18 September . 2019
KLA Schools of Sweetwater to open in early 2020
Opening in early 2020, KLA Schools of Sweetwater will cater to children ranging in age from infants to pre-kindergarteners with a unique learning environment based on the Reggio Emilia approach, a teaching philosophy that originated in Italy after the Second World War.
As the first KLA Schools franchise in the Austin area, KLA Schools of Sweetwater will introduce some unique features, including STEM and Art Ateliers. Atelier is a French word for studio, and these Ateliers will serve as learning extensions outside of the classroom.
The STEM Atelier is designed to inspire kids to explore and collaborate in the STEM subjects of science, technology, engineering and math. In the Art Atelier, students will creatively interpret and express their imaginations in 2D and 3D media such as paint and clay.
The Piazza will be a common place of meeting with furniture imported from Italy. Featuring a layout that has a pedagogical, or teaching, connotation, the Piazza will support the formation of relationships and public identity.
All facets of the school’s curriculum are inspired by the historically proven Reggio Emilia approach, named for the Italian village where it originated. The approach strives to educate the whole child in academics and extracurricular activities such as music, foreign languages, martial arts and dance.
Beyond academics, the approach focuses on building social-emotional intelligence through real-world experiences. It has been proven to help develop self-confidence, self-regulation, superior critical-thinking abilities, empathy, mindfulness, and invaluable problem-solving techniques.
Filled with large windows to let in natural light and views of nature, the school’s approximately 11,500-square-foot building will include nine classrooms, which will also have furniture imported from Italy. In addition to certified teachers, the staff will include an onsite chef who will prepare healthy breakfasts, lunches and snacks.
Beyond the Pre-K level, the school plans to add a transitional level for kindergarten-bound students for Fall 2020.
The school will also include a 17,000-square-foot outdoor area, with natural and organic playground equipment and structures designed to develop motor skills and stimulate creativity. The outdoor area will include a mini golf course and a preserved natural tree imported from Canada, offering kids the chance to climb and explore.
For KLA Schools of Sweetwater owners Sanam and Anup Madampath, opening the school fulfills a dream they’ve had since moving to Sweetwater in 2018 with their daughters, Sanjana and Aria.
Sanam, who worked for five years as a certified Montessori teacher in the local area, will direct the daily operations of the school. She also holds a National Administrator Credential.
Anup, who is a partner at the consulting firm PwC (PricewaterhouseCoopers), will also be involved in the school’s operations.
Their vision is for KLA Schools of Sweetwater to be as welcoming as the community itself, for fellow Sweetwater residents as well as families living in nearby communities.
“We have loved Sweetwater since the day we moved here, and we look forward to providing this unique school for our friends and neighbors,” said Sanam. “From the very beginning, Sweetwater was a very warm and welcoming community, where your neighbors truly want to know you and help you. We will strive to create that same kind of welcoming and supportive feeling at KLA Schools of Sweetwater.”
KLA Schools of Sweetwater has opened an admissions center next to the school building, which is under construction. The center is open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday. The phone number is 512-900-3581, and the address is 18101 State Highway 71 West. For more information, visit the website.
KLA Schools of Sweetwater will join the highly regarded Lake Travis Independent School District schools serving Sweetwater. Learn more about our schools.