Embracing the Joy and Wonder of Childhood
When serving even our youngest students, we know what we teach is just as important as how we teach, which is why our classrooms and curriculum fully embrace the joy and wonder of childhood.
Our thematic units spark imagination and inspire our preschoolers to explore and discover their world. Through our hands-on learning centers, creative play stations and sensory experiences, our students simply have fun while building the academic and social skills necessary for Kindergarten and beyond. Specialty classes, such as music and physical education, allow children to uncover their unique gifts and talents.
Program Details
- Open to children ages 33 months and older
- Children must be potty-trained
- Full-day, part-time, PreK (More’s 4s) and extended-day options
- 9:1 student-to-teacher ratio
- Fully accredited by the Minnesota Nonpublic School Accreditation Association (MNSAA)
- Four-Star Parent Aware-rated program
The Preschool Experience
- Music and physical education specialist classes
- Integrated with the elementary and middle school community
- Two playgrounds and several indoor activity spaces
- Soccer Shots offered on-site
Daily Routine
We establish structure for our school day.
The daily routines and schedules create a sense of order yet still allow for modifications to meet the needs of the children. Children know what to expect, and we work with them so they understand what is expected of them.
With the assurance that their environment is predictable and familiar, they can settle into learning and function as part of a group. The order around them creates a sense of order inside them and allows them to fully experience creativity and expression. The classroom community includes teachers who relate to the children in a positive way and help them to do the same with their preschool peers. Children learn best in this positive atmosphere.
Learning Environment
Large windows fill our classrooms with natural light.
From year to year, the classrooms evolve to reflect the families and children using them. You can expect to see photos of students’ families, pets, and homes. Our classrooms have quiet corners with soft textures for children to read or cuddle with a stuffed friend. Our color palate is neutral so children feel a sense of calm. Items are well-marked, arranged consistently, and well-defined which enables the development of the children’s autonomy.
Program Highlights
Literacy & Language
Children love books and so do we! Story time and independent time with books is an important—and fun—part of every preschooler’s school day.
Outdoor and Large Motor Play
Children love to play outside. Our preschoolers play outside on one of our two playgrounds every day (weather permitting). We are also fortunate to have two large indoor spaces for children to run and play, the gymnasium and the auditorium.
Religion
Our Jesuit curriculum, “God Made All Things,” is used with our youngest students, while “God’s Promise” is used in More’s 4s. Both programs nurture and celebrate the special relationship between God and young children. Through these curricula, the Jesuit core value of Cura Personalis, meaning “care for the whole person,” is thoughtfully nurtured and explored.
Barb Larkin, M. Ed
Preschool Director
With more than 30 years of experience in early childhood education, Barb is passionate about creating a preschool environment where every child feels safe, loved and connected. She leads the STM Preschool team with a focus on relationships, whole-child development and helping each child grow in confidence and independence.
Frequently Asked Questions
Come See Preschool in Action
The best way to experience Saint Thomas More Preschool is to visit.
Tour our classrooms, meet our caring teachers and discover a joyful learning environment where your child can grow in confidence, curiosity and faith.