular preschool and registration is taken on a first come first served basis. So if you want your child to attend, register as early as possible.

Children must be 4 years old by Sept. 1 for the Pre-K. Required documents include proof of birth and proof of residence; registrations will not be accepted without both documents.

Maggie’s Morning School is open Monday through Friday 7:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.

For the school year, Maggie’s serves children ages 18 months (by Sept 1) through 3 classes of State-Funded (FREE) Pre-K. Maggie’s Morning School in Savannah offers part-time preschool for 4-year-olds.

Call (912) 352-8404 or (912) 352-8065 for more info or click here. Tell them SouthernMamas.com sent you!

Stay connected by “liking” Maggie’s Morning School on Facebook here.

Maggie’s Morning School, 6610 Abercorn St., Savannah, 31405, www.maggiesmorningschool.org, On Facebook here. (912) 352-8404, (912) 352-8065 Maggie’s Morning School is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser

Maggie’s Morning School in Savannah will begin open registration for the 2014-2015 school year on February 3rd, 2014.

Maggie’s Morning School will NOT have a weekend open house for the BFTS (lottery state funded) Pre-K program as in the past. Instead, parents may register any time beginning on Monday February 3rd. Please note, this is popular preschool and registration is taken on a first come first served basis. So if you want your child to attend, register as early as possible.

Children must be 4 years old by Sept. 1 for the Pre-K. Required documents include proof of birth and proof of residence; registrations will not be accepted without both documents.

Maggie’s Morning School is open Monday through Friday 7:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.

For the school year, Maggie’s serves children ages 18 months (by Sept 1) through 3 classes of State-Funded (FREE) Pre-K. Maggie’s Morning School in Savannah offers part-time preschool for 4-year-olds.

Call (912) 352-8404 or (912) 352-8065 for more info or click here. Tell them SouthernMamas.com sent you!

Stay connected by “liking” Maggie’s Morning School on Facebook here.

Maggie’s Morning School, 6610 Abercorn St., Savannah, 31405, www.maggiesmorningschool.org,  On Facebook here. (912) 352-8404, (912) 352-8065 Maggie’s Morning School is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser

St. Andrew’s School on Wilmington Island invites you to their ONLY All-School Open House event of the 2014-2015 application year at 1:30 PM Jan. 26.

St. Andrew’s is Savannah’s only independent, college-preparatory school with Apple Distinguished School status for three years running; partnered with Thrive Cafe, Savannah’s only green-certified restaurant for healthy lunches; and recognized as an International Baccalaureate World School for focus on global competency.

Here are some other features to consider:
> As one of the Washington Post’s Most Challenging High Schools, students have early placements this year to University of Georgia, Yale, Colorado, and the United States Naval Academy.
> There are no more than two classrooms per grade in lower school with a 9:1 student to teacher ratio, and fifth graders are part of the middle school program.
> The three year old and four year old kindergartens have a curriculum that includes a literacy specialist, mathematics and science specialist, art specialist, music specialist, and physical education specialist. World language in the form of Mandarin Chinese and Spanish are also part of lower school.
> A community garden managed by lower schoolers is integrated into the curriculum and supplies food for the dining hall this year in the innovative Farm to Table philosophy.
> Bussing from Southbridge communities and Skidaway communities through both downtown and Isle of Hope provide access for families to the “only independent school on the islands!”
> A robust scholarship and financial aid program makes the experience available to countless mission-appropriate families seeking the best for their child.

The school is intentionally sized at no more than 500 students. As other schools in the region grow for growth’s sake, St. Andrew’s remains committed to the most important factor in education–the relationship between the teacher and student. School administrators pledge to be an environment where every child is known and valued–a personalized educational experience.

Come to the open house Sunday to hear St. Andrew’s parents, teachers, and students share their stories.

For admission information, visit www.saintschool.net/admissions . For academic information, visit www.saintschool.com

St. Andrew’s School, 601 Penn Waller Road, Savannah, 31410, www.saintschool.com St. Andrew’s School is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser.

If you are interested in applying to the various specialty programs including kindergartens offered by Savannah-Chatham public schools, online application is available now and open house dates are set! (These public schools such as Garrison Elementary, J.G. Smith Elementary, Charles Ellis Montessori Academy etc. either don’t have an attendance zone/neighborhood district or they also accept children outside of their attendance zone/neighborhood district).

