The Pre-Kindergarten program at SMSA is for 4 and 5 year old children preparing for the academic setting of Kindergarten. Here, they begin to develop the social, academic and emotional skills they need to enjoy a lifetime of learning. In a warm, nurturing environment, they experience the delight of self-reliance, the joy of being part of a group and the thrill of learning.
The Pre-K program helps children explore the world through a series of weekly themes such as Friendship, Hibernation or Penguins. The themes inspire the week’s learning centers at which children become actively engaged in lessons in a variety of areas including math, early literacy, technology, science and religion. In addition, children are introduced playfully and naturally to a new letter of the alphabet each week, learning its shape and sound. They then take turns bringing in weekly show-and-tell items that begin with their new-found letter friend.
The Pre-K program consists of five half-days a week with the option of one full day. Pre-K students enjoy a wide variety of learning opportunities afforded by our beautiful building, including physical education in the Robert J. Nolan Gymnasium, computer training in our new technology lab and special projects in the Charles R. Wood Creative Arts Lab.
On Wednesdays, parents of Pre-K students have the option, at no extra charge, of allowing their children to stay at school for a full day. This extended day of schooling is intended to prepare the students for the rigors of Kindergarten and has the added benefit of giving our Moms some time for themselves! The extended day is phased in after the school year begins and takes place weekly beginning in January.