Now Enrolling for September 2026!
Foundations for Early Learning
Growing Independence in Early Learning
Foundations for Early Learning is a small-group experience designed for children who are ready to deepen their independence, group participation, communication, and foundational early learning skills.
Each group is intentionally limited to three children, allowing for close guidance, meaningful connection, and a calm environment where children can build confidence, practice new skills, and participate with growing independence.
Sessions follow a predictable rhythm that includes guided play, early literacy and numeracy activities, stories, snack, outdoor play, and opportunities to strengthen communication, cooperation, problem-solving, and classroom participation.
Program Overview
What Children Experience
- Predictable Session Rhythm
- Themed Stories & Conversation
- Small-Group Interaction
- Hands-On Learning
- Growing Independence
- Outdoor Exploration (weather permitting)
Schedule & Tuition
Schedule
Foundations for Early Learning is a 32-session program offered as four sequential series. Each series includes eight sessions over four weeks and is designed to build upon the one before it.
Children attend two sessions per week in a consistent small-group cohort, either Monday/Wednesday or Tuesday/Thursday.
Session Time
9:00 AM–11:30 AM
Specific start dates and meeting days are listed within each enrollment offering.
Tuition
Total semester tuition is $2,600 per child for the complete 32-session program.
Tuition may be paid:
- In full at enrollment, or
- In four scheduled installments of $650
Installment payments are offered as a payment convenience and do not represent month-to-month or individual-series enrollment.
The full semester includes:
- Four 4-week series
- Two sessions per week
- 32 sessions total
- $2,600 total tuition per child
More than one child from the same household may apply, including siblings. Because children may have different needs, readiness levels, and group dynamics, a separate application is required for each participating child.
Enrollment is limited to three children per cohort.
Scholarship Assistance
Scholarship assistance may be available to eligible Pennsylvania families through The Foundation for Enhancing Communities (TFEC). Families must apply directly to TFEC, and scholarship eligibility and award decisions are determined by the foundation.
Program Readiness
This program is designed for children ages 3–5 who have developed some comfort being away from a parent/caregiver and are ready for a more consistent group-learning experience. Children do not need to separate perfectly, but they should generally be able to transition into the classroom with brief reassurance and participate with gentle guidance.
Children must be able to use the restroom independently, meaning they can recognize when they need to go, tell an adult, use the toilet, and manage clothing and wiping with little or no help.
Enrollment Process
1. Click the “Apply to WholeSchool” button on this page to submit an application.
2. After the application is submitted, families participate in a brief consultation to discuss the child’s needs, program structure, availability, and fit.
3. Enrollment confirmation is provided when space is available and the program appears to be a good mutual fit.
WholeSchool is intentionally small and relationship-centered. Because enrollment is guided by program fit, group dynamics, availability, and the three-child model, submission of an application does not guarantee placement.
Optional Classroom Visit
Following the Zoom consultation, families who are considering enrollment may request a brief, scheduled visit to see the WholeSchool classroom and outdoor learning space.
Because WholeSchool operates within a private home, classroom visits are available by appointment only and are scheduled after the initial consultation. Drop-in visits and visits before the consultation are not available.
Ready to explore Foundations for Early Learning?
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