Kennedy Arts Studio
Preschool Program for Ages 3-5
Inspiring Young Minds Through Art, Creativity & Thoughtful Learning
99 Valley Road, Katonah
Program Overview
Kennedy Arts Studio is a thoughtfully created afternoon enrichment program that extends the morning experience at ThistleWaithe, a Montessori preschool program running from 9:00 AM–12:00 PM, offering a full-day rhythm of learning from 12:00 PM–3:00 PM. The program emphasizes creativity, hands-on exploration, movement, and artistic expression within a warm, nurturing environment.
Located in the same building as ThistleWaithe, Kennedy Arts Studio offers a seamless transition into the afternoon, allowing children to remain in a familiar setting while continuing a day of meaningful engagement and discovery.
Tailored for children ages 3–5, Kennedy Arts Studio is a part-time enrichment program where curiosity and joyful learning are at the center of each day. In our small, intentional community, children are encouraged to explore, create, and grow through experiences that foster independence, confidence, and connection. The daily rhythm is carefully balanced to support creativity, movement, exploration, and social-emotional development in a calm and inspiring atmosphere.
Led by an experienced educator with a Master’s degree in Elementary Education and formal Montessori training, the program builds on young children’s natural curiosity through opportunities for artistic expression, collaborative learning, and purposeful hands-on work. Experiences in art, storytelling, movement, science, cooking, and language invite children to engage deeply with the world around them while strengthening confidence, independence, and a sense of belonging.
Our mission is to cultivate a lifelong love of learning by creating an environment where children feel seen, capable, inspired, and excited to discover.
Daily Rhythm & Enrichment
Each afternoon begins at 12:00 PM as children gather for lunch together, fostering independence, conversation, and a strong sense of community.
Following lunch, the group comes together for circle time, which may include storytelling, discussion, songs, or reflection. Children then move into thoughtfully prepared learning experiences and independent work periods designed to encourage concentration, creativity, and hands-on exploration.
From 2:15–2:45 PM, children participate in a rotating enrichment block that encourages imagination, movement, and expressive learning. Enrichment offerings include:
- Language & Culture: Children are introduced to the sounds, rhythm, and traditions of languages through music, stories, conversation, and cultural exploration.
- Cooking: Hands-on culinary experiences allow children to explore ingredients and experience the joy of preparing food together.
- Science & Nature Exploration: Children engage in observation, experimentation, and discovery as they explore the natural world.
- Art: Open-ended artistic experiences encourage creativity, self-expression, and exploration through a variety of materials and mediums.
- Movement & Mindfulness: Children participate in joyful movement experiences that support coordination, body awareness, and self-regulation.
The day concludes at 3:00 PM, with children leaving feeling connected, accomplished, and inspired.
Program Philosophy & Focus
At the heart of our program is a deep respect for the natural curiosity of the child and a belief that learning, when nurtured with intention and care, becomes a joyful and lasting experience.
We have thoughtfully created an environment where children feel inspired to wonder, explore, and express themselves with confidence. Creativity is celebrated, ideas are valued, and each child is encouraged to develop a strong sense of self within a warm and supportive community.
Within this carefully prepared setting, we place particular emphasis on creative expression, independence, hands-on experiential learning, and meaningful social connection.
Learning unfolds through rich experiences that invite children to think deeply, make connections, and engage with the world around them in purposeful and joyful ways, while naturally developing fine and gross motor coordination, problem-solving skills, emotional awareness, empathy, and social ease.
Above all, our intention is that children leave each day not only having learned something new, but feeling capable, inspired, and eager to return.
The Kennedy Arts Studio program runs Monday through Friday from 12:00 PM–3:00 PM and is open to children ages 3–5 who are fully potty trained.
Registration & Visit Information
We warmly invite families to experience the program in person. Tours are typically offered at 1:00 PM, when children are not in session.
For questions about the program or to schedule a tour, please contact:
Kate Balzano
Head Teacher, Kennedy Arts Studio
Head Teacher, ThistleWaithe – Aran Room
[email protected]
914-471-1544
For enrollment questions, please contact:
Ilaria Tedesco
Admissions
[email protected]
We look forward to connecting with you.
Interested in learning more?
Please complete the interest form below and a representative will contact you.