Every day at Tenacre begins with a handshake as the head of school greets arriving students. This act of trust and personal attention sets the tone for all that follows. At Tenacre, we embrace the elementary years. As a Pre-K through Grade 6 coed school, we offer a dynamic and exciting environment in which children progressively develop critical thinking skills, become confident and joyful learners, and move forward into higher education and life as caring citizens.
At the heart of our educational philosophy is the critical need to balance nurture and challenge. Nurture, particularly in the younger years, allows children to grow, feel safe, and develop an empowering sense of confidence--"I can do it." Challenge takes on a greater role as students welcome the opportunity to prove themselves in many difficult learning situations.
Every child at Tenace is a full participant, a valued contributor to our vibrant community. In classrooms, on our playing fields, in art, music, and drama, our students are actively engaged in their own education. It is our belief that when every child has multiple opportunities to succeed, every child can and will succeed.
Our proudest tradition is that of valuing every student. We are a small school where everyone knows each other, where academics, creativity, and good citizenship are high achievements to strive toward, and where children learn firsthand the rewards and responsibilities of being part of a community.
Our focus is on the total child. The goal is to respond to the academic, emotional, physical, social, and moral dimensions of each child with a unique philosophy that creatively combines traditional and innovative elements of elementary education.
This popular program is for children four years of age by the start of camp who are ready to stay a whole day on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday (8:25 a.m. – 3:15 p.m.) and a half day on Tuesday and Thursday (8:25 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.). This group pursues many of the regular full day camp activities in a schedule modified by two half days.
Coed groups are led by Head Counselors with early childhood experience. The campers may work with clay, pursue art, music, yoga and craft activities; take instructional swim lessons; play sports and games; and learn about nature. Their time is planned and their experiences are varied.
Each group of four year olds has their own home-base classroom that they meet in throughout the day. Group size is 12-20 children.
Our daughter made so much progress in the swimming program - we were so impressed not just with her actual swimming, but also with the confidence and enthusiasm about swimming she gained!
Extended Afternoons (optional): $25/day from 1pm - 3:15pm
8-Week Discount: 5% off the total tuition Sibling Discount for 2 children: 5% off the 2nd child ; Each camper must attend for 6+ weeks of camp Sibling Discount for 3 or more children: 5% off the 2nd child ; 10% off the 3rd, 4th child ; Each camper must attend for 3+ weeks of camp
We believe that swimming is an important life-saving skill and we continually get top marks for our swim program. THE FOURS have a swim lesson each day, and most 4 year olds swim 1:1. THE FOURS also have a recreational swim time on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday afternoon. The swim staff is entirely separate from the counseling staff, and all members of the swim staff hold Lifeguard Training (LGT) certification, and most hold Water Safety Instructor (WSI) certification. On the first day of each week, the new campers are tested for their swimming ability, and at the end of each child's enrollment in camp, an evaluation of progress is sent home in the form of a swim report.
The Four's program maintains a 1 counselor to every 5 children plus an adult Activity Specialist. Each group of 4-year-olds is led by a Head Counselor that has early childhood experience.
Extended Afternoons are available on Tuesdays & Thursdays from 1:00 p.m. - 3:15 p.m. ($25 / day) Aftercamp Child Care is available until 6:00 p.m.
Children enrolled in the Extended Afternoons on Tuesdays and Thursdays may stay for Aftercamp. Children that leave at 1:00 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursday, may stay for Aftercamp on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays.
Minimum Enrollment There is a 2-week minimum in the Day Camp (June 22 - August 21), and the 2 weeks must be consecutive. Single weeks can be added before or after the 2 consecutive weeks. If you want to enroll your child in one (1) single week of the camp, we will not be able to confirm the one one week request until mid May. Enrolling for two-weeks gives children the chance to settle into camp, get to know new friends, and experience all of the camp activities. We find that campers who participate in multiple weeks of camp improve their skills and feel more confident in their abilities. The Rising Star Sports sessions do not qualify.
Tenacre Day Camp is accredited by the American Camp Association (ACA), and is celebrating more than 40 years of providing a safe, fun, wonderful day camp experience for children.