The Morris Foundation Academic Wing, a new classroom and gym for KinderFrogs and Starpoint School, has expanded opportunities for our students, thanks to a $750,000 expansion supported by The Morris Foundation, the parents association and fundraising events.
“The desire for more space came three years ago when we realized the need to separate the age groups of students,” said Marilyn Tolbert, director and Jean W. Roach Chair of Laboratory Schools.
When KinderFrogs first started, there were two classrooms: one for children ages 18 months to three years and the other for three to six year olds. The developmental gap between the three to six year olds made it challenging for teachers to focus on everyone’s needs.
“Splitting the kids into groups of three to four year olds and five to six year olds was much better for their development and achievement,” Tolbert continued.
Architects suggested turning the existing gym into a classroom and therapy room and then build a new gym with more storage space. The new classroom accommodates 12 students and the therapy room has an observation window for parents.
“Our new classroom will be used as a model for early childhood classes in the Metroplex,” Tolbert said. “We’ll be inviting schools to see how classrooms can be set up to work with kids who have special needs.”
Construction began in June 2008 and students were able to use the gym in mid-October. A dedication for the new addition is set for February in 2009.
Read about the dedication from TCU Magazine.
