On Cuthbert Street, behind Sweat, there is a series of mahogany doors with banners over them that read, "Olde City Day School." Attractive lighting fixtures in the entrance, but there is no appearance of activity. The doors are locked...yet another Old City mystery.

To my knowledge, there is no other day school in Old City, but there is certainly a growing number of children in our neighborhood. We always hear stories of people registering their children in nursery school immediately after conception, because it's so difficult to find good nursery schools for children. So the arrival of this school appeared to warrant looking into, and, possibly, an article.

Research on their website revealed some information, but stirred more questions: what is meant by "eclectic"? "faith-based"? Who are the creators of the school and what is their background? Montessori is mentioned and that has always had some mystery attached to it.

Something very reassuring was offered on the website: secure internet and cell phone viewing is offered, but I wanted to know if it was fully operational.

There is also the promise of healthy food being served. The food is coming from GiGi's Restaurant and from Café Ole. That sounded interesting.

I contacted Casey Lyn Daneker by email, and we set a time for the interview.
When I arrived at the appointed time, I had trouble finding my way in because of the securely locked doors. I finally caught someone's attention, and was escorted into the space by a young woman who, unabashedly adorned in fairy wings, allowed me to enter after asking me to identify the person I was to meet. Well, security seems good.

Casey is an attractive, congenial young woman who graduated from Temple University in 2007 with a degree in Secondary Education and three years' experience as co-manager of a successful tutoring agency where she had experience directing teachers in enrichment and remedial work.

We settled into her tiny office which, she admits, is always cluttered. She opened a folding chair for me and I began my questions, starting with the definitions of some of the descriptive words on their website.

"Eclectic" makes reference to the fact that they use a number of approaches or methods as they work with the children. While the atmosphere is free-spirited, there is also a strong belief that children like structure. Within the structured day, the children have the opportunity to have new experiences and learn about things such as flavors and textures, plants and animals, music and language, and taking care of themselves (including toilet training on the tiniest installed porcelain toilet I've ever seen!). The structure is important for the children to know what they may expect to happen during their day. It's reassuring and comforting to them.

"Faith-based", a term in their self-description on the website, seems a little misleading. According to Casey, there is no particular religious leaning here: what is intended by the description is the teaching, "Treat others as you would want them to treat you." She reports that the idea is to teach a loving, caring attitude.

Who are the creators of the program? Dana Meade, the Executive Director, has three children of her own, and has over 15 years of experience with early childhood education. I met the co-owner of the school, William Capers, while I was there.

The secure internet & cell phone viewing is fully operational, according to Casey, and she pointed out a camera while we were in the play space on the lower level.

As for the food from GiGi's Restaurant and from Café Ole, apparently they are providing food that's not only very healthy, but very tasty as well. Casey mentioned fruit bowl mixes, couscous, hearty breads, brown rice, and cucumber salad as samples of what has been served to the children.

The ratio of teacher to child is actually state-regulated: a ratio of 1 to 4, one teacher to every four children, for children this age. Currently, there are 6 staff, including Casey.

Next, we took a tour of the school. It was nap-time, so it was a little dim, but the rooms were colorful, fresh, and contemporary in style. In the activity room, there were a variety of open storage spaces and everything seemed to be in its assigned place. It appeared ready to receive the next wave of enthusiastic involvement. The play area on the lower level is well-lit and the colorful graphics on the floor partition the floor for specific activities.

Casey is enthusiastic about the potential for the school to become a "hub in the community" where both children and parents can learn. (I was particularly pleased to hear that there will be lessons on Parenting.) Casey emphatically expressed her appreciation for her wonderful staff saying, "The teachers are amazing. I could not do without them."

Of course, any parent will have many more questions to ask, but it seems that Casey would welcome them and be delighted to show you through.

Olde City Day School / 219 Cuthbert Street / 215-925-0200
www.oldecitydayschool.com