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The ArtStart program offers a developmentally appropriate, arts-based curriculum with the goal of enhancing the students’ creative, physical, social, emotional and intellectual development.       

ArtStart provides children the opportunity to explore in a nurturing environment with highly qualified and experienced staff in small class sizes with two teachers!

The ArtStart curriculum is a solid academic foundation for kindergarten but fosters skills in a playful and meaningful way.  We integrate the arts into our curriculum – not as separate subjects, but as a pivotal elements in the development of language and literacy, emergent math, problem solving and other skills. Find out more about this stimulating classrooms where the children set the tone and help guide the specifics of the curriculum!


2024-25 ArtStart Preschool registration information

Registration will open online on February 1st, 2024

AGES:

  • Students should be 3 years old (and toilet trained) by the start of the school year

  • Students should be no older than 5 years old by the start of the school year

3 and 4 year olds:

  • 2 day AM class: Tuesday and Thursday mornings 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon (3 hours per day) THIS CLASS IS FULL!

  • 3 day AM class: Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon (3 hours per day) THIS CLASS IS FULL!

4 AND 5 year olds:

  • 4 day AM class: Tuesday - Friday mornings 8:45 a.m. - 11:45 a.m. (3 hours per day)


School Calendar

Classes will run August 2024 through May 2025. A complete list of school holidays and other events will be provided.

ArtStart Preschool Registration Priority

  • First Priority will go to current ArtStart students IF they register online by February 12th.

  • Second Priority will go to siblings of current and former ArtStart students IF online registration is completed by February 26th.

  • Registration is open to the public starting February 27 and new students will be placed after that date, but can register anytime.

  • Please be sure to list a first and second choice for class days and times.

  • We will notify families of their placement within a week of the end date for each registration period.

  • There is a $75 non-refundable registration fee required when you register.

Annual tuition: 

  • 4 day AM program, 3 hours per day – $2,070* This can be paid in 9 tuition installments of $230 

  • 3 day AM program, 3 hours per day - $1,620* This can be paid in 9 tuition installments of $180

  • 2 day AM program, ​3 hours per day – $1,170*  This can be paid in 9 tuition installments of $130

ArtStart Preschool Registration
$75.00
Quantity:
Add To Cart

*Your enrollment in ArtStart entitles you to an Art Center Family membership!!!  (20% off all other classes for your whole family, 20% off Camp Creativity, FREE entrance to all Gallery Openings, and Guest Passes) 

Payment options:

  • You may pay in one advance payment

  • You may pay by semester

  • You may make monthly tuition installments

Whatever your choice, the first tuition payment for the 2024-2025 school year is due July 1.

If making monthly tuition installments, each additional payment will be due the 15th of the month September through April.

There is a $25 fee for payment more than two weeks late.

Please direct any questions to info@parkersburgartcenter.org


ArtStart Teaching Team

Managing Director and Director of Education for the Parkersburg Art Center, Jessie Siefert, began her career as a teacher in 1991.  She has a M.S. in Education from Bank Street College in New York, NY. Jessie has presented at local conferences and at national conferences (NAEYC), has written parenting columns for local magazines and taught early Childhood Education and Child Development at WVU-P. Before coming to the Parkersburg Art Center in 2005 her experiences included teaching preschool and kindergarten; working as a teacher/naturalist at a nature center and a national park; consulting for the Cincinnati Art Museum; presenting teacher education programs in Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky, working as an adjunct teacher at WVU-P and raising her two children. Jessie can be reached via email at artstart06@gmail.com  

Summer Webb-Sundstrom is a proud mother of two intelligent teenage children, both of whom are ArtStart preschool graduates. Summer loved being part of the ArtStart family as a parent and classroom volunteer. In the spring of 2015 Summer joined ArtStart as a substitute teacher and later became a regular part of the ArtStart teaching team! She has an M.A. in Clinical Psychology from Marshall University. Summer enjoys working with children while nurturing their desire to grow and learn through play and creativity.

Email Summer at  summer@parkersburgartcenter.org

 

Ashley Chichester began her teaching career at ArtStart in 2015. She received her Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education with a minor in Early Childhood Education from West Liberty University. Ashley has devoted her career to working with children and families in a wide array of capacities including teaching, specialized art classes, tutoring, and working with families through the Make-A-Wish Foundation. She has a passion for nurturing young children and watching them discover and grow through their play and experiences.

Email Ashley at ashchichester@gmail.com

Maia Day is a mother of two children; a son and daughter. Both of whom attended ArtStart and loved every minute of it. "There is nothing better than experiencing life through the eyes of a child. They see wonder, magic and beauty in everything. That's what makes ArtStart so wonderful, we cultivate those sweet, special interests through learning, art and play!"  

Email Maia at maiaroseday@gmail.com

Amber Evans started her journey at the PAC when her daughter was enrolled in the ArtStart program. She loved being part of the program as a parent and classroom volunteer, leading her into becoming a co-teacher. Amber has a passion for all things art and education and is excited to see our ArtStarters learn, grow and play!

Email Amber at ambevans03@gmail.com

Kayla Patterson is a mother of two elementary aged children, a boy and a girl, who are previous ArtStart students. After attending WVU for Public Relations and Marketing, Kayla transitioned to staying at home with her children for the past decade. A Camp Creativity instructor and PAC volunteer, she has been volunteering in ArtStart classrooms since 2018 and is ecstatic to be part of the team. Working with young children is where her heart is most happy!  “ArtStart allows me to revisit those precious preschool years that I cherished so much with my own children. Learning through play and art is a great start!” 

Email Kayla at patterson.kayla14@gmail.com


ArtStart Calendar 2023-24

First Week of Class week of August 28th

Labor Day September 4th

Staff Development Oct. 27th

Thanksgiving Break November 20th - 24th

Winter Break December 18th - Jan. 1st

MLK Day January 15

Spring Break March 25 - 29th

Staff Development April 19th

Last Week of Class Week of May 13th

Gallery Shows TBD 

(calendar is subject to change)

Weather Closings: 

  • If Wood County Schools are closed due to weather, ArtStart will also be closed.  

  • If Wood County Schools have a 2 hour delay due to weather, ArtStart classes will begin ONE hour later, but finish at their regular time.