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Our Approach to Learning
At St. Mark Preschool, every child is seen as capable, curious, and wonderfully made by God. We believe the best learning begins with a child's natural sense of wonder. By following children's interests, our teachers create meaningful, project-based experiences that inspire exploration, creativity, and joyful discovery.
Through play, conversation, art, science, nature, and hands-on experiences, children develop important skills in language, literacy, math, problem-solving, social-emotional growth, and physical development. Our teachers thoughtfully guide learning while encouraging children to ask questions, investigate ideas, and discover new possibilities.
Our goal is to nurture confident, compassionate learners with a lifelong love of learning.
Our Philosophy
Our teaching approach is thoughtfully inspired by several educational philosophies that place children at the center of learning:
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Christ-Centered Education
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Reggio Emilia Inspired
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Project-Based Learning
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Play-Based Learning
Learning Through Play
We believe play is the work of childhood. It is through play that children explore God's world, build friendships, solve problems, express creativity, and make sense of new experiences.
Our caring and experienced teachers create a safe, engaging environment where every child feels loved, valued, and encouraged to grow. We celebrate each child's unique strengths while supporting the development of confidence, independence, and essential social and academic skills.
Growing in Faith and Community
While each child's interests help shape our curriculum, our faith is the foundation of everything we do. Children learn about God's love and the grace of Jesus through daily classroom experiences, prayer, Bible stories, songs, and chapel.
We also help children develop the skills they need to become kind, respectful, and caring members of their community. Together we practice friendship, empathy, conflict resolution, communication, and problem-solving while encouraging children to share their ideas and advocate for themselves with confidence and kindness.
Our hope is that every child leaves St. Mark with a strong sense of belonging, a growing faith, confidence in who God created them to be, and excitement for the journey of learning ahead.
Inspired by Reggio Emilia
Our Reggio Emilia-inspired philosophy is built on respect, relationships, and community. We believe children are active participants in their own learning and deserve opportunities to explore, collaborate, create, and discover in beautiful, thoughtfully prepared environments that spark curiosity every day.
Enrollment
We welcome children ages 2 through 5 years old and would love to partner with your family during these important early years of learning and growth.
"On our way to St. Mark Preschool this morning, my son mentioned that at his previous preschool kids were put in time-outs if they did not share. When I asked him what happens at St. Mark when children have a hard time sharing, he quickly replied "The teachers help you."
This really embodies the character of St. Mark Preschool. After over a year at this amazing school, I have seen the staff nurture the natural development of my child. Children learn through intuitive exploration and are championed for the unique little people that they are.
It continues to be an environment of "yes" in a world of "no." I have joked that I wish my son could graduate high school from this school. As a high school teacher myself, I cannot say enough about the love and creativity fostered at St. Mark Preschool."
- Current Parent
Chapel
Chapel occurs once a week, switching off days, so every child gets a chance to attend. We move from our classrooms over to the Church so we can have a special place dedicated to this important time. We focus on developmentally appropriate Bible stories and topics, and emphasizing the fruits of the spirit: Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Gentleness, Faithfulness and Self-Control. Children have a chance to pray, sing, and share their own stories of love and joy.