CLICK HERE TO APPLY ONLINE. Deadline to do so is Feb. 7 2014.

Savannah-Chatham County Public School System offers 23 Specialty Programs throughout the district from elementary through high school including kindergarten.

Specialty Application Timeline Specialty Applications is available beginning Jan. 8 2014.

• Specialty Program Applications for the 2014-2015 school year will be available online and at the school sites.
• The Specialty Lottery will be held electronically. At its conclusion, an email will be sent to parents with a status update for their child.
• Each Specialty Program has entrance requirements, please click here for Specialty Program Entrance Criteria.

Parents may select up to three choice programs.

To view the Savannah-Chatham County Public Schools Specialty Programs 2014-13 Open House Schedule, click here. Contact information for each school can be found under the Site List tab here.

CLICK HERE TO APPLY ONLINE. Deadline to do so is Feb. 7 2014.

The Pre-K Lottery for Savannah-Chatham public schools is different & will be at a later date.

Questions? There is going to be a representative from the Savannah-Chatham public school system at the Pooler MOPS preschool/school fair Wed. Jan. 22 at First Presbyterian Church in Pooler. The school fair is open to the public. You do not have to be a MOPS member to attend. Details here.

You’re invited to an open house at Savannah Honor Academy, which will be a new independent K-5 school in midtown Savannah. Please click here for more information.

Open House
Jan. 28th
5:30pm at 22 E. 38th Street (corner of 38th and Drayton). Reservations are required. RSVP to MarlaCocalis@yahoo.com .

Click here for more information.

Connect with Savannah Honor Academy on Facebook here.

Savannah Honor Academy, email marlacocalis@yahoo.com,  www.SavannahHonorAcademy.com, Savannah Honor Academy is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser 

Dynamic new Savannah preschool, located at the Jewish Educational Alliance, is accepting enrollment for the 2014-2015 school year.

JEA Preschool Savannah will host an Open House for prospective and enrolled parents and caregivers on Wednesday, January 15 beginning at 9:30am.The new preschool, located at the Jewish Educational Alliance community center at 5111 Abercorn Street, serves children ages 16 months through 4 years.

During the event, parents will have an opportunity to meet preschool director Jodi Sadler and the faculty, as well see the classrooms in session. Please call 912-355-8111 (ext. 215) or email preschool@savj.org  for more information.

JEA Preschool Savannah was created to provide for the social, emotional and cognitive growth of young children in a Judaic setting. The age-appropriate curriculum, led by qualified and experienced teachers, focuses on literacy, writing, math, science, music, art and movement all within newly renovated facilities at the JEA.

“I am truly excited about the success of our program and its future,” said Sadler, director of JEA Preschool Savannah. “When parents and children walk into the school, I believe they see and feel two things: love and security. I know that the quality of the program, excellence of the facilities, and perfect location makes this one of the most attractive and vibrant programs in the area.”

The dynamic preschool includes spacious classrooms and an innovative outdoor space where children can explore, interact with and connect to the environment. The children also have the opportunity for extracurricular activities which include swimming, Crossfit for Kids, and outdoor exploration. The school is centrally located with easy parking and affordable tuition.

The preschool’s core curriculum is Mondays through Fridays from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Children have the option of attending two, three or five days per week. Extended hours are available daily from as early as 7 a.m. until 6 p.m. to serve the needs of working families. JEA Preschool Savannah is open to both JEA members and non members.

About JEA Preschool Savannah
JEA Preschool Savannah, located in the Jewish Educational Alliance community center at 5111 Abercorn Street, opened its doors in August 2013. The school, which serves the needs of children ages 16 months through 4 years, focuses on the social, emotional and cognitive growth of young children in a Judaic setting. The core curriculum, led by qualified and experienced teachers, is Mondays through Fridays from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Extended hours are available daily, beginning at 7 a.m. and ending at 6 p.m. For more information on JEA Preschool Savannah, please call 912-355-8111 (ext. 215), email preschool@savj.org  or visit www.savannahjea.org .

