Preschool staff and pupils have returned to their original classrooms after eight months of renovations.

Lyceum Preschool, associated with Francis Patton Primary, returned to its original site in Hamilton Parish after being relocated to the Bermuda Aquarium, Museum and Zoo in September.

Diallo Rabain, the Minister of Education, said that the preschool went through extensive renovations and refurbishments to turn Francis Patton into a parish school.

He added: “These renovations mark a pivotal shift towards embracing 21st-century teaching methodologies, ensuring that our learning environments align with modern educational practices.

“Lyceum Preschool eagerly anticipates resuming operations in a space that embodies our dedication to providing Bermuda’s youngest learners with a cutting-edge education.”

Lyceum’s renovations were made to help the space hold about 85 children, as organisers expect to receive two classes of preschoolers, Year 1 pupils and Year 2 pupils.

A spokeswoman for the education ministry said that the Education Reform Unit tailored classrooms specifically to help with early childhood education.

She added that this involved the installation of new floors, furniture, outdoor seating and planters.

They will also feature ten benches equipped with umbrellas, planter boxes and Stem areas for interactive learning.

Curtiss Smith, a member of the ERU, said: “As the ERU’s lead for learning environments with responsibility over the physical transformation of school sites, I was very pleased to see all of the smiling and happy faces of the Lyceum preschoolers on the morning that they arrived at the school for the first time during its reopening.

“These Phase 1 upgrades have been catered to Lyceum’s unique needs.”

Lisa DeSilva, the head of the Education Reform Unit, said: “This collaborative effort between the Department of Education, Public Works and the Ministry of Education marks a significant stride in our education reform journey.

“I look forward to seeing its continued positive impact on our students’ learning and development.”

The move was seen as a way to acclimatise youngsters who planned to attend Francis Patton into the new space after staying with the Bermuda Zoological Society at BAMZ.

Sarah Brown, the administrator of Lyceum Preschool, said: “The students have had an incredible eight months attending school at the BZS.

“Relocating back into a traditional school setting provides our students with a wonderful opportunity to experience a different educational environment.”

She added: “In September, we anticipate a grand opening as Year 1 and Year 2 students join us.”

Kalmar Richards, the Commissioner of Education, thanked everyone involved in the remodelling of the preschool.

She added: “We at the Department [of Education] are especially proud of the role played by our facilities manager, Dwayne Caisey, who co-ordinated the work and supervised the hired workforce.

“We are especially grateful to the Bermuda Aquarium, Museum and Zoo for welcoming our preschoolers into a temporary home.”