Early Childhood Program
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Living the Little WAY
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St. Theresa Catholic School celebrates its patroness, St. Theresa of Lisieux, "The Little Flower," through her unique charism of the "Little Way." Her charism is incorporated into the life of the our Early Childhood Program, centering around doing all things with love. We provide an easy transition to our Kindergarten with rolling admissions through 8th grade.
We believe that young children thrive in a thoughtfully prepared and enriching environment, one that fosters active learning, exploration, and meaningful connections.
Through purposeful instruction woven into play and discovery, we empower children with opportunities to make choices, engage in hands-on experiences, and develop a lifelong love of learning. Most importantly, our program nurtures each child’s spiritual relationship with God while fostering a compassionate and caring attitude toward others.
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We Help Them Love Learning
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"The school and community at St. Theresa Catholic School has exceeded all of our expectations in providing our daughter an excellent academic and faith based educational experience. We know this because our daughter has an excitement and eagerness for school everyday! " - Bill, Pre-K Parent
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“Enrolling in the PreK program at St Theresa’s has been the best decision for our daughter— she is thriving and so happy!" - Kristin, Pre-K Parent
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"My daughter absolutely loves the school and is thriving in many aspects of her experience here, we are very impressed everyday she learns so much and tells us everything with so much detail." - Maria, Pre-K Parent
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"This Pre-K has been such a gift to our family! This isn’t just a drop-off-and-go kind of place - it's a real community where parents show up for each other and teachers love our kids as if they were family." - Joey, Pre-K Parent
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What Sets Us Apart?The Early Childhood program at St. Theresa Catholic School offers a unique and enriching experience that sets the foundation for a lifetime of faith and learning. With experienced teachers and dedicated classroom aides, our youngest learners receive individualized attention and support. Religion is an integral part of each day, with daily faith lessons, participation in weekly Mass for 4 years olds, and engagement in the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd program. Beyond the core curriculum, students enjoy a well-rounded education with weekly classes in Art, P.E., Spanish, Library, and Music. Individual assessments ensure that each child’s growth is nurtured throughout the year. Pre-K students also experience two exclusive field trips, special guest visits, and participation in school-wide celebrations, performances, and service projects that instill a sense of community and giving. Through these unique opportunities, our Early Childhood Program provides a faith-filled, engaging, and developmentally rich start to each child’s educational journey. -
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fULL AND PART-TIME OPTIONS
“The after school program at St. Theresa has been so valuable to our family with two working parents and two boys in PK3. Ms. Tuerff and the staff are so kind and sweet. I feel so confident knowing they are loved and in such good hands all while having fun after school” - Virginia, Pre-K Parent
Full time 5x a week: M-F 7:50AM-3:30PM
Full time 4x a week: M-Th 7:50AM-3:30PM
Part time 5x a week: M-F 7:50AM-1PM
Part time 4x a week: M-Th 7:50-1PM
Full time plus extended care: M-F 7:50AM-5:45PM (pickup anytime during extended care hours)
"Our family’s experience with the after-school program at St Theresa has been truly wonderful. Mrs. Tuerff creates a safe and nurturing environment where our children can complete homework, engage in fun activities and grow in faith. We’re grateful for a program that supports both academic success and spiritual development.” - Magdalena, Pre-K Parent
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Admissions2026/27 APPLICATIONS OPEN NOV 1ST
Easy Transition to Our Kindergarten
Rolling admissions through 8th grade. Your student's academic future is secured until high school.
Pre-K3 Age Requirement:
Student must be three (3) years of age on or before September 1.
2025 Enrollment Incentive: $0 New Student Fee
Pre-K4 Age Requirement:
Student must be four (4) years of age on or before September 1.
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Meet the Teacher
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TEACHING THE WHOLE CHILD
At St. Theresa Catholic School, our Early Childhood Program provides a dynamic and engaging learning environment where children grow spiritually, physically, socially, linguistically, and cognitively each day. Through active indoor and outdoor experiences, our students explore, create, and develop essential skills in a nurturing, faith-filled setting. We believe that learning extends beyond the classroom, which is why we’ve enhanced our outdoor spaces to inspire hands-on discovery. Our beautiful butterfly and vegetable gardens encourage curiosity about nature, while our outdoor classroom expands learning opportunities beyond traditional walls. By integrating movement, exploration, and faith into every aspect of the day, we cultivate a strong foundation for lifelong learning and a deep appreciation for God’s creation.
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At St. Theresa Catholic School, our Early Childhood teachers recognize each child as a unique and cherished child of God, nurturing their individual gifts while allowing them to grow at their own pace. Through a balance of cooperative and independent play, hands-on learning, and differentiated instruction, our educators create an engaging environment where children develop the confidence to explore, experiment, and take risks. They emphasize the learning process over the final product, fostering self-esteem, respect for others, and a love of discovery. With clear, positive behavioral expectations, they create a safe space where all emotions are welcomed and valued. Understanding that parents are a child’s first teacher, our educators work in partnership with families to build a strong foundation for lifelong learning, equipping students with the skills, creativity, and faith needed to navigate today’s world with confidence and compassion. Meet our teachers.
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At St. Theresa Catholic School, our Early Childhood Program is built on the foundation of strong, meaningful relationships. We nurture each child’s personal relationship with God, fostering a faith-filled environment where they feel loved, valued, and guided by His presence. Our program emphasizes the importance of positive connections between parents, students, and teachers, creating a supportive partnership that enhances every child’s growth. We also empower our young learners to recognize and respect the diversity around them, encouraging kindness, empathy, and an appreciation for differences. Through faith, community, and understanding, we cultivate an environment where children develop a strong sense of belonging and a lifelong love for learning.
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At St. Theresa Catholic School, our approach to discipline is rooted in creating a safe, positive, and welcoming environment where children feel supported and valued. Grounded in spirituality and virtue education, our discipline model emphasizes teaching and modeling core virtues such as kindness, respect, and responsibility. Rather than relying on punitive measures, we focus on restoration—helping students understand their actions, take accountability, and actively work to resolve conflicts in a meaningful way. By integrating virtue education into daily interactions, we strengthen relationships, encourage empathy, and decrease antisocial behaviors. This approach not only fosters a strong sense of community but also equips students with the skills to navigate challenges with integrity, accountability, and a commitment to peace.
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2023 National blue ribbon awardee
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St. Theresa Catholic School has been honored as a 2023 National Blue Ribbon School, a prestigious recognition awarded by the U.S. Department of Education. Among the select few schools chosen each year, St. Theresa is one of only 40 non-public schools nationwide and the sole recipient in Austin for 2023.
