A Bright Start: Elmwood Preschool at St. Mary’s
At Elmwood Preschool, part of St. Mary’s School, we embrace the innovative CONNECTed curriculum that blends Agriculture/Cooking, STEM, Typing/Coding, and Physical Education. Our hands-on learning approach in outdoor classrooms and small class sizes ensure each child receives personalized attention, fostering both academic and social growth. Our faculty are not just qualified but passionate about early childhood education, continuously updating their skills to provide outstanding educational experiences. With state-of-the-art facilities and a strong emphasis on community and events, we offer an enriching environment for our young learners. Discover how our approach can make a difference in your child’s life.
Curriculum Overview
At St. Mary’s School, we’re proud of our innovative teaching methods and curriculum highlights that keep our students engaged and excited about learning. Our CONNECTed curriculum uniquely integrates Agriculture/Cooking, STEM Learning, Physical Education, Typing/Coding, ensuring that our students receive a well-rounded education. This approach not only enhances student engagement but also fosters a deeper understanding of how these subjects interconnect in the real world.
We emphasize hands-on learning, particularly in our outdoor classroom, where students can experience the practical aspects of agriculture or science in a natural setting. This method not only reinforces the material taught in traditional classroom settings but also sparks curiosity and a love for learning. Our small class sizes allow for personalized attention, ensuring that every student’s needs are met and that they’re challenged according to their individual abilities. This personalized approach helps each student thrive academically and socially, fostering a community of learners who support one another in their educational journey. We believe that education should be an adventure, full of discovery and growth. At St. Mary’s, we ensure our students aren’t just learning facts, but are also learning how to think critically and creatively.
Faculty and Staff Profiles
Building on our strong curriculum, we also pride ourselves on the quality and dedication of our faculty and staff at St. Mary’s School. Each teacher’s qualifications exceed standard requirements, ensuring that your children receive an exceptional educational experience. Our staff’s extensive experience in early childhood education allows them to tailor learning to each child’s unique needs.
Faculty involvement doesn’t stop at the classroom door. Teachers regularly participate in professional development opportunities to stay at the forefront of educational innovation, ensuring our CONNECTed curriculum is delivered effectively. This ongoing training covers a range of topics, from integrating technology in the classroom to implementing hands-on learning through our outdoor classroom. Support roles at St. Mary’s are vital. Our administrative and support staff work tirelessly behind the scenes to enhance the learning environment and ensure everything runs smoothly. They provide the necessary foundation that allows our teachers to focus on teaching and our students to focus on learning. Together, we’re a team dedicated to nurturing not just academic success, but the holistic development of every student. Join us and experience the St. Mary’s difference.
Enrollment Process
Embarking on the enrollment process at St. Mary’s School, we’re excited to guide you through every step. Our goal is to ensure that you understand the application requirements, financial aid options, and the program benefits awaiting your child. Firstly, our enrollment timeline is designed to be straightforward and accommodating. We open our application window in early January, with a deadline by the end of March. We encourage you to attend our open house events held throughout February. These sessions provide a fantastic opportunity to meet our dedicated faculty and get a firsthand look at how our programs operate.
Understanding the application requirements is crucial. You’ll need to submit your child’s previous school records, a couple of reference letters, and complete our standard forms. Don’t worry; we’ll walk you through each requirement during the open house or you can call our admissions office directly. For families needing financial aid, we provide a detailed guide on how to apply for assistance and the kind of support you can expect. We believe financial constraints shouldn’t bar access to quality education.
Facilities and Amenities
While exploring St. Mary’s School, you’ll quickly notice our exceptional facilities and amenities that set the stage for an enriching learning experience. We’ve invested in top-notch classroom technology and learning resources to ensure our students are well-prepared for the future. Our classrooms are equipped with interactive whiteboards and tablets, enhancing both teaching and learning.
Here’s a glimpse into our campus:
- Playground Equipment: Our outdoor areas include modern, safe playground equipment that encourages physical activity and social interaction among students.
- Classroom Technology: Each classroom features state-of-the-art technology that integrates seamlessly with our CONNECTed curriculum, supporting subjects from STEM to Arts.
- Student Spaces: Diverse student spaces around the campus promote a variety of learning environments, from quiet reading corners to collaborative group areas.
We don’t just stop at providing great tools and spaces; we’ve also implemented comprehensive safety measures across the campus to ensure a secure learning environment. Security cameras, controlled access points, and regular safety drills keep our students safe at all times. At St. Mary’s, we’re proud to offer a setting that not only supports educational excellence but also nurtures the overall well-being of our students.
Community and Events
After highlighting our outstanding facilities and amenities, let’s focus on the vibrant community and events at St. Mary’s School. Here, we’re not just about books and exams; we’re about building a supportive community through active engagement and shared experiences. Our event highlights throughout the year offer fantastic opportunities for family involvement and showcase the energy and diversity of our community. We kick off each school year with our Welcome Back BBQ, a perfect occasion for families to mingle and meet the staff. It’s not just fun; it’s about weaving tighter community threads.
Our annual Harvest Festival, another celebration tradition, allows families to enjoy games, food, and performances, emphasizing our commitment to local agriculture and cooking programs. Volunteer opportunities abound, from helping in our outdoor classroom to assisting in organizing our Christmas Concert, which is a highlight of our celebration traditions. These moments aren’t only for children to shine but also for parents to play a significant role in making these events memorable.
Each event at St. Mary’s strengthens our bonds, turning individual achievements into community successes. We cherish these times, as they embody our spirit and values, making our school truly a family.
Why Choose St. Mary’s Preschool?
At St. Mary’s, we’re dedicated to nurturing young minds and spirits in an environment where they can truly flourish. Our unique curriculum and passionate staff ensure a rich educational journey. We invite you to join our community, where learning is a joy and each child is valued. Discover the difference at St. Mary’s, where we’re not just preparing students for the next stage—they’re being prepared for a lifetime of meaningful achievements. Join us and experience it for yourself!
Parents researching preschool options can explore Minnesota early learning resources for information on early childhood programs, developmental support, and educational opportunities for young children.