JEA Preschool Savannah is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser

Veritas Academy, meeting in the heart of the Savannah historic district, is committed to providing a Christ-centered, classical and covenantal Pre-K through 12th grade education. “That in everything Christ might be preeminent.” (Colossians 1:18) –Even, and especially, in the hearts and minds of our children.

Mission: The mission of Veritas Academy is to assist parents in teaching their children to think, speak, and act Christianly, and to seek, discern, and apply Truth all their lives by providing an education of excellence that is Christ-centered, classical, and covenantal.

Veritas Visits: Please drop by to observe classrooms, meet teachers, review curriculum, ask questions and get answers! For more information please contact Veritas Academy at 912-238-1222 or visit www.VeritasSavannah.org .

Veritas Visits

9:00-10:00 am

Tuesdays, January 7 & 21, 2014

Stay connected with Veritas Academy by liking their page on Facebook here. On Twitter @VeritasGryphons.

Veritas Academy , Pre-K through 12th grade, located at the Independent Presbyterian Church, 207 Bull St., Savannah 31401, 912-238-1222, www.VeritasSavannah.org Veritas Academy is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser

Veritas Academy, meeting in the heart of the Savannah historic district, is committed to providing a Christ-centered, classical and covenantal Pre-K through 12th grade education. “That in everything Christ might be preeminent.” (Colossians 1:18) –Even, and especially, in the hearts and minds of our children.

Mission: The mission of Veritas Academy is to assist parents in teaching their children to think, speak, and act Christianly, and to seek, discern, and apply Truth all their lives by providing an education of excellence that is Christ-centered, classical, and covenantal.

Veritas Visits: Please drop by to observe classrooms, meet teachers, review curriculum, ask questions and get answers! For more information please contact Veritas Academy at 912-238-1222 or visit www.VeritasSavannah.org .

Veritas Visits

9:00-10:00 am

Tuesday, December 17, 2013

Tuesdays, January 7 & 21, 2014

Stay connected with Veritas Academy by liking their page on Facebook here.  On Twitter @VeritasGryphons.

Veritas Academy , Pre-K through 12th grade, located at the Independent Presbyterian Church, 207 Bull St., Savannah 31401, 912-238-1222, www.VeritasSavannah.org Veritas Academy is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser

You’re invited to a FREE Holiday Technology Shopping Presentation for Parents at St. Andrew’s School on Wilmington Island.

7 PM Thurs. Dec. 12 Bell Hall Media Center at St. Andrew’s School
Parent Presentation on Best Technologies for Families
Free of Charge & Open to the Public
897.4941

National technology expert, Katie Koestner, is “coming to town” and you can be sure that good boys and girls will delight and benefit from what she has to teach us. Bring your gift ideas and technology questions, and get ready add to your list.

Update your knowledge on what’s developmentally appropriate for children of all ages when it comes to iPads, iPhones and Internet access.

Meet the Presenter: Katie Koestner

Katie Koestner appeared on the cover of TIME Magazine and is the subject of an HBO Movie. She has lectured at over 2500 institutions throughout North America, including Harvard, Princeton, Wharton, Stanford, the Pentagon, Phillips Academy, Vanguard, the Girl Scouts of America, and the US Departments of Justice, Defense and Education. She has appeared on Oprah, CNN, MTV, MSNBC, NBC Nightly News, Good Morning America, Larry King Live, Later Today, Entertainment Tonight, as well as dozens of other national news programs. She is the author of over 100 books, articles, blogs, and chapters on internet safety and healthy relationship issues. Katie is the architect of federal student safety legislation. On the topic of Cyber-Safety and Cyber-Smarts, Ms. Koestner’s witty, fast-paced programs are packed with all the essentials. Katie’s humor and stories keep her audiences engaged. Her clear instruction distills complicated information into manageable morsels.

St. Andrew’s School, 601 Penn Waller Road, Savannah, 31410, www.saintschool.com St. Andrew’s School is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser.

You’re invited to Maggie’s Morning School McTeacher’s Night” @ McDonald’s on Eisenhower and Waters in Savannah.
Tuesday, November 19
5-8 p.m.
The  3rd annual McDonald’s McTeachers Night will include facepainting, a play space, and raffle prizes! 20% of all sales between 5 and 8pm are donated to Maggie’s Morning School. Kids can see their teachers work the counter & visit with other families.

