St. Mark's Nursery School

Nursery School

StMarks_HappyTeacher[1]We approach children as unique individuals who are curious about everything. Teachers, really, are trained providers. We listen to understand what children are asking and what they want to know. We respond by surrounding them with books, tools, and materials to discover their own answers and solve their own problems. What adults call play is really a child’s work. Each day they are eager to get to work and see what they can discover. If we can keep children asking questions, we know we are reaching them.

Eligibility and Choices

Children 2½ and potty trained up to kindergarten. Classes have up to 15 children, led by two teachers (a lead and an assistant).

Classes are offered from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00:

  • Mon – Fri
  • Mon-Wed-Fri
  • Tues-Thurs

Each three-hour class is packed with enriching activities to engage children in making choices, handling materials, following directions, and working cooperatively. Additional care is available between 7:00 to 9:00 AM and Noon to 6:00 PM.

A typical morning would include:

  • Welcome circle and discussion
  • Outdoor choice time with a focus on large motor activities
  • Cooking or Snack Preparation
  • Literature circle
  • Indoor choice time with a focus on art or science reinforcing the idea/s presented in the literature circle

Our Studies Follow Broad Topics

These “topics” may be seasonal, develop from questions from the children, or naturally follow a related topic from a previous month. There is generally more than one topic of interest in a class. They are developmentally appropriate for each age group and follow the natural curiosity of each particular age group. These topics guide our choices for:

  • Literature
  • Art
  • Science
  • Cooking and Snack Preparation
  • Multi-Cultural Studies
  • Math
  • Dramatic Play
  • Manipulative Materials
  • Music and Movement
  • Games and Cooperative Play
  • Writing

Learning continues inside and out—only the atmosphere and choices vary. Outside time is considered very important for skill building, cooperative play, strengthening large muscles, and developing curiosity about nature.