Preschool

Preschool Curriculum

Play is at the heart of our active learning curriculum.

We know that children learn better when they participate directly in the learning process. In St. Thomas’ preschool classes, teachers are as active as the children, instilling authentic excitement and a positive approach toward learning. Teachers and students work as partners in the learning experience, and we encourage child-initiated activities that build on children’s natural curiosity.

"Every facet of the preschool experience is strategically designed to address students’ developmental needs. We meet every child in just the right place."
-Head of Lower Elementary Division

Classrooms are arranged to create an active and predictable environment for optimal learning. Teachers continually assess student progress through industry-leading tools.

Students develop critical-thinking and executive functioning skills like memory recall, problem solving, communication, conflict resolution and self-regulation.

Preschool Curriculum

List of 2 items.

Pre-Kindergarten - 3

Language and Literacy
Students progress in the areas of listening and understanding conversation. They expand vocabulary, using complex patterns of speech to express their thoughts and feelings.
Creative Representation
PK-3 embrace opportunities to follow their imagination. These include building models, drawing and painting pictures, and engaging in intentional play.
Math and Science
The PK-3 curriculum lays the foundation for future math and science learning. They learn the basics of counting and position words by placing objects in order and identifying sequencing. PK-3 students explore science concepts and use technology to enrich their learning when it is developmentally appropriate.
Motor Development
From the playground to the classroom, physical development is an important part of a preschooler’s education at St. Thomas. All preschool students participate in yoga and music and movement classes to support gross-motor skills, body awareness, and mindfulness. In PK-3, students follow the “Get Set for School” fine-motor and early literacy program to ensure they are ready for the PK-4.
Social and Emotional Development
During PK-3, students develop self-awareness and the ability to evaluate their emotions. They gain a sense of empathy and begin to seek out relationships and cooperative play. The Responsive Classroom approach forms a community in which students listen to and appreciate each other’s feelings.
Pre-Kindergarten - 4

Language and Literacy
In PK-4, students display awareness of sounds in words and demonstrate knowledge about content in books. They identify the letters of the alphabet and their sounds and write for a purpose. PK-4 students listen to stories and learn to retell them, sorting through important sequential plot points.
Creative Representation
As their imagination continues to blossom, senior preschool students focus on creating forms in art by making models and painting pictures. They also engage in Pretend Play and begin to build logical narratives around their role-playing.
Math and Science
In keeping with our goal of meeting children where they are, we deliver a versatile math curriculum that supports students and enriches learning for those ready to explore more advanced concepts. Our science teacher works closely with preschool teachers to integrate concepts and deepen children’s understanding.
Motor Development
PK-4 students continue to develop their gross- and fine-motor skills with hands-on activities, games, and yoga sessions. Teachers ensure each child develops a sense of body awareness and personal space.
Social and Emotional Development
Teachers guide conflict resolution in the classroom, setting an example for how students can politely resolve disagreements among themselves. The Responsive Classroom and Whole Body Listening approaches continue in PK-4, reinforcing important values for increasing social aptitude.