Beehive is a play-based preschool that encourages children to become independent thinkers and explore learning through their interests. The school’s mission is to nurture the whole child by supporting academic, social, emotional, and physical growth; create school readiness; and foster parent involvement in their child's education. Beehive teachers facilitate play-based learning in combination with established educational curricula, while parents have the unique opportunity to be actively involved in their child’s educational community.
Children's education is enhanced when teachers and parents work together to support learning and development. Teachers and Parents at Beehive are guided by the following beliefs about children and learning:
Through interaction with the physical and social environment at Beehive, children will:
Julie began her affiliation with Beehive 5 years ago as a "working parent" when her daughter joined Beehive’s preschool class. Her presence in the school gradually increased through her work as both a substitute and enrichment teacher, including piloting the school’s ‘Sparkle School,’ an arts and project-based learning enrichment program. This year Julie is leading our PreK program. Prior to Beehive, Julie was a preschool teacher in Austin, TX, is also a certified Tinkergarten leader and earned her Elementary Education Certification from CU Boulder.
Shannah discovered Beehive when she was looking for a play-based preschool for her second child and immediately fell in love with the cooperative model, where families and teachers collaborate for the best environment for the child. She was involved first as a working parent and then as a board member before finding her place as the preschool teacher this year. She brings a broad background to Beehive’s preschool classroom: Shannah worked as a certified public school teacher working with kinder through third-grade children with disabilities in a structured learning classroom, as a Kinder music teacher, and a preschool teacher. Most recently, she has begun training to be a Dyslexia Therapist in her off hours. Shannah believes strongly in the value of early education that is research-based, child-centered, and family-oriented. When she’s not at school, Shannah enjoys reading, writing, crafting, and spending time with her three young children and their menagerie of animals and enjoys being a part of the West University community.
Anna has been a part of our Beehive community for 3 years as a parent and board member for the last 2 years most recently as our board President. Her love and passion for early education began when she became a part of the Beehive Community observing, participating and engaging with students, parents and teachers for the past few years. Anna is excited to lead our school, her extensive knowledge of Beehive has helped prepare her for this role. She has a background in graphic design and marketing. She is excited to implement her expertise and continue her growth and love for early childhood education. As a fluent Spanish speaker, Anna is excited to bring a Spanish enrichment program to our school. Anna has lived in Houston for over 25 years and grew up in the West University neighborhood. When she is not at school, Anna enjoys traveling, gardening, spending time with her son and family at parks, and being active in the community.
Beehive children enjoy a beautiful balance of child-directed, playful learning and teacher-directed academic support. Children grow confident in their abilities as learners while experiencing school as a fun place to be!