The Clariden School of Southlake recently announced a new preschool program named Cougar Prep for 3 and 4 year olds. 

"We wanted to offer educational options to parents in the surrounding area.  What I love about Cougar Prep is that the curriculum encompasses both Project Based Learning and Montessori principles. Students are involved in their learning as the curriculum both engages and challenges them. The students acquire the necessary skills and knowledge needed for success while maintaining their innate love of learning. Our environment is the perfect blend of being academically strong and incredibly nurturing - two essential ingredients for success in school." says Sallie Wells, Head of School.

There are two separate Cougar Prep classes. Three-year-old students attend school three days a week from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. The class size is capped to 10 students per classroom.  Four-year-old students attend five days a week from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. The class size is capped to 12 students per classroom.  The traditional Montessori program with mixed ages of students in one classroom is still available.

Located directly across from Bob Jones Park in Southlake, The Clariden School is a small private school offering classes through high school.  Using project-based learning, Clariden educators offer a hands-on and innovative learning environment. 

"We foster creativity and collaboration in our students using STEM/STEAM projects. Students learn how to work in a group and what is required to succeed.  Our high school students were recently awarded one of only a thousand spots to compete in TARC, a national rocketry contest.  The students were busy perfecting their rocket to climb exactly 825 feet in the air and return two eggs safely to the ground without cracking them. We submitted to Washington, D.C. data from three qualifying rounds and are waiting to hear if we've made it into the top 100. As we prepared for launching and data submission, we met several of our neighbors as smaller test rockets landed in their yards and bushes. Everyone has been great sports about it," says Wells with a laugh.

Students preschool through fifth grade can take advantage of rolling admissions throughout the school year. Older students from sixth grade and up may only apply for fall admission in August or spring admission in January. You can learn more about this gem of a school at www.claridenschool.org.