Maggie’s Morning School is a NAEYC accredited private, non-profit pre-school at 6610 Abercorn St., Savannah, 31405.

Mission Maggie’s Morning School provides a developmentally appropriate, quality learning experience for a diverse student body in a safe, creative, and nurturing environment. The focus is on the social, emotional, physical, and intellectual growth of each and every child through hands on activities and support by working together with families, well-trained teachers, and community resources.

Description Maggie’s Morning School has been serving Savannah since 1982. The school has 2, 3, and 5 half day and full day programs for children 18 months (by Sept. 1) through age four, and the Bright From the Start, Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning Pre-Kindergarten program. Maggie’s provides an exceptional and unique learning environment in order to facilitate social, emotional, physical and intellectual development in each child.

For the school year, Maggie’s serves children ages 18 months (by Sept 1) through 3 classes of State-Funded (FREE) Pre-K. Maggie’s Morning School in Savannah offers part-time preschool for 4-year-olds.

Call (912) 352-8404 or (912) 352-8065 for more info or click here. Tell them SouthernMamas.com sent you!

Stay connected by “liking” Maggie’s Morning School on Facebook here.

Maggie’s Morning School, 6610 Abercorn St., Savannah, 31405, www.maggiesmorningschool.org,  On Facebook here. (912) 352-8404, (912) 352-8065 Maggie’s Morning School is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser

Expose your children to more live music concerts.

Attend St. Andrew’s School Performing Arts Concert, 6 p.m. Tuesday Dec. 10 @ Trustees Theatre on Broughton Street in downtown Savannah.

Free and Open to the Public

Featuring St.  Andrew’s string, choral and orchestra students

St. Andrew’s School, 601 Penn Waller Road, Savannah, 31410, www.saintschool.com St. Andrew’s School is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser.

Harvest Dinner @  St. Andrew’s School on Wilmington Island

Friday, November 22
6:00 PM

Eat In or Take Out

$15/person

Chicken Tetrazzini, Veggies & Dessert

(Vegetarian Available)

St. Andrew’s new dining partner, Thrive Cafe, is preparing a slow cooked, farm to table meal with dessert provided by Rainy Day Bakery. Entertainment by St. Andrew’s student vocalists. All proceeds to benefit Children Inspiring Hope, a non-profit founded by St. Andrew’s Alum, Amy Gaylor, which seeks to help students develop intercultural understandings and respect through school partnerships in the United States and Ghana. Learn more at http://www.childreninspiringhope.org

Reserve your spot for dinner online by clicking here.

Thrive Café provides all student & faculty meals at St. Andrew’s School, a private independent school. The partnership is designed to bring healthy, affordable food to the Pre K – Grade 12 school on a daily basis.

St. Andrew’s School, 601 Penn Waller Road, Savannah, 31410, www.saintschool.com St. Andrew’s School is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser.

Come find out all that St. Andrew’s School on Wilmington Island has to offer your child.

Sunday, January 26, 2014

OPEN HOUSE for Prospective Families

1:30 – 3:30 p.m.

St. Andrew’s School

Pre-K 3 through Grade 12

St. Andrew’s School, 601 Penn Waller Road, Savannah, 31410, www.saintschool.com St. Andrew’s School is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser.

It’s official!

St. Andrew’s School – Savannah, GA received the Apple Distinguished Award this month for the 2012-13 school year.

Approximately 42 private schools in the nation were given this designation based on innovation, leadership and educational excellence.

Congrats to the entire St. Andrew’s community!

St. Andrew’s, a Pre-K through Grade 12 independent school, is located on Wilmington Island. For more information on the Savannah private International Baccalaureate World School visit www.saintschool.com

St. Andrew’s School, 601 Penn Waller Road, Savannah, 31410, www.saintschool.com St. Andrew’s School is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser.

This sounds like something not to be missed for those of us with beginning readers: a free presentation on “What every early childhood parent should know about how to encourage early literacy”.

When: Fri. Nov. 1, 9:15 AM Coffee with Meet and Greet; 10 AM Presentation.

