Education Philosophy
We firmly believe that every student deserves a quality education in a nurturing environment that encourages positive relationships, high standards, and equity tailored to individual needs. We are committed to creating safe, inclusive spaces where each student feels valued and empowered to lead their own learning. Our teaching approach revolves around embracing child led interests and abilities to create learning opportunities that are aligned with state standards. We aim to meet individual needs, encourage strengths, and allow for freedom to learn in various styles.
Why Choose Think Garden?
Our program is ideal for students who would benefit from learning through experiences and exploration in ways a traditional school environment usually doesn't provide. We do limited "seat work" and learn while we investigate, manipulate , and move while learning through play experiences.Benefits of our programs include:​​
Experienced Educators:
Our founder and primary education facilitator is a credentialed teacher with a Master's Degree in Early Childhood Education. Our educators bring a wealth of experience in education, ensuring a high-quality learning experience for your child.
Holistic Development: We prioritize the holistic development of each child, fostering not only academic excellence but also social and emotional well-being.
Project Based Teaching Methods:
Our programs incorporate project based teaching methods to make learning enjoyable and effective. We believe in hands-on experiences, interactive lessons, connection with nature and a supportive learning environment.
Transitional Kindergarten :
With a focus on Transitional Kindergarten, we understand the importance of laying a strong foundation for academic success. Our programs are designed to seamlessly transition students into higher grades.
Mixed age learning:
Students learn through peer collaboration, modeling, problem solving and encouraging one another.
Outdoor classroom:
Students will engage with nature on a daily basis, rain or shine!
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TK programs serve children who nearly miss the birth date cut off for traditional school systems ( older 4- 5 yrs. old) or would benefit from a more developmentally appropriate learning environment. Teachers and parents may be familiar with the term " Young 5" which is essentially what a Transitional Kindergartener would be. We are driven to advocate for TK programs that have proven to make a positive impact on early education experiences that lead to a life long love of learning . With a passion for Transitional Kindergarten, we are actively working towards introducing TK programs in Indiana. Drawing on our background and education, we aspire to contribute to the realization of high-quality early education experiences that make a lasting impact on young learners.
Program Offerings
Full-Day Programs:
Immerse your child in a full day of interactive and engaging learning experiences. Our full-day programs cover a well-rounded curriculum designed to foster academic, social, and emotional development.
Half-Day Programs:
For families looking for a flexible option, our half-day programs offer a balanced blend of educational activities, ensuring that your child receives quality instruction while accommodating your schedule.
Enrichment Courses:
Explore our enrichment courses that go beyond the standard curriculum. These courses are designed to spark curiosity, creativity, and a love for learning. From arts and sciences to language development, we offer a diverse range of enriching experiences.
Small Group "Learning Pods":
Our small group learning pods provide an intimate setting for collaborative learning. Students benefit from personalized attention and peer interaction, creating a supportive community for intellectual growth.
Individual Tutoring:
Tailored to the specific needs of each student, our individual tutoring sessions focus on reinforcing foundational skills and addressing areas that require additional attention. Our experienced tutors work closely with students to ensure understanding and mastery of concepts.
Meet the Founder
I'm Vanessa Ridge, a seasoned educator with a passion for early childhood education and a commitment to fostering a love for learning in every child. With over 20 years of experience in various educational settings, I can assure the families we serve that their child will be safe, nurtured, and challenged. They will grow in all areas of development in age appropriate ways.
I hold a teaching credential licensed through the Indiana Department of Education, complemented by a Master's Degree in Early Childhood Education.
My certification as an authorized reading specialist and phonics instructor using the Orton- Gillingham method reflects my dedication to providing top-notch education, particularly for children with dyslexia.My journey in education has been diverse, spanning private centers, public schools, state preschools, Head Start programs, and charter schools. This rich background has given me a broad perspective on child development and the evolving landscape of education.
Thank you for considering Think Garden as your partner in education. We look forward to embarking on this learning journey with you and your child!
