Business Details
Reggio-Inspired Preschool in Washington DC
St John's Episcopal Preschool is a Reggio-inspired early childhood education institution located in Georgetown, Washington DC. Our mission centers on nurturing joy, relationships, creativity, and exploration through a child-centered approach that values individuality and community partnerships. With a dedicated team of educators, many of whom hold advanced degrees and specialized training in the Reggio Emilia philosophy, we cultivate an environment where curiosity drives learning. Our commitment to diversity ensures inclusive access to all families, while our small class sizes foster meaningful connections between students, teachers, and parents.For over two decades, we have provided a foundation for lifelong learning by integrating arts, nature, and collaborative inquiry into daily experiences. Our educators actively engage in professional development through local and national alliances, including the DC Reggio Emilia Alliance and the National Association for the Education of Young Children. We prioritize transparent communication with families and maintain strong ethical standards in all administrative and educational practices.
Services
Preschool Programs
Summer Enrichment
Parent Workshops
Alumni Network
Community Partnerships
Highlights and features
- Our educators average 15+ years of experience in Reggio-inspired teaching methods
- We maintain a 5:1 student-teacher ratio for personalized attention
- Our campus integrates natural materials and outdoor learning spaces
- We offer parent education workshops aligned with Reggio Emilia principles
- Our staff includes members of the North American Reggio Emilia Alliance
Services
Preschool Programs
Our Reggio-inspired preschool programs for ages 2-5 emphasize child-led exploration through arts, nature, and collaborative projects. Small class sizes ensure individualized attention while fostering social-emotional development. The curriculum integrates STEAM concepts through hands-on, experiential learning.
Summer Enrichment
Our summer program extends Reggio principles through nature-based exploration and creative expression. Weekly themes emerge from children's interests, with activities incorporating outdoor play, art studios, and community partnerships. The program maintains low student-teacher ratios for personalized engagement.
Parent Workshops
We offer quarterly workshops explaining Reggio Emilia principles and their application at home. Sessions cover topics like environment as the third teacher, documentation of learning processes, and fostering creativity through everyday materials. Workshops include practical take-home strategies for families.
Alumni Network
Our alumni program connects former students and families through seasonal events and educational resources. The network supports transitions to elementary schools while maintaining community ties. Families receive ongoing access to early childhood development guidance post-graduation.
Community Partnerships
We partner with local cultural institutions, environmental organizations, and performing arts groups to enrich learning experiences. Collaborations include artist residencies, nature preserve explorations, and intergenerational projects with senior centers. These partnerships extend classroom learning into authentic community contexts.
People
Molly McSherry
Head of School
With 35 years of experience in early childhood education, Molly holds a BA in English/Education and a MA in Early Childhood Education. She has led St. John's for eight years while maintaining active membership in Reggio Emilia and NAEYC organizations.
Jennifer Azzariti
Pedagogical Director
Jennifer has directed Reggio-inspired programs for over 30 years, specializing in atelier culture. She holds degrees from Smith College and has shaped St. John's artistic programming for 25 years while raising two alumni of the school.
Cece Cook
Executive Assistant
A University of Alabama graduate with BS in Psychology, Cece manages school operations while building family connections. She brings extensive educational experience and a passion for supporting children's developmental needs through administrative systems.
Elyse Crown
Lead Teacher
Elyse has taught in Reggio-inspired schools across six states. With a MS in Human Development and experience as a Fulbright scholar, she has guided St. John's Brown Room for seven years while co-chairing the DC Reggio Emilia Alliance.
Lucy Buchanan
Lead Teacher
Lucy combines art history expertise with early childhood education. Holding a MA from University of St Andrews, she creates curriculum that nurtures creativity through museum partnerships and studio art experiences in her Northwest DC classroom.
Questions
What ages do you serve?
We accept children aged 2 through 5 years old in our preschool programs.
What is your student-teacher ratio?
Our classrooms maintain a 5:1 student-teacher ratio with two educators per class.
How do you incorporate Reggio Emilia principles?
We emphasize child-led exploration, environment as the third teacher, and project-based learning through arts and nature.
Do you offer summer programming?
Yes, our summer program runs July-August with nature-based themes and community collaborations.
What are your operating hours?
School operates Monday-Friday 8:30am-3:30pm with flexible drop-off/pickup options.
How do you support family engagement?
We offer quarterly parent workshops, classroom blogs, and regular documentation of children's learning processes.
