NEW PROGRAMS KICK OFF 2009-'10 SCHOOL YEAR FOR THE BENJAMIN SCHOOL

NORTH PALM BEACH, Fla. -- From starting a 3-year-old program to offering Chinese, The Benjamin School in North Palm Beach is beginning the school year with new initiatives and programs.

Starting this year, The Benjamin School is offering their lower school students the option to learn Mandarin Chinese. Taught by faculty member Mrs. Peili Zhang, this program will enhance the school's already established multi-language program which includes French and Spanish. Ms. Zhang joins The Benjamin School from Suncoast High School where she established and designed their Mandarin Chinese program.

Also new this year, The Benjamin School is offering a 3-year-old program called Worlds of Wonder (W.O.W.). In the W.O.W. program, youth participants engage in different growth learning programs to enhance their learning techniques and prepare them for their first years of school.

In addition, a new after-school component has been added to the academic school day for parents who are in need of having their children engaged beyond regular school hours. The new program called The Benjamin After-Care and Enrichment (A.C.E.) Program offers extended care, clubs, sports and special enrichment classes.

"Schools have been and always will be dynamic places, encouraging positive change while reverting treasured traditions," said Robyn Quaid, Head of The Benjamin School's Lower School. "While names may change, and new programs added to enhance the curriculum of the school, our mission, philosophy and dedication to the children remain as both our promise and our dream."

Many Benjamin School faculty worked to implement the new programs and since the start of the school year, they have been well received and successful.

The Benjamin School, a Pre-K-3 through grade 12 independent school, has a curriculum focusing on college preparatory education. More information about The Benjamin School can be found at their Web site www.thebenjaminschool.org.

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