Early Learning Academy
Early Learning Academy

Early Learning Academy in Colma

Nurturing children from two years old through Pre-Kindergarten, Early Learning Academy, located nearby Hilldale's main campus, fosters cognitive and social growth through hands-on and academic learning. Children explore their interests, build independence, and develop essential skills while igniting lifelong curiosity.

Our curriculum

Our curriculum is designed to "feed the brain" with fun, engaging activities. Using the Saxon curriculum "I Wonder, I Discover, and I Explore" we challenge children while fostering creativity and curiosity.

Language development

Sparking a lifelong love of language

Children immerse themselves in language through playful and engaging activities that expand their vocabulary and communication skills. Through storytelling, reading aloud, nursery rhymes and songs, they develop listening, phonemic awareness, phonics, comprehension and fine motor skills. These early experiences set the stage for a love of reading and language.

Language development

Mathematical reasoning and number sense

Building strong foundations through play

Our youngest learners explore objects and shapes, discovering fundamental math concepts such as sorting, pattern recognition, and measurement. They begin to understand addition and subtraction in hands-on, meaningful ways. This playful exploration of numbers sets them on the path to becoming confident problem solvers.

Mathematical reasoning and number sense

Orientation in time and space

Discovering the world and how it moves

Children gain an intuitive understanding of time and space through exploration and interactive activities. They learn to use time-related language and build awareness of the passage of time. Using simple maps and geographic activities, they begin to understand the world around them with confidence and curiosity.

Orientation in time and space

Scientific reasoning and the physical world

Exploring, experimenting, and understanding the world

Children discover the wonders of the natural and material world through observation and experimentation. They explore key scientific concepts by making predictions, conducting simple experiments, and expressing their observations. This hands-on approach encourages critical thinking and ignites a passion for science and discovery.

Scientific reasoning and the physical world

Music

Learning through rhythm, sound, and song

Children develop auditory skills and an ear for rhythm through music, supporting their phonemic awareness and language development. Whether singing songs, moving to different rhythms, or exploring various musical styles, they learn important social, cognitive, and memory skills that will benefit them in all areas of learning.

Music

Visual arts

Expressing ideas through color, shape, and texture

Young learners express themselves through art, experimenting with various materials and techniques. This creative process strengthens fine motor skills while also fostering a deeper appreciation for artistic expression. As they reflect on their work, they develop their language skills and learn to articulate their creative thoughts.

Visual arts

Movement & coordination

Growing strong through movement and play

Students benefit from movement and physical play that help refine coordination, improve motor skills, and boost body awareness. Through both individual and group activities, they practice teamwork, social interaction, and emotional expression. These experiences contribute to healthy physical and emotional development.

Movement & coordination

Autonomy and social skills

Learning to connect, cooperate, and contribute

Students through structured group activities learn to manage their actions, collaborate with peers, and work toward shared goals. Emphasis on responsibility, self-discipline, and positive social interactions prepares them to thrive in both academic and social settings.

Autonomy and social skills

Work habits

Building independence and lifelong habits

Children develop critical work habits such as organization, persistence, and self-reflection. They learn to follow steps, complete tasks independently, and evaluate their work. These skills form the foundation for a positive, proactive approach to future learning.

Work habits

Critical thinking skills

Asking questions, making connections, solving problems

Children develop critical thinking skills through engaging activities by exploring cause and effect, solving problems, and drawing conclusions based on evidence. This nurturing of logical thought helps them build the problem-solving skills necessary for academic success and beyond.

Critical thinking skills

A typical day at school in our Early Learning Academy

Each day at our Early Learning Academy in Colma is filled with learning opportunities for growth and exploration. While schedules differ across age groups, here's a glimpse of what takes place between lessons in our Early Learning Academy.

Core pillars of learning

At Early Learning Academy - ELA, our youngest learners spark curiosity and develop social-emotional skills gaining independence. Through our early core learning pillars, they engage in an accelerated program, build connection with peers, and thrive in a multilingual environment, with progress carefully measured through observation.

Academic achievement
Academic achievement

Enjoy intentional learning that develops skills, supports each child's growth, and carefully measures their progress.

Life competencies
Life competencies

Gain essential life skills to thrive in learning and development.

Multilingualism
Multilingualism

Grow confidently in English and Mandarin while continuing to develop their home language.

Next stop, Hilldale!

Early Learning Academy prepares children for Hilldale School. Conveniently located just a short distance apart, children can seamlessly progress into the next stage of their learning journey at Hilldale.

Our dedicated Early Learning Academy team

Veronica Vasquez

Veronica Vasquez

Director ELA

Aike Wong

Aike Wong

ELA Educator

Coleen Bautista

Coleen Bautista

ELA Educator

Erlinda Meehlieb

Erlinda Meehlieb

ELA Educator

Lakisha Barnes

Lakisha Barnes

ELA Educator

Polly Chen

Polly Chen

ELA Educator

War-War Kyaw

War-War Kyaw

ELA Educator

Early Learning Academy

398 F Street, Colma, CA 94014

When to enroll?

Students' unique learning needs are supported from the start. Begin a transformative journey with us, apply any time of the year.

Inquire now

Foster a love for learning from the start at Hilldale’s nurturing Early Learning Academy, located in Colma. Ask us about the admission process.

Inquire now

Accreditation