About our School

Our
Vision

A non-profit organization founded in 1997, and administered by a parent board of current students, our program is designed to hold the standards that all children deserve love, attention, and nurturing, as well as a safe environment that allows them to explore and grow. At The Shining Stars School, we allow children to have hands-on learning experiences which foster age-appropriate development. We read to the children every day. We believe that positive reinforcement is important for children to develop self-esteem. Children need an environment that supports free expression and stimulates learning. Most importantly, however, we believe that children need to have fun!

All children can learn.

Children learn best when they are safe, supported and cared for.

We value the uniqueness of all individuals.

Family/community involvement are integral to student success.

All children are capable of becoming contributing members of society at large.

Our
Philosophy

Classroom Curriculum

Our curriculum is an adaptation of The Creative Curriculum developed by educators Diane T. Dodge and Laura Colker. It is a comprehensive curriculum based on the theories of the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). We also use the Zoo-phonics program as an introduction for our students, as this program is also used in the Kindergarten classroom and in the Park City School District.

What is a cooperative preschool?

Discover and grow, together

We recognize that some parents seek out a higher level of involvement in their child's education. In fact, we believe that parents being involved in the classroom and school community is one of the greatest gifts of joining a cooperative preschool. During your student's "Special Day", you and your child are there in the classroom from morning teacher prep until clean-up after school. Your child gets special privileges, such as being the line leader, beginning opening and closing circle, helping with the weather report and daily calendar activities during circle time, helping to set out snack, etc. It's a wonderful time to share with your child, and is definitely time well spent!

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Meet our Teachers

If a school is only as good as its teachers, then Shining Stars is one of the best.

Red Star Teacher

Ms. Melissa

Melissa is originally from Orange County, California, where she attended Chapman University. She graduated with a BA in Sociology and then went back to get her Multiple Subject (Grades K-6th) teaching credential with an emphasis in Reading. Melissa has lived in Park City for 16 years with her husband, Chris, and their three kids. When not teaching, she loves to spend time with her family, read or go for a great run or hike!

Red Star Teacher

Ms. Kristi

Kristi is originally from Northern California, where she attended San Francisco State University. She graduated with a BA in Psychology and Criminal Justice and then went back to get her Multiple Subject (Grades K-6th) teaching credential with an emphasis in Reading. Kristi has lived in Park City for 12 years with her husband, Todd, and their two kids, Hudson and Reese. When not teaching, she loves to spend time with her family, cooking, gardening and hiking.

Blue Star Teacher

Ms. Amanda

Amanda grew up in the north Dallas area and graduated from the University of North Texas with a degree in Interdisciplinary Studies (Early Childhood-8th Grade certifications). She taught 4th grade for six years in Georgetown ISD and moved to Park City in 2016 with her husband, Paulo, and their little ones. When not teaching, she loves spending time with her family, hiking, and enjoying the outdoors!

Blue Star Teacher

Ms. Rachel

Rachel grew up in Salt Lake City and graduated from the University of Utah with a degree in Elementary Education. She taught Kindergarten at Rowland Hall in Salt Lake City before moving to Park City, where she taught 1st grade at the Weilenmann School of Discovery. Rachel has lived in Park City for ten years with her husband, James, and their two energetic little boys. When not teaching, she loves exploring our beautiful mountain town and adventuring with her boys!

Our Board

We are proud to be a cooperative preschool, which means that our parent board of current students play a significant role in how our school runs. Alongside our trained teachers and staff, our board helps make Shining Stars School a warm, loving, and supportive environment in which to learn and grow.