About Us

We don’t mold children; we reveal them. We utilize a play-based, emergent curriculum that incorporates developmentally appropriate activities. 

St. Catherine’s Preschool also offers Catechesis of the Good Shepherd and Faith & Fun programs. We welcome diversity in race, religion, and socioeconomic status.

We believe in the value of children learning to be part of a community. This means that being part of the classroom community involves meeting in large groups at various points during the day, such as during story time. Special classroom activities and rituals help children feel included and foster a bond between children and teachers.

We believe children learn best through self-directed play. Therefore, a significant portion of our day will involve child-directed play both outdoors and inside the classroom. When children spend much of their day outdoors, they wonder better, move more efficiently, and learn to be better stewards of God's kingdom. Extended play, facilitated by caring, compassionate, and curious teachers, develops children's cognitive and social skills.

We believe that quality early childhood education can be a little messy and a little noisy. If you walk into one of our classrooms any morning, you will see children actively guiding their play with toys and open-ended materials. Teachers sit with and near children, observing, asking questions, and supporting their play by setting the stage and creating a safe and inviting environment ready for exploration and fun. 

What is Play-Based Learning?
In a play-based program, children select activities that align with their current interests. The term "play-based" is often used interchangeably with "child-centered," which can describe most available preschool programs. The play-based classroom is divided into sections, including dramatic play, sensory table, library, building blocks, various toys, and other designated areas. Teachers encourage children to play, facilitating the development of social skills along the way. "Even though it seems like they are just playing, they are learning valuable skills, including important social skills and cooperation with others, learning about signs (as most items are labeled), and early math," says Jenifer Wana, author of "How to Choose the Best Preschool for Your Child." 

"Chaos doesn't necessarily reign in a play-based preschool, but there will be play, and there will not be silence. Discussion between teachers and students is ongoing. Teachers will encourage kids to play and facilitate ongoing learning opportunities while teaching concepts through songs and games. You can likely expect a few structured learning times, but teacher-supervised free play is the name of the game."