Our Mission
Burlington Little School believes that children are unique and capable partners in constructing and developing their own learning through passionate, creative, and respectful support. Within a natural and familiar environment, we provide meaningful, real-world, hands-on learning experiences that promote social relationships and critical thinking. Our roles as adults are to provide a compassionate, safe, nurturing atmosphere that allows and creates opportunities for discovery, joy, risk-taking, and a love of learning. We believe that Burlington Little School provides a foundation for confident, resilient people who can reach their full potential and who will impact the world in positive ways. BLS strives to celebrate diversity and encourage awareness of others' perspectives and cultures. We believe in the importance of exposing students to the arts, including music, drama, dance, and literature.
We are dedicated to providing high-quality early learning in a way that is accessible to the community, and most importantly, appropriate for healthy development.
Our Philosophy
At Burlington Little School, we hold a strong belief in creating a nurturing space for students, fostering a safe, caring, and challenging learning environment that caters to each child's unique developmental level. We cherish the inherent value and significance of every individual, regardless of age, gender, race, religion, abilities, or cultural heritage.
Burlington Little School believes in:
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Providing students with a safe, caring, and challenging learning environment based on each child’s developmental level.
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The worth and importance of each individual regardless of age, gender, race, religion, abilities, or cultural heritage. Our curriculum strives to celebrate diversity as well as encourage awareness of other perspectives.
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Exposing students to the arts, including music, drama, dance, and literature.
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The importance of and exposure to the outdoors and natural environments
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A child-based curriculum using authentic, hands-on life experiences and projects.
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Encouraging problem solving strategies through the use of language, reasoning, caring and cooperation.
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Helping children make appropriate choices through instruction, practice, support and recognition.
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Developing the values of trust, respect, cooperation, and honor.
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The importance of family involvement in the education process.
Our History
Burlington Little School is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that focuses on the healthy development of toddler & preschool-aged children. In 1979 Bruce Campbell, a nationally known author and proponent of Howard Gardner’s Multiple Intelligence Theory, teamed with some like-minded parents to establish Burlington Little School. These families wanted to provide an educational experience for their children that differed from what public schools were offering at the time. The school originally offered preschool through eighth grade classes and occupied the old Burlington Carnegie Library Building. The philosophies, practices, and procedures were modeled after The Little School in Bellevue, Washington; hence the name Burlington Little School. Throughout the years, the school has experienced many changes and modifications. In 1991 BLS moved to the current Gardner Road location, and in 1995-1996, a major remodeling project transformed the school into the wonderful learning environment existing today. In 2013, Burlington Little School became a fully licensed child-care center. At present, BLS is a licensed Early Learning Center, offering classes for children 12 months- 6 years of age.
