Auburn Day School’s Educational Philosophy: Brain development from 0-5 is crucial to lifelong success and we take our charge very seriously. We believe every child is capable with limitless potential! Our concept-based curriculum is intentionally designed to ignite children's natural curiosity, with a strong focus on Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM). Students engage in hands-on, developmentally appropriate activities that engage and challenge. Our expert teachers facilitate instruction to help students build independence, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills that set them up for a lifetime of academic and social success.
​Faculty Qualifications:Our dedicated teachers are highly qualified! 100% of Auburn Day School lead teachers hold degrees, with several holding master's degrees. Half of our assistant teachers also hold degrees and the others are pursuing degrees. Our team’s diverse educational backgrounds include early childhood education, speech pathology, reading, gifted education, music education, human development and more. This variety ensures a rich, well-rounded learning experience for our students.
Social and Emotional Development:Social and emotional growth is a priority here. We help children develop strong relationships, communicate effectively, and navigate challenges. With shared social-emotional vocabulary used throughout the school, students gain the tools they need to express their feelings and resolve conflicts. Our goal is to help children become independent, self-reliant problem-solvers.
A Typical Day at Auburn Day School:Each day is thoughtfully planned to inspire curiosity and deepen understanding. In the STEM morning program, children explore independently, participate in whole group lessons, and engage in hands-on STEM, language, and art activities. Outdoor play, snacks, and music lessons enhance and extend learning. After lunch, students enjoy more outdoor exploration and concept-based centers, with time for rest and relaxation.
Discipline and Behavior Management:At Auburn Day School, we focus on positive behavior management. With small class sizes and experienced teachers, we can address behavior issues calmly and effectively. Instead of time-outs, we offer calming spaces and logical consequences to help children learn from their actions. Parents are involved only if a pattern of behavior requires additional support.
Parent Involvement and Communication:We believe in keeping parents involved and informed. Daily photo and video updates give you a glimpse into your child’s day, along with insights into what they’re learning. We also host performances and special events throughout the year, and parents are encouraged to share their talents and expertise with us.
Safety and Health Policies:Your child’s safety and health are our top priorities. We maintain a 5:1 student-teacher ratio, use electronic check-in/out systems, and maintain consistent radio communication between teachers. Our cleaning and health protocols are thorough, helping us maintain a safe and healthy environment.
Kindergarten Readiness:At Auburn Day School, we prepare children for more than just kindergarten—we set them up for a lifetime of academic and social success. We teach basic skills indirectly through our carefully designed curriculum and instruction which we rebuild each year based on the needs of the current students. we begin building the foundational cognitive skills or literacy and numeracy from the very start. And without using any worksheets, 80% of our 23-24 Graduates left ADS reading! Additionally, our students graduate with foundational math skills (one-to-one correspondence, ordinality, compare and contrast, nonstandard measurement, and more) science skills and the confidence and support to take academic risks and think in "out-of-the-box" ways. We encourage critical thinking, problem-solving, and independence. Our hands-on approach helps children gain the knowledge, vocabulary, and confidence they need to thrive in school and beyond.
Class Sizes and Ratios: We pride ourselves on small class sizes and intentionally maintain a 5:1 student-to-teacher ratio, allowing for personalized attention and tailored learning experiences which serves early childhood students BEST. Our student-to-teacher ratios are not only lower than what is required in Alabama -they are lower than those of ANY state in the country.
Special Needs and Allergies: We welcome children with a wide range of needs and talents. While our program may not be suitable for every child, we easily accommodate dietary needs and work with families to ensure each student’s unique needs are met.
Snacks: We provide healthy snacks every morning and afternoon, including whole grains, fresh fruit, and protein. Please send your child with a full water bottle, and rest assured that we do not offer any candy or sugary drinks.
Vaccine Guidelines: As of October 1, 2024, Auburn Day School will only accept vaccinated students.
Schedule a Tour: We’d love to meet you! The enrollment process for the 2025-26 Academic Year begins on October 1, 2024.
If you are an educator interested in visiting our lab school or participating in professional development with auburn day school, please Email Director, Katie Murrah.