ANSWERS TO THE MOST COMMONLY ASKED QUESTIONS
WE ARE LOCATED AT:
6555 Grand River Dr NE Ada, MI 49301. This is ¼ mile north on Grand River off Fulton.
OUR CONTACTS ARE:
- Nicole Turchetti, Owner/ Director
- Riley Turchetti, Owner/ Business Manager
- Stephanie Brewer, Director
- Megan Davison, Administrative Assistant
About the Farm
Canterbury Creek Farm School is located on an 11 acre farm in the heart of Ada, MI. On the farm, there are two separate school buildings with three large playgrounds, and a barn that houses our animals that is set up for hands-on experimentation and learning. Beyond our built structures, students spend a lot of time exploring nature on our trails and abundant green space. Core to the farm school experience is the interaction and education about our animals. We have horses, cows, goats, sheep, an alpaca, a pig, chickens and at times various other animals. It is a highlight of the year when students get to experience new life on the farm when babies are born, getting to watch, pet and possibly even bottle feed the young ones. Students help feed the animals as well as brush some of them. We also ride our horses at different times throughout the year.
Our Goal
At Farm School, our goal is to create a first education experience that is beyond the norm. We want our students to learn in a fun, safe and enriching environment that they are excited to come back to each day. While we do have and use indoor classrooms, we try to spend just as much, if not more time in our outdoor spaces learning through our age appropriate curriculum. It is our hope that they will develop and be ready for the next stages of life with an explorer’s excitement toward education.
Individual Growth
Individual social and cognitive growth is stimulated through varied activities, including creative dramatic play, process art, music experiences, creative movement and science experiments. Pre-readiness reading, writing and math skills are presented in a relaxed, fun appropriate format to match varied developmental needs. Special activities like horse rides, hikes, and scavenger hunts provide added variety to our unique learning programs.
School Operations & Costs
The School Operates
9 months, regular preschool is September-May with multiple summer programs, June/July. We are open Monday – Friday, 8:00am- 4:00pm.
School Costs for 2024-2025
For the 9-month school year, $265/month for 2 days per week classes, $370/month for 3 days per week classes and $620/month for 5 days per week classes. Also, there is a $70 annual enrollment fee (for the 9-month year) which is non-refundable and non-applicable to tuition. Summer programs have varied costs. Sorry, we do not offer scholarships.
Registration for the 2024-2025 school year will be live on our website on November 16th at 9 am.
Morning Classes (2024-2025)
- Tuesday & Thursday morning 8:15am – 11:15am
- Tuesday & Thursday morning 8:30am – 11:30am
- Monday, Wednesday & Friday morning 8:15am – 11:15am
- Monday, Wednesday & Friday morning 8:30am – 11:30am
- Monday-Friday morning 8:15am – 11:15am (Multi-age and Young Fives)
- Monday-Friday morning 8:45am – 11:45am (Young Fives *5 by Feb. 1, 2025)
Afternoon Classes (2024-2025)
- Tuesday & Thursday afternoon 12:15pm – 3:15pm
- Tuesday & Thursday afternoon 12:30pm – 3:30pm
- Monday, Wednesday & Friday afternoon 12:15pm – 3:15pm
- Monday, Wednesday & Friday afternoon 12:30pm – 3:30pm
- Monday-Friday afternoon 12:15pm – 3:15pm (Multi-age and Young Fives)
- Monday-Friday afternoon 12:45pm – 3:45pm (Young Fives *5 by Feb. 1, 2025)
General FAQs
Ages Accepted
Students who are 3 – 6 years can attend our school.
Our Licensed Capacity
Our two schools are licensed for up to 110 students. The typical small group size being 9 children for 3-4 year olds and up to 12 for 4-5 year olds.
Class Grouping
Small groups are based upon developmental appropriateness as all ages 3-6 are accepted in each class.
Staff to Child Ratio
Our ratio is 9:1 for 3-4 year olds and 12:1 for 4-5 year olds.
Special Needs Children
Students with special needs are considered and accepted on an individual basis through consultation with the Director.
Toilet Training
Students need to be an independent bathroom user. We have an adult-sized toilet with a stool for those who need it.
Current Staff Experience
We have staff who have been with us 1 – 17 years.
Ongoing Training for Staff
Training for staff is provided through professional workshops, conferences and in-services, staff receives 16 credit hours yearly.
Physical Environment
Canterbury Creek Farm School consists of two beautiful schools. We are located on 11 acres of land, which includes pastures, fields and woods. There are three large play areas with climbing units, swings, logs, and oversized sandboxes. There is a barn and stable. Farm animals consist of 3 ponies, 5 cows, 4 sheep, 9 goats, 2 pigs, 1 alpaca and many chickens
Daily Activities
We start our day outside on the playground (weather permitting). After playground time we do an outdoor activity which may include nature hikes, large group games, animal care, horse rides and other related experiences on our spacious playground and in our barn. Once we go inside we have “Big Group” time for songs, finger plays, rhythm instruments, calendar, weather, stories, and science experiments. Then we break up into “Small Group” which is a time where the children share a story/language experience, do hands-on activities, have free play and have a parent provided snack. After Small Group, we enjoy more activities outside or we have indoor Free Choice which allows the children opportunities to explore in centers, such as art, housekeeping, blocks, books, fine motor manipulatives, and science/nature. All activities are theme related.
Our Goals & Philosophy
Our program is developed and implemented based upon the belief that children learn the most from the environment in which they are placed and that their love of learning is nurtured through having positive experiences. Our goal is to provide children with these opportunities that will lead to the development of questioning, reasoning and thinking skills. We believe that learning within the community and the natural surroundings far exceeds the book/pencil experiences for this age group and that children need time to enjoy the excitement of being a child! We also believe that learning should be fun!
Attitudes & Practices in Child Management
Canterbury Creek maintains a policy of positive reinforcement and intervention. We seek to guide children in learning positive, appropriate ways to resolve conflicts and solve problems.
Security Measures
Children are under constant supervision. Children are released only to persons designated on the Child Information Card.
Provisions for a “sick” Child
Child is cared for until the parent or designee can pick him/her up.
Parental Involvement
Parents are welcomed and encouraged through regular participation in programs. A monthly newsletter is sent home to parents highlighting the upcoming month’s themes and activities.
Child Assessment
is made through ongoing informal observations during the school year. More formal parent/teacher conferences are scheduled in November and March.
Special Programs/Summer Camp
One week summer sessions, offering daily ½ day classes are available June and July for ages 3 through 6. Dates will vary from summer to summer. (Registration will open on March 1st, 2024).
We thank you for your interest in our school! Please email or call if you have any questions!