Spanish Immersion Preschool to Celebrate Grand Opening Tomorrow

The Pine Village Preschool, a Spanish immersion school with locations throughout the greater Boston area, is opening a new school in Needham and will host an open house tomorrow, July 10, at 65 Fourth Avenue. The event will include music, food, arts and crafts and informational tours of the school.

The open house will serve as an opportunity for parents of prospective students to see the space, ask questions and learn more about the school's philosophy.

"It's really a play-based philosophy," said director Jacie Feinberg. "The kids learn through doing and through their play. We're naturally introducing them to the language through facial expressions, gestures, movement…instead of directly translating. It gets really fun."

Pine Village Preschool was established in 2001, when its founders joined forces after having run family child care centers. The school has expanded since that time, with five current locations and three more opening this fall.

"We really want to create a sense of community and a neighborhood feel," said Feinberg. "We want locations that are connected with the community. It's important for us to be able to go on walks and connect with our partners."

Introducing children to Spanish at a young age, Feinberg said, "would be giving them a cultural edge and a global attitude, really opening up the world for them."

Equally important is the school's emphasis on social skills such as sharing, turn taking, and developing empathy. Feinberg noted the seven-step anti-bullying curriculum that has been successful at the Newton school, where she has served as director. She also stresses Pine Village's small class sizes and its focus on the individual development of each child.

"We have a strong team of educators here," Feinberg said. "They have a true love for children and a passion for their work."

In addition to the open house, the Needham school will be hosting a Spanish music and craft hour on Tuesday, July 13. For more information on events or enrollment, visit www.mybilingualpreschool.com or call Britta Bakas, enrollment director, at 617-721-3234.