St. James Preschool Program
Where Little Things Make a Big Difference!
At St. James the Apostle Catholic School, our preschool program provides a nurturing and faith-filled environment where young learners grow through hands-on, developmentally appropriate experiences. We focus on the development of the whole child—spiritually, academically, socially, physically, and emotionally—helping each student build a strong foundation for lifelong learning and character. Through engaging activities, creative play, and meaningful faith experiences, our certified teachers guide children to explore the world around them with curiosity, confidence, and compassion.
Our Preschool Programs (PDF) | Preschool Curriculum (PDF)
Our Preschool Programs
St. James Blended Preschool
- 3 and 4 year old class
- ½ Day (7:45am -11:00am) & Full Day (7:45am-2:40pm) options
○ Two, three, or five day a week schedule options - After school care program offered
- Certified Teacher and Educational Aide
- Specials classes: Spanish, Art, Music, and P.E. weekly
- See Curriculum Tab for curriculum details
○ (appropriate curriculum modifications made for BP)
St. James Kindergarten Prep Preschool
●4 and 5 year old class
● ½ Day (7:45am-11:00am) and Full Day (7:45am-2:40pm) options; five
days a week
● After school care program offered
● Certified Teacher and Educational Aide
● Specials classes: Spanish, Art, Music, and P.E. weekly
● See Curriculum Tab for curriculum details
Extended Care Available: 2:45pm-6:00pm
● Kids Klub is available as an after school care
Preschool Curriculum
Mathematics Objectives
- Numerals 1 – 30
- Counting objects to 10
- One to one correspondence of objects
- Sorting by various attributes – color, shape, size
- Patterns: AB, AABB, ABC
- Sizes – small, medium, large
- Shapes – square, rectangle, circle, triangle, diamond, heart, star, oval
- Matching symbols, shapes, patterns, etc.
- Same and Different
- More, Less, Same
Reading/Language Arts Experiences
- Exposure to alphabet, letter names, and sounds (“Zoo Phonics” Curriculum)
- Recognize, spell, write first name
- Hold a pencil, marker, crayon correctly
- Retell familiar stories
- Draw pictures and dictate sentences about stories and experiences
- Answer questions about stories
- Repeat simple nursery rhymes and fingerplays
- Concepts of print: left to right direction, holding book right side up
- Build new vocabulary
- Build listening skills
- Strengthen visual discrimination
- Sequencing
Science Exploration Opportunities
- Explore science tools: magnets, magnifying glasses, etc.
- Experience the world through nature walks, gardening, and other explorations
- Observe insect life
- Observe plant growth
- Observe weather and plant life during each season
- Measure and mix ingredients in cooking activities
- Identify basic colors and explore color mixing
- Make observational drawings and dictations
- Explore the world with the five senses
- Investigate animals, the homes they live in, the food they eat
Social Studies Concepts
- Recognize that there are many kinds of families
- Name different jobs people have
- Explore varieties of houses
- Learn about needs of a family (shelter, clothing, food, each other)
- Citizenship
Catholic Identity
- Listen to Old Testament and New Testament Bible stories
- Recognize that plants, animals, and human beings are God’s creation
- Learn about God’s love; “Stories of God’s Love” curriculum
- Listen to stories about the life of Jesus
- Learn Jesus’ teachings to love God and one another
- Recognize the holiness of Mary
- Become familiar with the saints
- To learn common Catholic prayers
For Tour and Registration Information
Please call the school office at (630) 469-8060 or email Mrs. Guthrie (jguthrie@stjamesge-school.org) or Mr. Kelly, Principal (jkelly@stjamesge-school.org)
