Pando Little School

Pando Little School is more than just a preschool. We are a community of individuals dedicated to excellence in early childhood education. Our primary work is with the children and families enrolled in our preschool program where we tinker, play, explore, and love. In addition to our work in the classroom, we collaborate with educators, organizations, elementary schools, and individuals across the state who care deeply about improving early childhood education in New Mexico.

Pando's philosophy is simple: Children are valued community members, capable of constructing their own understanding of the world.

Our classroom is a collaborative, interdisciplinary space that empowers children to engage their imagination, draw meaning from their own experiences, and participate in their community. Our school's curriculum generates opportunities for children and teachers to tinker, express themselves, and research their interests in a project-based environment.

At Pando, children:

FEEL SAFE, LOVED, AND SUCCESSFUL

Before anything else, children must feel safe, loved, and successful. Teachers at Pando come to love and appreciate each child in their care. Through this relationship, teachers and children develop a nuanced understanding of one another, enabling teachers to create a rich experience for every child.

LEARN IN COMMUNITY

We regard each child as inextricably entwined with their family, culture, peer group, and community. This web of relationships in which each of us lives is a resource we constantly strive to engage for the betterment of your child.

ENGAGE ISSUES OF SOCIAL JUSTICE

We respect and support children's efforts to understand our complex society. We do this by cultivating in children the ability to empathize and adopt differing perspectives. When children bring ethical, emotionally fraught concerns into the classroom, we create a space where these topics can be explored.

RESEARCH THEIR INTERESTS

Humans learn best when they inquire about something that has piqued their curiosity. Through careful listening and keen observation, we determine children's interests and use those interests as a jumping-off point for our classroom's dynamic curriculum.

PARTICIPATE DEMOCRATICALLY

Democratic processes are central to our day-to-day classroom functioning. Children participate in the planning and running of our daily classroom meetings, are encouraged to strive for consensus, master the mechanics of voting, engage in respectful dialogue, and learn to both lead, follow, and compromise.

CONNECT WITH NATURE

Time spent outside is time well spent. Children at Pando are given ample opportunities to play outside in natural environments. Gardening, composting, cloud-gazing, and stopping to smell the roses are all part of our curriculum.