About our program
At Creative Arts Preschool, we offer a distinctive educational setting for children ranging from almost 3 to 5. Our daily 3 to 6-hour program introduces children to a rich variety of creative art forms. This immersive experience not only nurtures their confidence but also fosters early math skills, encourages creative thinking, and enhances their understanding of the world. Our preschoolers engage in daily nature walks along the neighboring trail system, allowing them to observe and embrace the wonders of their natural surroundings.
Since its establishment in 2008, Creative Arts Preschool has served as a haven for children with a passion for music, dance, creativity and nature. Our program accommodates a daily enrollment of up to twenty children, offering a unique blend of one specialty activity each day, such as music, soccer, yoga, Jazzercise, and dance all seamlessly integrated with art and nature exploration within a traditional preschool setting. As they graduate from our program, our students are well-prepared for Kindergarten, brimming with enthusiasm and an inquisitive approach to learning. Parents can choose from two to five days of schooling during the academic year, spanning September through May, or opt for our engaging weekly summer art camp in June, July and August.
About the Director
Erin Hansard
Erin Hansard drew on her Elementary Education experience to start Creative Arts over 10 years ago. Her inspiration was driven by a desire to introduce her own daughters to the delight of learning while nurturing a sense of wonder for the beautiful environment we call home.
Continuously evolving, Erin enriches our curriculum by inviting new artists and tailoring lessons to align with her students' interests. She imparts a diverse range of skills, encompassing reading readiness, mathematics, and science, all underpinned by an educational approach that harnesses the power of the arts. Songs, dance and stories are seamlessly woven into our curriculum. Witnessing the infectious enthusiasm that the preschoolers show when discovering something new is what Erin treasures most.
Bozeman Dance Academy
Check out our sister company Bozeman Dance AcademySpecial Daily Activities
Music & Yoga
Miss Erin uses music, dancing and stories to compliment our weekly preschool themes. The children use creative movement, scarves, rhymes and rhythm instruments to round out their musical experience. On Yoga days she adds in even more creative movement and stretching.
Summer Art and Nature Camp
Our Summer Art & Nature Camp is perfect for children 3-8! All summer long, our campers explore nature trails, enjoy our beautiful Montana surroundings and create art projects that focus on all the natural beauty we see each day! From painting with natural materials to building crafts inspired by the world around them, every day is a new adventure!
Sports Explorers
Our new sports program connects physical activity to our weekly learning focus. Whether it's kicking a soccer ball at colorful shapes or tossing beanbags to match numbers, each activity ties into what we're exploring that week. All the while, kids are building coordination, teamwork, and a love for staying active!
Nature Exploration
We take full advantage of our location to explore the nature trails surrounding our school. Our preschoolers are blown away as they observe the change that comes with each new season.
Jazzercise
Miss Sarah's classes have our preschoolers working out with new music mixes, choreography and fitness games created just for them. She breaks down the steps and adds games and activities. It’s all about fitness, coordination, strength, nutrition, confidence and they love showing off their dance moves!
Art
Each day we get creative while we learn! Our preschoolers love the imaginative masterpieces they make each day. They get a chance to explore painting, drawing, beading, working with clay and incorporating the things we find outside along our trails!
2025 Summer Program Schedule
Ages:
3-5 and K-2nd
Days:
Monday-Friday
Times:
9-12 or 9-3
Session | Activity | Date |
|---|---|---|
Session 1 | Montana Flowers and Plants | June 16-20 |
Session 2 | Exploring Art Styles | June 23-27 |
Session 3 | Independence Day in MT | June 30-July 3 |
No School | July 4 | |
Session 4 | Mountains | July 7-11 |
Session 5 | Birds of Montana | July 14-18 |
Session 6 | Fish of Montana | July 21-25 |
Session 7 | Artist Studies | July 28-Aug 1 |
Session 8 | Animals of Montana | August 4-8 |
Session 9 | Water | August 11-15 |
session 10 | Nature | August 18-22 |
No School | August 25-29 | |
Preschool Resumes | September 2nd |
Daily Preschool Schedule
Daily Schedule: Half Day 9-12, Full Day 9-3
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
8:45 | Student drop off: Playtime |
9:45 | Cleanup & bathroom break |
10:00 | Snack |
10:30 | Circle time & Story; Themed Art Project |
11:15 | Outside Playtime or Nature Walk |
12:00 | Half Day Pick Up |
12:15 | Lunch |
12:30 | Quiet Rest Time |
1:00 | Pre-K/Academic Practice & Learning Centers |
1:30 | Outside Playtime |
2:00 | Rotating Specialists:
|
2:45 | Daily Review & clean Up |
3:00 | Full Day Pick Up |
Holiday Break Schedule
Fall & Spring 2024-2025
| Holiday | Date Range |
|---|---|
School Starts | September 3 |
Labor Day | September 2 |
Thanksgiving | November 27-29 |
Winter Break | Dec. 23- Jan. 3 |
President’s Day | February 17 |
Spring Break | March 17-21 |
April Break | April 24 & 25 |
Memorial Weekend | May 23 & 26 |
Last Day | Thursday, June 12 |