Welcome to Umoja Academy where learning is fun through playing for children to explore, discover through nurturing their curiosity, confidence and compassion for life.
Mission Statement
Umoja Academy Preschool is dedicated to fostering the holistic development of every child—mind, body, and spirit—within a joyful, community-centered environment. Our mission is to nurture curiosity, confidence, and compassion by embracing the principle of Umoja (Unity), ensuring that every child feels valued, connected, and prepared to be a cooperative, lifelong learner.
2. Vision Statement
To be the premier early childhood learning community recognized for embodying Umoja; a place where children, families, and educators work in seamless partnership to cultivate intellectually vibrant and socially empathetic young citizens who thrive in an increasingly diverse world.
3. Educational Philosophy
The Umoja Academy Preschool educational philosophy is built upon three pillars: Holistic Development, Play-Based Learning, and Social-Emotional Excellence.
A. Holistic and Child-Centered Approach
We recognize that children develop across interconnected domains—cognitive, physical, social, emotional, and spiritual. Our curriculum is child-centered, meaning that learning experiences are tailored to the individual pace, interests, and readiness of each student. We strive to educate the whole child, creating balance and resilience.
B. Play-Based and Experiential Learning
We believe that play is a child’s most powerful vehicle for learning. Our classrooms are intentionally designed as laboratories for exploration, where children engage in structured and unstructured play that allows them to:
- Develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills (Cognitive).
- Master fine and gross motor skills (Physical).
- Understand mathematical and scientific concepts through manipulation (Cognitive).
C. Cultivating Social-Emotional Excellence (Umoja in Action)
The heart of our approach is building community. We prioritize social and emotional learning to help children understand the meaning of Umoja. Through guided group activities, role-playing, and gentle conflict resolution, we explicitly teach:
- Empathy: Understanding and sharing the feelings of others.
- Cooperation and Sharing: Working together toward a common goal.
- Self-Regulation: Identifying and managing strong emotions in healthy ways.
By fostering these skills, we prepare children not just for academic success, but for successful and meaningful interactions in their primary schooling and beyond.
4. School Culture
The culture at Umoja Academy is defined by Respect (Heshima), Joy, and Collaborative Partnership. It is the living expression of our philosophy and is maintained through the commitment of our staff, students, and families.
Every member of our community—from the youngest student to the staff member and visiting parents treated with Heshima (deep respect). This means:
- Valuing Differences: We celebrate the unique backgrounds, languages, and abilities of every family. Our environment is welcoming, inclusive, and anti-bias.
- Respectful Communication: We use positive guidance and modeling, speaking calmly and kindly, even during moments of conflict or frustration.
A gallery of activities at the Umoja Academy with children and parents involved.
Umoja Academy 