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JOYFULLY CURIOUS: Preschool & Pre-K
ACADEMICS
Preschool & Pre-KINDERGARTEN
Our program is informative, structured, and hands-on. That is how young children learn best; and they learn by using their hands and their bodies and then transferring that knowledge and those skills onto paper.
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Preschool for 3 year olds
must be 3 by September 1st
Our preschool programs offer multiple options to fit your needs.
All of our 2-day and 3-day programs offer half day or full day options. Doors open at 7:45am with school starting at 8:10am and ending at 3:15pm.
- Half-day preschool: 8:10am – 11:45am
- Full-day preschool: 8:10am – 3:15pm
Our preschool program is informative, structured, and hands on. We have found that preschool students learn best by using their hands and bodies, then transferring that knowledge and those skills onto paper.
All preschool applicants must be toilet-trained to be admitted to the program.
2-Day
Tuesday & Thursday
3-day
Monday, Wednesday & Friday
5-day
Monday - Friday
Art
The students do a variety of art projects through out the week. Some are process oriented and others are project (or theme) oriented.
Geography
The students will develop an understanding of the world in spatial terms, characteristics of places and regions, earth’s physical systems and the environment and society.
History
We begin with chronological thinking by understanding calendar time in days, weeks and months. Understanding history is the story of events, people, and places in the past. The students will develop an understanding of historical perspectives and beginner research skills.
Language Arts
We begin using our Saxon Phonics & Spelling program modified for the Pre-K student. The students work on listening, viewing and speaking. We begin reading and writing strategies. This includes coloring skills, fine motor skills, identifying the alphabet and sounds.
Mathematics
The students are introduced to Saxon Math. Mathematical reasoning, numbers and number sense, measurement, patterns and data analysis are all studied. The Pre-K4 students begin kindergarten level math.
Religion
Faith: Students experience a Catholic approach that stresses the dignity of each individual as a person made in the image of God. We emphasize two key truths of the faith: God and creation. We learn that Jesus came to show us who we are and how we are to act. Jesus is our model. We help children understand our human ability to Sin and that through the Death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, we receive Grace. We also adore Mary Mother of God and learn how special she is to us.
Science
Students will understand the fundamental concepts, principles, and interconnections of Earth, Life and Physical Science. Identifying the five senses, changes in the sky, observation, living vs. non-living things and energy, force and motion are all introduced.
Specialties
Music
Our music curriculum is based on the Kodaly method, which seeks to teach music to children in a system which mirrors their natural learning process. This method seeks to engage the student’s mind and creativity as it teaches the skills needed for a lifetime of joyful music making. At the pre-kindergarten level, students are introduced to the basic elements of music such as beat, rhythm, and pitch through vocal exploration applied in song, poetry, and games.
At the pre-kindergarten level, students are introduced to the basic elements of music such as beat, rhythm, and pitch through vocal exploration applied in song, poetry, and games.
Spanish
Our Spanish class focuses on learning in a very dynamic style, creating an active learning environment with fun games, music and oral activities, encouraging active participation from the children. The children are exposed to various Hispanic cultures, particularly Argentinian culture. They will learn simple Spanish greetings, colors, numbers 1-12, shapes, days and months. They will also learn to respond to basic commands.
In Preschool, we use a modified Saxon curriculum for both mathematics and language arts, introducing letters and numbers using the same sequence and terminology found in the upper grades to ensure a strong and consistent foundation. For religion, we follow the Image of God series, helping students grow in their understanding of their faith. We also incorporate Abeka Art to develop foundational skills through engaging projects that often connect to religion, language arts, and early history concepts, while also fostering creativity and joy in learning.
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Pre-kindergarten for 4 year olds
must be 4 by September 1st
Our pre-kindergarten program offers 3 full day and 5 full day options. *Half day option available upon request
Doors open at 7:45am with school starting at 8:10am and ending at 3:15pm.
The children receive daily formation to learn how to treat others with respect and how to interact with others. This involves teaching students to sit as a group for instruction, raise their hands to share or ask a question, and conduct themselves properly in a learning environment. All of these important skills are stepping stones to prepare the pre-kindergarten students for kindergarten.
All pre-kindergarten applicants must be toilet-trained to be admitted to the program.
