Bridging the world between free range play and traditional learning

The Vargas-singleton philosophy of education

Educating the Whole Child, Preparing the Whole Person

-The Vargas-Singleton Philosophy of Education


Honoring Tradition. Inspiring Innovation. Educating the Whole Child.

At the heart of the Vargas-Singleton Philosophy of Education is a simple but powerful belief: Every child deserves an education that sees them, challenges them, nurtures them, and prepares them for life beyond the classroom.

We believe education should never be limited to textbooks, standardized expectations, or the memorization of information. Education is a living experience. It is cultivated through relationships, meaningful instruction, exploration, discovery, creativity, and the intentional development of the whole child.

The Vargas-Singleton philosophy honors the strength of traditional educational practices and the possibilities of modern, experiential learning. We believe children need both structure and freedom, foundational knowledge and creative application, direct instruction and independent discovery. One does not have to exist at the expense of the other. Instead, the most meaningful education happens when these approaches work together.

The Vargas-Singleton Educational Philosophy believes there is no one-size-fits-all approach to learning. We proudly embrace diverse learners, including children with dyslexia, unique learning profiles, and varying developmental and educational needs. Our environment is designed to support children across a range of abilities, particularly those who benefit from individualized instruction, hands-on exploration, and a more personalized approach to education.

Our philosophy thoughtfully blends elements of the Orton-Gillingham approach to literacy instruction, Montessori-inspired independence and hands-on learning, and the Reggio Emilia philosophy of curiosity, creativity, exploration, and child-led discovery, while honoring the benefits of traditional learning elements. 

We believe children thrive when they are given the freedom to learn in ways that make sense to them, the support to navigate challenges, and the opportunity to discover what makes them shine. Our goal is to create an inclusive, nurturing community where differences are understood, strengths are celebrated, and every child has the opportunity to grow academically, socially, and emotionally.

We recognize that children have diverse ways of thinking, processing information, communicating, and engaging with the world. Learning differences are not limitations on a child’s potential, but important considerations in understanding how each child learns best. We believe that equitable education does not mean providing every child with the exact same instruction, but ensuring that each child has access to the tools, strategies, accommodations, and opportunities they need to thrive. We are committed to recognizing individual strengths, supporting areas of difficulty, removing barriers to learning, and creating an environment where differences are understood and celebrated rather than overlooked or misunderstood. Every child deserves to feel that they belong, that their abilities are recognized, and that their potential is never underestimated.



The Vargas-Singleton Philosophy in One Sentence

Traditional foundations. Experiential exploration. Innovative thinking. Whole-child development. Lifelong impact.

Five Non-Negotiable Pillars


The 5 Pillars of the Vargas-Singleton Philosophy

Whole-Child Development

We nurture the academic, social, emotional, physical, and creative development of every child.

Traditional Foundations with hands-on implementation

We prioritize literacy, mathematics, and structured instruction with a hands-on, real- world application approach to develop knowledge.

STEAM & Innovation

We integrate science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics into meaningful learning experiences

Tactile & Nature-based Learning

We believe offering various textures, loose parts, and nature-related elements can connect children’s lessons to real-world application, leading to retention and sensory exploration, as well as a respect for nature.

Life & Community Readiness

We develop independence, leadership, confidence, communication, problem-solving, and practical life skills.

About Vargas & Singleton 

Sara Vargas

Sara Vargas brings nearly 20 years of experience in child development, with a background working directly with neurodivergent children, neurotypical children, and children with behavioral challenges. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Psychology, with a minor in Child Development and Early Childhood Education. Sara is passionate about recognizing the whole child, understanding that a child’s emotional and mental well-being are just as important as their academic growth, personal development, and sense of accomplishment. Her approach centers on creating an environment where every child feels understood, supported, and empowered to reach their fullest potential.

Kelsey Singleton

Kelsey Singleton is a credentialed elementary school teacher with a master’s degree in Education and more than a decade of hands-on experience across a variety of educational settings. Her background spans traditional school systems, alternative learning environments, and homeschooling. Kelsey also brings extensive experience working with both neurodivergent children and neurotypical learners, allowing her to understand and support a wide range of learning styles, abilities, and individual needs. She is passionate about creating meaningful learning experiences that foster confidence, curiosity, and a lifelong love of learning.