Where: St. Andrew’s School, 601 Penn Waller Road, Savannah (Wilmington Island) 31410

About the presenter:

Tricia Yates is a prekindergarten teacher and literacy leaders at St. Andrew’s School. She holds a bachelor’s degree in elementary and early childhood education, a master’s degree in reading and has 18 years of experience as a Title 1 Reading Coordinator working with early childhood through 12th grade students.

This informative session will focus on an overview of literacy development in early childhood, including resources and strategies to give your child the building blocks to develop strong reading skills and a love for literacy.

RSVP to Christine Sapp, email sappc@saintschool.com or call 912.897.4941 ext 400.

St. Andrew’s, a Pre-K through Grade 12 independent school, is located on Wilmington Island. For more information on the Savannah private International Baccalaureate World School visit www.saintschool.com

St. Andrew’s School, 601 Penn Waller Road, Savannah, 31410, www.saintschool.com St. Andrew’s School is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser.

Dynamic new preschool, located at the Jewish Educational Alliance in Savannah

JEA Preschool Savannah will add a two day a week program for 16 month olds through two year olds on Tuesday and Thursday to its current preschool schedule. The new preschool, located at the Jewish Educational Alliance community center at 5111 Abercorn Street, opened its doors in August to serve young children and their families by providing premiere preschool programming.

JEA Preschool Savannah was created to provide for the social, emotional and cognitive growth of young children in a Judaic setting. The age-appropriate curriculum, led by qualified and experienced teachers, will focus on literacy, writing, math, science, music, art and movement all within the special facilities of the JEA.

The dynamic preschool includes spacious classrooms and an innovative outdoor space where children can explore, interact with and connect to the environment. The preschool’s core curriculum will be available Mondays through Fridays from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Extended hours are available daily as early as 7 a.m. and until 6 p.m. to serve the needs of working families. JEA Preschool Savannah is open to both JEA members and non members.

About JEA Preschool Savannah
JEA Preschool Savannah, located in the Jewish Educational Alliance community center at 5111 Abercorn Street, opened its doors in August 2013. The school, which serves the needs of children ages 16 months through 4 years, focuses on the social, emotional and cognitive growth of young children in a Judaic setting. The core curriculum, led by qualified and experienced teachers, is available Mondays through Fridays from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Extended hours are available daily from 7 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. For more information on JEA Preschool Savannah, please call 912-355-8111 (ext. 228), email preschool@savj.org or visit www.savannahjea.org.

JEA Preschool Savannah, 5111 Abercorn St., Savannah, www.savannahjea.org, 912-355-8111 (ext. 228), email preschool@savj.org JEA Preschool is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser.

Mr. Chuck Moore (BP Representative), Dyann Hunter and her son Malcolm Williams-Green, Super Bowl Champ Hubert Ginn and Sara Rubinstein (St. Andrew’s Upper School Head)

We here at SouthernMamas.com often hear from parents looking for an alternative to Savannah-Chatham public schools for their children. Here’s one way that qualifying students can attend local private schools: the Georgia GOAL Scholarship Program.

This month, Malcolm Williams-Green was awarded a BP-GOAL Scholarship to attend St. Andrew’s School for the 2013-2014 school year.

“We are thrilled to have Malcolm join the St. Andrew’s community,” said Mark Toth, Head of School. “I am confident that St. Andrew’s will provide the perfect setting for Malcolm to pursue his dream of attaining a strong academic foundation.”

The Georgia GOAL Scholarship Program’s BP-GOAL Scholars Fund awarded 30 scholarships, enabling qualifying students to attend Georgia private schools for the 2013-2014 academic year. BP and its Castrol subsidiary, longtime education supporters, initiated this scholarship program in connection with Georgia GOAL in 2012, to provide Georgia parents with more options for the education of their children.

Each award amount is based on the tuition rate at the student’s chosen private school and his/her family’s demonstrated need. To be eligible to apply, applicants had to be enrolled in a Georgia public school, have income no more than 2 times the poverty guideline and have been accepted and sponsored by a qualified Georgia private school.

This year’s BP-GOAL scholarship recipients are from areas in Georgia where BP and its subsidiary Castrol do business. Additionally, the scholarship recipients demonstrate drive, motivation and strengths in math, science and technologies important to the energy industry.

