General FAQs

(more for PB&J parents here)

How secure is the parents’ webcam?

Our webcam is provided by KidsVision.
Please click here for more information.

What do you mean by “systematic
approach to phonics?”

As your child learns to recognize the letters of the alphabet, he/she will also learn each letter's sound. The letters are not taught in alphabetical order; they are taught systematically. Once a child learns two letters, he/she will be able to form a word. For example, "a" is the first letter taught in our curriculum. "S" is the second. Your child should be able to slide these sounds together to make the word, "as.” This not only instructs the children as to how words are formed, but also builds confidence in their ability to read.

Why is there a school year and summer session?

We follow the Williamson County Schools calendar; our school year is August through May.We are closed two weeks after the school year ends so teachers can prepare their classrooms for summer camps, which end the last week of July. Then we are closed for two weeks until the school year begins again. Note: even though we follow the Williamson County calendar, we are open for inservice and half-days.

What is Outdoor Education?

We take a multidisciplinary approach to curriculum enrichment; of course, learning occurs outside as well as in a classroom. Outdoor education encompasses learning about the environment, conservation and gardening, and includes participating in outdoor adventure and recreation.

Exactly how is your facility state-of-the-art?

As one example, our building is “green.” During construction, we used low-odor materials to reduce asthma and allergy occurrences, and used recycled materials wherever possible. Geothermal energy heats and cools the school and we have a bio-ionization air purification system, which eliminates odors and reduces mold, viruses and bacteria. (Read more about this system here.) We also installed a school-wide sound system that plays soothing music as the children transition from one place to another.

What security measures do you have in place?

There are two security doors through which parents and guests have to pass to get to the classrooms; building entry requires either a keycode or a card swipe; hallway entry requires a fingerprint scan. Parents are asked to provide a list of authorized persons who are allowed to pick up their child; photos of these persons are stored in our computers and on a PDA that is used in the pick-up line. We have a video camera in every classroom and on the playground so that parents may view their child during the day. (These images are recorded and kept for several months.) The Directors also monitor who and how often the webcams are accessed.

What do you mean by “nutritious snacks?”

Snacks should be nutritious and filling. In accordance with Department of Health regulations, we serve the children pre-packaged vegetables, fruits and whole grains. We promote healthy eating by having each class tend its own garden. All harvested vegetables and fruits are sent home to PB&J families and fed to our classroom pets! For lunch, there is a milk service for a small fee.

Do you provide online registration?

Yes. Please click here for online enrollment instructions.

How can I feel like I am a part of the school?

At PB & J, creating a community in our school is very important to us, and parents are always welcome. We have a parents’ resource room with parenting books, magazines and videos available for check-out or use during school hours. PB&J offers parent workshops, socials, game nights, community outreach activities and field trips. We also have a women's book club that meets on the third Monday of every month.

Will I be informed of my child's daily activities?

Yes. Along with monthly school newsletter (The Lunchbox Gazette), you will receive a classroom newsletter and a detailed daily log communicating what your child did that day, how much she ate, how much she slept, her behavior and much more. We believe these daily logs are essential for open communication with PB&J parents.  

How will I know how my child is progressing in school?

Teachers do an assessment three times each year: at the beginning, middle and end. These assessments help both teacher and parent see how the child is progressing. Two parent-teacher conferences are scheduled each year to discuss this progress.  

Are you an accredited school?

We are working towards accreditation by The National Association of Education of Young Children (NAEYC), a process that usually takes at least two years. During our first year, we will be monitored and assessed by the Department of Human Services for the Tennessee Three-Star program.

What does PB & J stand for?

Peanut Butter & Jelly, of course! It also stands for Patricia, Brooke & Jennifer. Brooke and Jennifer are the owners and directors of PB & J; Patricia is their mother and an investor in the school. All share a love of children and teaching.