our history 

Preschool of the Arts was incorporated in 1975 and has grown over time to serve over 230 preschool-aged children, with a faculty and staff of more than 50 committed individuals.  PSA also offers learning opportunities for school-aged children with afterschool dance and visual art classes, and summer program opportunities for children who recently completed kindergarten and first grade. 

Beginning in 1995, PSA began an investigation of the educational practices of the schools of Reggio Emilia, Italy.  Since that time, the school has focused on an innovative child-centered, evolving curriculum, supported by and integrated with experiences in the arts.  The inspiration we have drawn from the schools of Reggio Emilia has also brought us into contact with other practitioners in the United States and abroad, allowing our faculty and staff to deepen their understanding of the philosophy and broaden their contacts in the field of early childhood education.  Our commitment to the Reggio philosophy has also helped the school to attract families from the Madison community who share our interests in collaborative and  innovative curriculum.  In 2005, at the prompting of a group of interested parents, PSA continued its willingness to experiment with new approaches to early childhood education by adding a Spanish immersion program in one classroom. 

PSA is a not-for-profit school, governed by a Board of Directors.  The board consists of parents of current students, a faculty member, and may include one or more members of the Madison community.  The Board typically meets once each month on a day convenient to all members.  Board meetings are open to parents, faculty and staff.  Meeting dates and times are announced in the monthly newsletters and are posted outside the office.  Board agendas and minutes are maintained in the school office and available for review in a binder outside the Executive Director’s office.  Closed meetings will occur only in the event of a sensitive personnel issue or in the interests of a student’s privacy.

Preschool of the Arts is licensed as a child care center by the state of Wisconsin.  Our state license is reviewed for renewal every other year.  PSA is accredited by the City of Madison.  The City of Madison accreditation requires maintenance of certain high quality standards in terms of environment, program, administration, and interactions between faculty, staff, parents and children.  The City of Madison accreditation process includes a thorough examination of the program, including on-site visits and reviews of our program and practices.