Lisa Kelly, Georgia GOAL Scholarship Program president said, “It is important for students to have the option of a private school that fits their needs if they can’t achieve their full potential in their local public school. The Georgia legislature created this opportunity to improve educational outcomes and to allow families to put their children on paths to success.”

Kelly explained that the Georgia GOAL Scholarship Program is the state’s leading student scholarship organization. Providing children throughout the Peach State with Greater Opportunities for Access to Learning (“GOAL”), the program has awarded close to 10,000 scholarships totaling more than $34 million since 2008.

For more info on the Georgia GOAL Scholarship Program, click here.

St. Andrew’s, a Pre-K through Grade 12 independent school, is located on Wilmington Island. For more information on the Savannah private International Baccalaureate World School visit www.saintschool.com

St. Andrew’s School, 601 Penn Waller Road, Savannah, 31410, www.saintschool.com St. Andrew’s School is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser.

On Tues October 15, Powder Puff Football at 6 p.m. on St. Andrew’s School campus will celebrate the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure. During halftime of game, school families will celebrate and honor their mothers, sisters, friends and loved ones. All proceeds support Team Terri for the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure. Great prizes, luminaries to honor loved ones and more. No cost to enter but donations accepted. 897.4941 for more information. St. Andrew’s School, 601 Penn Waller Road, Savannah GA 31410

St. Andrew’s School, 601 Penn Waller Road, Savannah, 31410, www.saintschool.com St. Andrew’s School is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser.

Dr. Kelley Waldron, Lower School Head

St. Andrew’s School on Wilmington Island has many features that we love. One that really makes us swoon here at SouthernMamas.com is how cleverly the school incorporates technology into the classroom. Which is why it wasn’t surprising last school year when St. Andrew’s was named Apple Distinguished School for the 2012-13 academic year for its use of the iPad and Apple technology as tools to create a relevant and engaging school experience for its students.

The Apple Distinguished School designation is reserved for schools that excel in areas of innovation, leadership and educational excellence, and demonstrate Apple’s shared vision of exemplary learning environments.

St. Andrew’s has implemented iPad usage for all of its students, pre-K through 12th-grade.

As Dr. Kelley Waldron, Lower School Head, said:
“The iPad is never a replacement for best practices or seen as the curriculum- it is a tool in the classroom. The value of this tool is that it allows teachers to differentiate instruction by offering extra challenge to a student ready to move on, or reinforcement of a skill or concept for a student who needs the extra time to understand and master it. The best apps engage students in variety of learning modalities- asking them to solve problems, kinesthetically move letters or numbers, engage creatively with the content, and work in a self-paced fashion.”

So we asked St. Andrew’s teachers to share some of the top apps they love. Here are their picks:

BB Magic Apps – Teach basic phonics, right to left reading and spelling, blending and sight words

Endless Alphabet App– Educational and entertaining at the same time

Tally Tots App – A counting app that offers 20 different activities

St. Andrew’s is an independent International Baccalaureate World School committed to being a leader in 21st Century teaching and learning, which includes a curricular focus on creativity, communication, critical thinking, collaboration, and character. For more information on the Pre-K 3 through Grade Twelve school, visit www.saintschool.com  or call 912.897.4941.

St. Andrew’s School, 601 Penn Waller Road, Savannah, 31410, www.saintschool.com St. Andrew’s School is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser.

To learn more about Scribble’s portfolio prep or art classes for kids, call 912-323-0123 or email ScribbleArtStudio@hotmail.com .

Scribble Art Studio in Savannah & Pooler also offers private & group art classes, adult art parties. For gifts, Scribble as art kits & gift certificates . For more information, contact artist Carrie Christian at 912-323-0123 or email ScribbleArtStudio@hotmail.com . Click here for more info. Scribble Art Studio is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser.

Looking for a Savannah preschool for next fall that has a proven history as a well-established, quality preschool? Check out First Christian Church Preschool, which was formed in 1952 by Carolyn S. Jordan and has been in continuous operation since that date.

The preschool – located on Victory Drive in the Savannah’s Ardsley Park –  now serves 15 mths to 4-year-old children and is in session from 9AM to noon Monday through Friday. First Christian Church members receive a 25% discount on tuition.

