"Daniel Island Academy is home for my son while we work, and I do not doubt that he is taken care of, loved, taught, and respected. The curriculum is challenging and self-directed. It amazes me what he comes home knowing, and I feel so fortunate for him to have those educational experiences at this age. this age.

I trust the school with my most precious gift."

                      Olivia, DIA Parent

Daniel Island Academy Programs

A variety of age and developmentally appropriate programs to serve the needs of children ages 1-6 years, including Kindergarten, are available at Daniel Island Academy. Additionally, Full Day programs are offered at 10-month and 12-month options. Please review the following programs to determine your particular needs. Download School Brochure

  • Full-Day (FD) programs are a great option if you work full-time or enjoy the flexibility of having care available when you need it. The school is open Monday-Friday from 6:30 a.m. until 6:00 p.m. to accommodate early or late office hours.

  • Half-Day (HD) programs are a great solution for parents who want to spend time at home with their children but still want them to benefit from a structured school environment. Half-Day programs vary in number of days per week based upon a child's age, as follows:                                         Summer of Discovery is educational - and fun!

    •  Two Year Olds - (2) Days per week, Tuesday and Thursday

    • Three Year Olds - (3) Days per week, Monday, Wednesday and Friday

    • Four Year Olds - (5) Days per week, Monday - Friday

  • Mother's Morning  Out (MMO) is offered Monday - Friday from 9:00 a.m. until Noon, for ages one year through three years. It is suited for parents who need the flexibility to set a different schedule each week or create a set schedule that fits their needs. Parents may also schedule periodic care as needed over the course of the year. MMO follows the Creative Curriculum taught in all Half Day classrooms, and serves as an ideal transition class for parents waiting for a Half Day or Full Day program opening. MMO Flyer   Click here to read about Martha Smith, Lead Teacher for the Mother's Morning Out Program

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  • DIA Enrichment Programs - Daniel Island Academy enjoys cooperative relationships with many quality enrichment program operators. Both Half Day and Full Day students have the opportunity to participate in a wide variety of exciting supplemental classes.  Current Enrichment Programs

  • Summer of Discovery - DIA's fun filled school-wide  curriculum during June and July encourages a relaxed summer time "Discovery" of interactive themes. Summer of Discovery is included in the Full Day 12-month enrollment option, and is optional for Half Day and Full Day 10-month enrollments. Summer of Discovery is also open to "summer only" enrollments and may be reserved on a weekly basis (certain class and age requirements).

School Communications - Communicating with parents about school programs and each child’s progress is very important. Therefore, we utilize a number of modes to ensure proper and timely communication. We encourage you to communicate any questions or improvement areas promptly to ensure each family’s experience at Daniel Island Academy is a pleasant one. 

  • DIA Parent Handbook: The DIA Parent Handbook is the primary method of communicating our school’s policies. Please keep this handbook in a safe place and refer to it first when a question or concern arises. In our effort to publish the most complete and current resource, new information is added from time to time.  Click here to download Handbook.

  • Classroom Handbook: Your child’s teacher will provide you with a handbook specific to their classroom that will include the teacher’s background, classroom curriculum, daily classroom schedule, classroom procedures, and discipline and guidance information.

  • Teacher Newsletters: A weekly and/or monthly newsletter will be issued by the teacher outlining an overview of the class activities and important information for the week.

  • Room Parents: Each classroom has a volunteer Room Parent who will be your point of contact for your child’s classroom. Teachers and Administration work closely with each Room Parent to ensure that communication to and from the school is conveyed and received in a timely manner.  Please consider joining PADIA (the parent's association). 

  • Daily Report: A daily report will be sent home for those children in the Pre-Toddler and Toddler programs. A note or information log is prepared by your child’s teacher to inform you about the day’s events. For our older children, daily notes will be sent home on an as needed basis.

  • Conferences: Parents of students in both Full-Day and Half-Day programs will have two formal parent/teacher conferences per school year to discuss each child’s progress and accomplishments in the classroom. In addition to our formally scheduled conferences, parents may request a conference any time to discuss any concerns. Mother’s Morning Out conferences will be scheduled at your request or as needed.

  • Home to School: You may communicate with teachers and administration through email, phone/voice mail, and scheduled conferences. Please check the sign in/out clipboard located in each classroom daily for additional information. Each teacher’s classroom handbook details specific preferences on methods of communication.  You may also visit www.creativecurriculum.net to experience a more in depth look into your child’s classroom. 

  • DIA website: Our school website, www.danielislandacademy.com, contains a wealth of useful and up to date information, including the most current version of the DIA Parent Handbook in the form download section.

  • Improvement Areas: Any questions, concerns, or suggestions relating to the operations of Daniel Island Academy can be addressed to the Academy Director, Kerry Nowosielski, kerry@danielislandacademy.com