3-day
Monday, Wednesday & Friday
5-day
Monday - Friday
Art
The students do a variety of art projects through out the week. Some are process oriented and others are project (or theme) oriented.
Geography
The students will develop an understanding of the world in spatial terms, characteristics of places and regions, earth’s physical systems and the environment and society.
History
We begin with chronological thinking by understanding calendar time in days, weeks and months. Understanding history is the story of events, people, and places in the past. The students will develop an understanding of historical perspectives and beginner research skills.
Language Arts
We begin using our Saxon Phonics & Spelling program modified for the Pre-K student. The students work on listening, viewing and speaking. We begin reading and writing strategies. This includes coloring skills, fine motor skills, identifying the alphabet and sounds.
Mathematics
The students are introduced to Saxon Math. Mathematical reasoning, numbers and number sense, measurement, patterns and data analysis are all studied. The Pre-Kindergarten students begin kindergarten level math.
Religion
Students experience a Catholic approach that stresses the dignity of each individual as a person made in the image of God, and are introduced to the Liturgical Year. Prayer is incorporated throughout the day and reverence is stressed. Every month, students are introduced to a new virtue. We learn that when we practice virtue, it becomes a habit bringing us closer to Jesus Christ.
Science
Students will understand the fundamental concepts, principles, and interconnections of Earth, Life and Physical Science. Identifying the five senses, changes in the sky, observation, living vs. non-living things and energy, force and motion are all introduced.
Specialties
Music
Our music curriculum is based on the Kodaly method, which seeks to teach music to children in a system which mirrors their natural learning process. This method seeks to engage the student’s mind and creativity as it teaches the skills needed for a lifetime of joyful music making. At the pre-kindergarten level, students are introduced to the basic elements of music such as beat, rhythm, and pitch through vocal exploration applied in song, poetry, and games.
At the pre-kindergarten level, students are introduced to the basic elements of music such as beat, rhythm, and pitch through vocal exploration applied in song, poetry, and games.
Spanish
Our Spanish class focuses on learning in a very dynamic style, creating an active learning environment with fun games, music and oral activities, encouraging active participation from the children. The children are exposed to various Hispanic cultures, particularly Argentinian culture. They will learn simple Spanish greetings, colors, numbers 1-12, shapes, days and months. They will also learn to respond to basic commands.
Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (CGS)
Once a week the students participate in CGS. This unique faith formation program follows the method of 20th century Catholic educator Maria Montessori. In the atrium, the name for the CGS classrooms, students come to discover the love the Good Shepherd has for them through hands on encounters with the Word of God and the liturgy.
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Preschool & PrE-Kindergarden FACULTY
We are blessed with exceptional teachers and dedicated staff who are deeply committed to the success of every student. Many of our faculty and staff have been part of the Ave Maria Academy community for years, bringing experience, stability, and a true sense of mission to all they do.
Katie Gooley
PRESCHOOL DIRECTOR
Eva Schwab
PRESCHOOL AIDE
Tania Al-Siouffy
PRE-KINDERGARTEN TEACHER
Jessica Bronk
PRESCHOOL TEACHER
Ewa Petros
PRE-KINDERGARTEN AIDE
Jenna Dubay
PRE-KINDERGARTEN AIDE
Joni Walker
PRE-KINDERGARTEN TEACHER
Rhonda Kuchinski
PRE-KINDERGARTEN TEACHER'S ASSISTANT
Minkyung Joo
PRE-KINDERGARTEN AIDE
Kathy Kampa
PRESCHOOL - 4TH GRADE MUSIC
Paulina Guitierrez
PRESCHOOL - 2ND GRADE SPANISH
Beth Waller
CATECHESIS OF THE GOOD SHEPHERD COORDINATOR
AFTER SCHOOL CARE
aVE mARIA pLUS
3:30 - 6:00 pm
After School Schedule
3:30 - 3:45 pm
Arrival & Settle in
3:45 - 4:00 pm
Snack Provided
4:00 - 4:30 pm
Station 1: Homework
Station 2: Art
Station 3: Games
4:30 - 5:15 pm
Outdoor Play (or gym)
5:15 - 6:00 pm
Station 1: Homework
Station 2: Art
Station 3: Games
Station 4: Cars/Legos
