We’ve been looking into Peoria Preschool at St. Mary’s School, a place that’s not just about ABCs and 123s, but also a nurturing environment with a unique approach to early childhood education. They’ve got small class sizes, outdoor classrooms, and a curriculum that includes Agriculture/Cooking and STEM. It sounds quite impressive, doesn’t it? But does it live up to the hype? We’re about to explore this further.
St. Mary’s Preschool Philosophy
At St. Mary’s Preschool, we believe in harnessing the innate curiosity of each child, providing them a learning environment that’s both engaging and inspiring. We’re not just a Peoria preschool, we’re a community committed to fostering lifelong learners. Our philosophy is simple: we encourage children to explore, question, and discover, fostering a love of learning that will carry them into their Peoria kindergarten years and beyond.
As one of the premier Peoria elementary schools, we understand the importance of a strong foundation. That’s why we focus not just on academic development, but also on social, emotional, physical, and spiritual growth. We’re more than educators, we’re cultivators of curiosity, instilling in our students a passion for knowledge and a drive to understand the world around them.
At St. Mary’s, we know that every child is unique, with their own strengths, interests, and learning styles. That’s why we offer a personalized approach, tailoring our teaching to each child’s individual needs. We’re not just teaching – we’re sparking a love of learning that will last a lifetime. It’s what sets us apart, and it’s what makes us proud to be St. Mary’s.
Curriculum Overview at St. Mary’s
Diving into the heart of our academic excellence, we find a curriculum designed to engage, challenge, and inspire our students at St. Mary’s. Our PreK-8th grade programs offer a 12:1 student/teacher ratio, ensuring individualized attention. We’ve designed our curriculum to foster a love of learning, critical thinking, and creativity.
We believe in a well-rounded education, hence we offer art, band, music, and theater programs. Athletics for both boys and girls are also part of our curriculum, helping students develop teamwork and physical fitness.
Equally important is our unique CONNECTed Curriculum. It encompasses Agriculture/Cooking, STEM Learning, Physical Education, and Typing/Coding. This innovative approach weaves together various disciplines, fostering an interactive and immersive learning experience.
What sets us apart is our strong faith-based education. The cornerstones of our curriculum are liturgy, sacrament, and service, forming a strong foundation for our students. We strive to instill values and build meaning in their lives, shaping them into responsible, compassionate individuals.
Learning Environment at Peoria Preschool
While our curriculum forms the backbone of St. Mary’s, it’s our unique learning environment that truly captures the essence of our school. Our classrooms are vibrant spaces designed to inspire curiosity and encourage active learning.
In creating this environment, we adhere to three key principles:
1. Small class sizes: We maintain a 12:1 student-teacher ratio, ensuring that every child receives the individualized attention they need to thrive.
2. Hands-on learning: Our unique outdoor classroom provides children with the opportunity to learn through direct experience with nature. It’s not just about reading books or watching videos – it’s about touching, feeling, and exploring the world around us.
3. Innovative curriculum: Our CONNECTed curriculum integrates subjects like Agriculture/Cooking, STEM Learning, and Typing/Coding into everyday lessons, fostering a holistic approach to education.
We believe that a nurturing and stimulating environment plays a crucial role in a child’s academic success and personal development. It’s about making learning fun, exciting, and meaningful.
At St. Mary’s, we don’t just teach children facts and figures – we encourage them to think critically, question everything, and develop a love for learning that will last a lifetime.
Extracurricular Activities Offered
Beyond the regular curriculum, we consistently offer a diverse range of extracurricular activities designed to cultivate our students’ talents and interests. We believe in the wholesome development of our students, and these activities play a pivotal role in the same.
Our art, band, music, and theater programs are the perfect platforms for our students to express their creativity. These aren’t just about learning an instrument or a form of art; they’re about fostering creativity, building confidence, and developing a love for the arts.
We also offer a robust athletics program for both boys and girls. The program isn’t just about physical fitness; it’s about teaching teamwork, discipline, and the importance of a healthy lifestyle.
For those who enjoy a good mental challenge, we’ve got a chess club that encourages strategic thinking and problem-solving skills. And for students interested in leadership roles, our student council gives them the opportunity to represent their peers and make a difference in our school community.
Our aim isn’t just to educate but to inspire our students to be well-rounded individuals. Through these extracurricular activities, we’re nurturing their talents and preparing them for a bright future.
At Peoria Preschool, we’re proud to provide a nurturing, engaging environment that sparks curiosity and academic success. Our unique curriculum and hands-on learning approach inspire creativity and critical thinking.
With diverse activities and a supportive community, we’re more than a preschool. We’re a place where love for learning thrives.
Don’t just take our word for it – our parent testimonials echo our commitment to fostering each child’s personal development. Discover the St. Mary’s difference today.