Kindergarten begins on August 30; Preschool begins September 5. Learn More →

Junior Kindergarten

  Children must be turning 4 by the first day of school.
  The student-to-teacher ratio is two teachers per 12 - 14 children.

Junior Kindergarten is designed for children who are preparing for kindergarten. Some of the children may be eligible for kindergarten but are given the “gift of time” to grow in their social and emotional development. 

There are 2 classes that meet 5 days a week. One class meets from 9:00am – 12:00pm, Monday – Friday from September through December. One class meets from 9:00am – 2:00pm, Monday – Thursday and 9:00am – 12:00pm on Friday, from September through December. 

Beginning in January both JK classes meet from 9:00am – 2:00pm, Monday through Thursday, and 9:00am – 12:00pm on Friday. 

Our Junior Kindergarten children are provided time and space to become independent and confident learners.  Children view themselves as writers, artists, architects, mathematicians, scientists, and explorers. Given the freedom to make decisions and choices, each child discovers his / her value and learns the importance of his/her contributions to the classroom community.  

Our inquiry-based approach provides daily:

  • Solid foundation in literacy (phonemic awareness, rhyming, application of letters and sounds, early writing, journals, pre-reading skills)
  • Solid foundation in numeracy (number sense, geometry, measurement, problem-solving, estimating,  early addition and subtraction, 100th-day celebration)
  • “What’s In The Box?” A child-led time for questions/answers
  • Activities in scientific exploration, dramatic play, cooperative play, art, music, Pop, Hop, and Rock, Library, Chapel
  • Activities that promote mutual respect and develop Christian values. 
  • Nature-based learning activities

 During the afternoon, JK children are provided additional time to revisit and explore their ideas and questions which become the springboard for new projects.     

Day at a Glance

Time Description
9:00 - 9:30am Arrival, put away bags and folders, journals and Math Tubs
9:30 - 9:45am Morning meeting to discuss daily activities, math featuring 100th day
9:40 - 11:00am Investigations (art, housekeeping, science, blocks) and snack
11:00 - 11:30am Group Time - Literacy Exploration
11:40am - 12:10pm Resources - Music, Library, “Pop, Hop and Rock” or outside play, Chapel
12:10 - 12:40pm Lunch
12:40 - 1:30pm Investigations (indoors or outdoors - Nature Trail)
1:30 - 2:00pm Outdoor play
2:00pm Dismissal

Photo Gallery

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Sign Up for Summer Camp!

June 6-10 and/or June 13-17 – All camps are 9:00am – 12pm

Come join the summer fun! St. Mary’s Preschool offers two weeks of summer camp for children ages 3-6.