Interdisciplinary Studies at DMA include environmental and nutritional education for students, along with our enrichment program.  We believe that these studies are an integral part of everything we do and are essential in providing our students with a well-rounded education.

Nutrition Education

All children need healthy foods to learn, grow and be active, and to develop into healthy, productive adults.  The years that your children are in school are a critical period of growth and development.  Research confirms what educators have known for some time: health, nutrition and learning are linked.  Healthy, well-nourished students are better able to learn and perform in class.  Eating well and being active take more than willpower.  A policy that supports healthy food and beverage choices can help ensure that the healthy choice is the easy choice in school.

Here at Del Mar Academy we take your child’s nutritional health seriously.  Our policy ensures that each child only consumes a variety of healthy, whole foods and beverages while at school.

SNACK PROGRAM:   Our snack policy at the Academy follows the Montessori Practical Life Philosophy, which is strongly represented in each of our classrooms. Each family is responsible to bring in snacks (previously organized by the teachers) on a rotating calendar.  The students prepare the snacks for their classmates which aid in the development of fine motor skills for the younger students and provide an educational benefit of nutritional balance for the older students.  The only item each student is permitted to bring with them each day is water or unsweetened milk.  Water is available for consistent rehydration for all students throughout the day.

HOT LUNCH PROGRAM:  We are pleased to have Sylvia Britschi, along with her assistant chef, Gustavo, return as part of our Nutritional Team.  They prepare a variety of tasty and well balanced gourmet lunches using whole foods, natural sweeteners and seasonal fruits and vegetables for our students.  Sylvia and her husband Remo own and operate local gourmet restaurant and hotel Casa Romantica.  Their two children attend Del Mar Academy.  Sylvia has always had a strong desire to teach children about the nutritional benefits of a healthy, balanced lifestyle.  At the beginning of the school year, all children will participate in the development of the rotating menu by adding their favorite meal.  Sylvia will also conduct cooking classes  for the children of Del Mar Academy as an optional after-school program.

BIRTHDAY TREATS:  We understand at Del Mar Academy that each of our children’s birthdays is very special.  We celebrate each child’s special day with a unique Montessori ‘Birthday Walk’ in which we invite each of our parents to join us with a story or photos of your birthday child’s life.  We do not permit any cake or sweets to be brought to the school for any birthdays.

Students have access to food and beverages in many places – home, school and the community in which they live, learn, and play.    Second to the home, school is the place where students will spend the most time during their growth years when health habits are formed.  Together, with the home and other settings, schools have a positive influence on the food choices and eating habits of all our children.