First Christian Preschool provides an environment that is warm and welcoming so that your child will feel safe and comfortable. Classrooms are bright and inviting so your child will be excited about learning and will be prepared for kindergarten. Most of all, your child will have a lot of fun and be involved in meaningful play. Play is a child’s “work” and it is through play that a child learns to be social, to solve problems, to be independent and to be creative.

The preschool employs the Unit Approach Curriculum. It is designed to meet appropriate skill levels for each age group.

The school offers a Spanish program called !Hola! as part of the curriculum for the 3 and 4-year-olds . Music is incorporated into daily activities in the classrooms

Children participate in two school-wide programs, one at Christmas and an end-of-the-year program. Newsletters, a fund raiser, carpool and lunch bunch, and early birds are other activities that are a part of the preschool program.

Some of the activities all of students participate in are:
Fall Festival
School Wide Pajama Party
Dessert with Daddy
Mother’s Day Tea
Graduation Program
Friday Morning Music

The preschool includes Christian principles in its program, teaching the children the Christian values of loving, sharing, being kind to one another

Visitors are welcome. First Christian Preschool staff  look forward to meeting you and your children.

For more information, please call Mrs. Sarah Marquez at 912-234-3149 or email firstchristianpreschool@yahoo.com

First Christian Preschool, 711 E. Victory Drive, Savannah, 31405, 912 234-3149,   https://www.facebook.com/pages/First-Christian-Preschool/153225621412477?fref=ts First Christian Preschool is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser.

St. Andrew’s School on Wilmington Island in Savannah recently partnered with The Side-Out Foundation which unites volleyball players and coaches in the fight against breast cancer. In conjunction with the September 6 volleyball game, the St. Andrew’s community raised over $700 for the Side-Out organization.

Side-Out supports teams nationwide in their volleyball games and clinics. The organization’s goal is to increase patient support services, educate communities and fund research. You may still donate to the St. Andrew’s campaign at https://www.sideout.org/cb/campaigns/campaign/6826

In addition to winning the fight against breast cancer, the St. Andrew’s Lady Lions are on a winning streak on the court. The Varsity and JV teams defeated Beaufort Academy this week, extending their winning streak to 7-0 and 4-0, respectively. Congrats to these awesome student athletes.

St. Andrew’s is an independent International Baccalaureate World School committed to being a leader in 21st Century teaching and learning, which includes a curricular focus on creativity, communication, critical thinking, collaboration, and character. For more information on the Pre-K 3 through Grade Twelve private school, visit www.saintschool.com  or call 897.4941.

Visit www.saintschool.com  for more information.

St. Andrew’s School, 601 Penn Waller Road, Savannah, 31410, www.saintschool.com St. Andrew’s School is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser.

St. Andrew’s School 7th and 8th grade students headed back to the beach recently but just to get their feet wet. The students were getting a hands-on lesson identifying sea life and learning about the coastal environment. After a morning of research and preparation, these 78 students made the short trip to Tybee to work with counselors from the Burton 4-H Center.

“Our students were surf detectives today on Tybee Island, exploring their own coastal back yard,” said Jesse Lazzuri, Head of the Middle School. “We are fortunate to be so close to the coast so it makes sense to take advantage of this unique opportunity.”

The experience offered the Middle School students a distinctive approach to learning about sea life and the environment. They were able to kick-off their shoes and pull a seine net through the waves. After each tow, the students observed, identified and discussed their catch that included ghost crabs, blue crabs, shrimp, bumper fish and more. The recent field trip illustrates the school’s commitment to experiential learning and the application of concepts.

“We had a great time on the beach today,” said Jacob Boyd, 8th grader. “This was a cool way to learn about the different creatures that are swimming around our feet.”

St. Andrew’s is an independent International Baccalaureate World School committed to being a leader in 21st Century teaching and learning, which includes a curricular focus on creativity, communication, critical thinking, collaboration, and character. For more information on the Pre-K 3 through Grade Twelve school, visit www.saintschool.com or call 897.4941.

Visit www.saintschool.com  for more information.

St. Andrew’s School, 601 Penn Waller Road, Savannah, 31410, www.saintschool.com St. Andrew’s School is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser.