In order to pursue its commitment to diversity, the school is located in central Grand Rapids. Children of all races and cultures attend the Grand Rapids Child Discovery Center adjoined to St. Adalbert s Basilica. The Grand Rapids Child Discovery Center has a child-centered emergent curriculum in which Michigan Core Curriculum standards are embedded. Children are encouraged to express ideas in ways that build on their strengths, capabilities and creativity. Adults, children and the environment are all teachers working together.
Conditions are just right for learning.
Assessments are authentic and include demonstrations, projects, role-playing documentation, learning celebrations and multiple intelligences. The early childhood educational system in the city of Reggio Emilia, Italy, provides the inspiration and principles upon which the Center is built. This method of education has been highly acclaimed as an international role model by early childhood educators. Education is based on cooperative interaction. Parents are welcomed and involved in their children's development.