
Based on Piaget’s Cognitive Discovery Theory of Development, our curriculum is designed to give the child a variety of experiences at different levels in all academic areas, thus providing success and challenge. We use the Creative Curriculum as the curriculum framework and progress assessment tool for all classes, infant through pre-kindergarten. More specific programs, such as the Math Their Way and Zoo-phonics readiness programs, are incorporated to teach basic concepts and beginning skills. Our instructors teach math readiness skills using manipulative, concrete objects, and reading readiness using both phonics and language arts. In the Handwriting Without Tears program, emphasis is placed on large and small muscle development and the eye-hand coordination necessary for writing. Art is presented with special emphasis on the process rather than the final product.
New for the 2023-2024 school year: after school program to extend the day for preschool students! Times are TBD…stay tuned!
2022-2023 Classes
Infant Class
6 weeks old by September 1, 2022
1 or 2 days per week – Tuesday/Thursday or Wednesday/Friday
3:1 student:teacher ratioToddler Class
1 year old by September 1, 2022
Classes are Tuesday/Thursday or Monday/Wednesday/Friday
4:1 student:teacher ratioYoung Two’s Class
2 years old between September 1, 2022, and December 31, 2022
Classes are Tuesday/Thursday or Monday/Wednesday/Friday
5:1 student:teacher ratio
Two Year Old Class
2 years old by September 1, 2022
Classes are Tuesday/Thursday or Monday/Wednesday/Friday or a five-day class
6:1 student:teacher ratioYoung Three’s Class
3 years old between September 1, 2022, and December 31, 2022
Classes are Tuesday/Thursday or Monday/Wednesday/Friday
or Monday through Friday
7:1 student:teacher ratioThree Year Old Class
3 years old by September 1, 2022
Classes are Monday/Wednesday/Friday or a five-day class
8:1 student:teacher ratio
Four Year Old Class
(Pre-Kindergarten)4 years old by September 1, 2022
Classes are Monday through Friday,
Classes extend until 1pm.
8:1 student:teacher ratioFive/Six Year Old Class (Transitional Kindergarten)
5 years old by September 1, 2022
10:1 student:teacher ratio
Classes are Monday through Friday, classes extend until 1:00.Kindergarten
5 years old by September 1, 2022
10:1 student:teacher ratio
Classes are Monday through Friday, classes extend until 1:00.
Special Classes

Handwriting Without Tears
Handwriting Without Tears printing and cursive programs draw from years of innovation and research to provide developmentally appropriate, multisensory tools and strategies for the classroom. Research shows that children learn more effectively by actively doing, with materials that address all styles of learning The program provides easier, happier ways for children to master handwriting The materials are intuitive, engaging, and developmentally progressive. The lessons and activities also make it easy to integrate handwriting into other lessons, and support children working at all levels.

Playball
Playball is a weekly class for 3 year old and pre-K classes. This program focuses on basic gross motor and movement skills in young children. Young 3 classes begin attending Playball in January.

The St. James Library
The St. James Library is child-friendly and welcoming to students in the young 3’s through pre-K. They visit weekly, are treated to stories from our amazing “Ms. Library”, and are invited to check out books to take home for the week. Visits to the library not only foster a love of reading in our young children, but further develop their curiosity and excitement for learning to read and explore the world through books.

Makerspace
The Makerspace is a place dedicated to STEAM activities where children in 3-year-old and pre-K classes can create and invent. The goal of the preschool’s Makerspace/Art Studio is to provide the alternate workshop for those children who learn best by doing. The idea is to provide multidisciplinary thinking and learning. In doing so, children will be developing foundational interests in engineering, architecture, and construction, expanding their building, creating and making skills, learning to take a concept and applying it to create something or resolve a problem, and taking risks and trying out new ideas.

Music
Music is offered to students in the infants through pre-K classes on a weekly basis. The children light up when one of our two immensely talented music teachers engage them through use instruments, voice and movement, encouraging children to see music as a vehicle to convey thoughts, emotions and creativity.

Chapel
Chapel is held each Monday in the sanctuary at St. James UMC. Students in our 3 year old through pre-K classrooms are introduced to spiritual concepts through engaging songs and simple lessons. Young 3 classes begin attending chapel in January.

Lunch Bunch (Extended Day)
Lunch Bunch (Extended Day) is offered to students in the 3 year old and pre-K classes. Young 3 classes may participate starting in January. Lunch Bunch meets each week day from 12:00-1:00 for lunch and play. The charge is $10 per day per child, and children bring their own lunch and drink.

The Pre-school Enrichment Program
The Pre-school Enrichment Program is a series of classes offered after preschool hours to children who are enrolled in the St. James Preschool and is also open to our community. This program is run by St. James’ Activities Ministry, in cooperation with the St. James Preschool. Learn more.

The Edible and Outdoor Classroom
The garden is a master teacher. In the garden, students learn about cultivating and caring, patience and discovery, stewardship and respect, beauty and life. Students also learn practical skills such as: mathematics, science, health, and nutrition.