Discovering the Sunset Hills Learning Center Programs

Sunset Hills Learning Center provides diverse programs designed to nurture children's growth and development from age 2 through kindergarten enrichment. With a focus on creating a fun, engaging, and educational environment, Sunset Hills offers a variety of classes and activities tailored to different age groups and interests.

Early Childhood Programs

Sunset Hills Nursery School offers classes tailored to specific age groups, each designed to meet the developmental needs of the children. Enrollment opportunities begin at age 2.

Two-Year-Old Class: Introduction to Learning

The two-year-old class serves as an introduction to a classroom setting. It helps children learn basic classroom rules while ensuring they have fun. Activities include crafts, snack time, play in the Big Room, and story time. Potty training is not required for this class. The class runs from 9:00 am to 11:00 am.

Three-Year-Old Class: Gentle Introduction to the Classroom

For many students, the three-year-old class is their first experience in a classroom setting. The program features a gentle routine designed to encourage participation from children of all personalities, ensuring a comfortable environment for everyone. It is preferred that children are potty trained before entering this program. The class is available for three days a week, either in the morning (Monday/Wednesday/Thursday or Tuesday/Wednesday/Friday) or afternoon (Monday/Wednesday/Thursday). Morning sessions run from 9:00 am to 11:30 am, and afternoon sessions run from 12:30 pm to 3:00 pm.

Four-Year-Old Class: Child-Centered Learning

The four-year-old curriculum is child-centered and responsive to individual interests and needs. The goal is to prepare children for kindergarten and ensure their success. Recognizing that children learn at different paces and in different ways, the program aims to make learning fun and challenging. The class meets four days a week (Monday-Thursday) in either morning (9:00 am - 11:30 am) or afternoon (12:30 pm - 3:00 pm) sessions.

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Four-Year-Old Fun Friday: Themed Learning

This program is designed for families interested in extending their child's school week. Each Friday features a different theme to engage students in fun topics as they progress through the alphabet, such as Snow Day, Game Day, Umbrella Day, and Art Day. The class runs on Friday mornings from 9:00 am to 11:30 am.

Five-Year-Old Class: Pre-Kindergarten Exploration

Designed for children who are 4 1/2 by September 1st of the school year, this pre-kindergarten environment provides an opportunity for continued growth and maturation. The program involves active exploration and discovery learning through play and activities that offer an intellectual challenge. This is achieved by matching each child's cognitive developmental level with appropriate learning activities. The class meets five days a week (Monday-Friday) in either morning (9:00 am - 11:30 am) or afternoon (12:30 pm - 3:00 pm) sessions.

Enrichment Programs

Sunset Hills Learning Center also offers enrichment programs to enhance the learning experience.

Kindergarten Enrichment: Play and Exploration

The Kindergarten Enrichment class offers a time for play and exploration. Activities include creating in the kitchen, visits from outside experts, art projects, walks to the park, science experiments, and creative play. This program is open to all Kindergarten-aged children and is offered Monday through Thursday afternoons. Participants can choose the number of days to attend. The class runs from 12:30 pm to 3:30 pm. An optional Lunch Bunch is available starting at 11:30 am.

Kindergarten Enrichment Lunch Bunch: Socializing and Fun

Offered in conjunction with Kindergarten Enrichment, the KE Lunch Bunch provides a time for Kindergartners to unwind from their morning at school and socialize with friends. Children bring their own lunch to enjoy, followed by free time in the Big Room. The cost is $25 per day per week, per month (e.g., $25 for 1 day a week, $50 for 2 days a week). It runs from 11:30 am to 12:30 pm. Note: No NUTS or nut butter sandwiches for lunch are allowed.

Lunch Bunch: Fostering Independence

Lunch Bunch offers children enrolled in the 3s, 4s, and 5s classes the opportunity to stay for lunch on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. Children bring a lunch to eat at school with friends, fostering independence and self-esteem. After lunch, they play in the Big Room. The cost is $12.00 per day, from 11:30 am to 12:30 pm for both morning and afternoon classes. Please note that NUTS and nut butter sandwiches are not allowed.

Daily Activities

A typical day at Sunset Hills Learning Center includes a variety of activities designed to stimulate learning and development.

Child-Directed Period

Students can move freely about the classroom centers, which offer puzzles, blocks, manipulatives, dramatic play, a housekeeping center, art table, and resource stations.

Circle Time

Children gather together for stories, songs, finger plays, and other group learning activities.

Snack Time

Children take turns serving snack, which begins with a blessing. The blessing is: "We thank you Lord for many things, for the flowers that bloom, and the birds that sing. For the sun that shines, and the moon that glows, for family and friends, and rainbows."

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Big Room Activities

Every class spends time in the Big Room, where they can engage in activities such as riding tricycles, using the balance beam, rocking horses, basketball hoop, a slide, and climbing equipment. These activities foster gross motor skills and imaginative play.

Special Programs

Each month, children participate in interactive programs with varying themes in science, yoga, and library.

Field Trips

Field trips provide enriching experiences outside the classroom.

Regular Field Trips

Parents accompany their 4 and 5-year-old children on two field trips during the school year: one to Simmons Farm in the fall and one to the Pittsburgh Zoo in the spring.

All School Field Trip

There is an "All School Field Trip" to the Carnegie Science Center in March for all age groups and their caregivers.

Community Involvement

Teachers from the community enrich the programs by sharing their talents throughout the year. They bring their love of science, nature, art, music, dance, exercise, fire safety, good health, nutrition, and many other areas of interest to the children.

Enrollment Information

Families already enrolled at Sunset Hills Nursery School are given first choice for enrollment for the following school year. Enrollment starts in February. Tuition for current students must be paid up to date before registration forms can be accepted.

Enrollment for the 2025-2026 school year starts on Wednesday, January 29, 2025, for returning families and Alumni. Enrollment for new families starts on Wednesday, February 5, 2025.

Child Age Enrollment Cut Off Dates

Children enrolling in the 2-year-old class must be 2 years old by September.

Additional Information

To truly appreciate the value of the programs, scheduling a visit is highly recommended to see firsthand how much fun the children have playing, learning, and growing. The center enjoys helping children take their first step into school learning. Enrollment is possible throughout the year, provided there is space available in the desired class. Contact Sunset Hills Learning Center to schedule a visit.

Golf Rewards Program

Sunset Hills also offers a rewards program for golf enthusiasts at Mecklenburg County Pro Shops.

New for 2025! Enjoy the Game then Enjoy the Rewards!

Join our new rewards program just as simple as 1, 2, 3!

) Pay $20 to join. Visit any of the Mecklenburg County Pro Shops and buy into the program.
) Make a purchase at a Meck County Golf Course. For every dollar you spend, a percentage gets credited to your account in points.
) Redeem your Rewards! 1,000 points = $1.00 credit to be used towards a future purchase!
) Get access to Exclusive Golf+Food & Beverage Deals! Add a Beer for a $1.00 to any Range Bucket or add lunch to your round for $8.00!

Stop by one of our Golf Shop's today and start earning! *Alcoholic Beverages not Eligible for Rewards Points. **Offer valid on 18-hole rates at participating courses & 9-hole play at Charles L.

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