Paddington British Private School, an institution providing preschool and primary education in Montgomery County, is in the planning stages for renovations of the school’s entryway, driveway and parking lot, along with the addition of an outdoor learning experience feature, officials said in mid-July.
The school transitioned to new ownership earlier this year when former owner Nicolette Hardwicke sold the school to Fractal Education Group and entered retirement after nearly four decades of service in the community.
What you need to know
Established in The Woodlands in 1989, Paddington British Private School’s educational programs are specifically crafted to accelerate children’s knowledge and appreciation of fine arts, classical music, dance and other forms of academia, Hardwicke said.
Per website details, Paddington’s teaching approach is influenced by neuroscientific research that indicates that a child’s early engagement with subjects related to the arts can lead to positive effects on their long-term development.
Students receive a blend of artistic training and science, technology, engineering and mathematics, or STEM, learning through classes tailored to their age group, according to the site.
A closer look
Paddington enrolls students age 1 through fourth grade. Its campus spans across 3 acres in the village of Grogan’s Mill and follows a classic fairytale aesthetic.
Featured amenities include its array of cottage-themed classrooms, a working train fitted for children, butterfly and vegetable gardens, a sports field and three playgrounds, according to its website description.
At the heart of the school’s campus, STEM and computer labs are also accessible to students, as well as a music room, art studio, gym and indoor playground.
In their own words
Hardwicke told Community Impact she first opened the school as a single mother. The school started at a church located in The Woodlands area, which Hardwicke says helped establish its identity in the community.
“I created a fine arts program that was unique and that set us apart from everyone else,” Hardwicke said. “[At that time], no one was doing that. I was teaching classical music, the arts and shows throughout the year for the children to boost their self-confidence.”
Hardwicke served as Paddington British Private School’s owner and academy head for 37 years until her retirement.
“After nearly 40 years of doing this ... we educated thousands of children, and I hope and pray that has instilled amazing confidence in their little souls and hearts,” The former owner said.
The takeaway
Fractal Education Group owns and operates over a dozen independent pre-K schools in Texas.
Its brand seeks to enhance children’s social, emotional and intellectual development through curated curricula, while still maintaining each school’s local culture, per its website.
The organization currently owns 20 schools, including Paddington British Private School, Fractal Education Group CEO John Rosen said via email.
