Pre-Kindergarten
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"We’ve loved our experience at St. Theresa, and our three year old is so excited to go to school every day. The Pre-K program is a great introduction to school with small class sizes, nurturing teachers, a fun curriculum, and the full resources of a grade school to leverage. It is evident that all of the teachers and staff at St. Theresa's are focused on our child's academic and spiritual growth. " - Maggie, 2022 PreK3 mom
St. Theresa’s Catholic School PreK Program plays an important role in our overall educational objectives. A Catholic atmosphere, adapting to school routines, practicing good social skills and developing a positive attitude toward learning are the four educational cornerstones for our youngest students. Our PK-3 and PK-4 teachers are dedicated to helping each student become increasingly independent by promoting self-motivation and initiative.We now offer PreK options to fit your schedule:
- Full day 5 days a week (7:55AM-3:30PM - 2:40PM dismissal on Wednesdays)
- Half day 4 days a week (7:55AN-1PM)
Pre-K3Pre-K3 Age Requirement:
Student must be three (3) years of age on or before September 1
Eligibility- Prospective Pre-K3 students must complete a school facilitated assessment to measure the child's Motor Skills, Concepts, Language, Self-Help, and Social Development (please read the FAQ information for additional information about the PK-3 program.
Pre-K3 FAQs
How old does my child have to be to enroll in the program?PK-3 students must be 3 years old by Sept. 1st of the school year in which they are applying.
Does my 3-year-old child have to be potty trained before entering the PK-3 program?
Yes. Your child must be potty trained and independent in the bathroom. Our teachers will assist the child who may have an occasional accident. We will request a change of clothes for all PK-3 students.
Will the PK-3 wear the school uniform?
Yes. They will wear the school uniform.
What are the operational hours for PK-3?
PK-3 will have same hours as our existing school program (7:55 a.m.-3:10 p.m. Monday, 7:55 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Tuesday - Friday) with an optional 1:00 p.m. pick up. Like the PK-4 program, the tuition pricing is the same for a 1:00 p.m. pick up. STCS offers an after school Extended Care program to provide coverage to families until 5:45 pm.
Will PK-3 go to Mass?
Yes. PK-3 will go to Mass with all students starting in the second week of school.
When will PK-3 have lunch and recess?PK-3 will have lunch and recess at the same time as PK-4. Additional snack times will be incorporated into the schedule. Recess will be scheduled multiple times a day.
Will there be designated rest time?
Yes. Rest time will incorporated into the student schedule.
Will PK-3 go on field trips?
We will work to have special events/visitors exclusive to the 3s in the fall and one field trip in the spring to Zach Theatre. Parents will transport children and are highly encourage to attend (must be EIM certified).Will PK-3 go to Specials (Art, Music, Spanish, Computers)?
Yes, PK-3 will go to Specials and have a designated library time.
What will the PK-3 curriculum focus on?
Like PK-4, PK-3 will be play-based. Our intent is to provide a foundation for age 3 children that will support their transition to the PK-4 program. Our PK-3 and PK-4 teachers will work closely to curriculum plan and vertically align a scope and sequence for learning.
Will the PK-3s have to take the school assessment prior to admission?
Yes, but the intent is to gather information on their level at entry. At this age, the assessment is just a “snapshot” indicator to help support student learning.
Will I be able to drop off my child early?
PK-3 will have early drop off (7:35 a.m.), similar to our current early drop off schedule. There is no charge for early drop off.
Will there be a priority list for this program?
Yes. Current STCS families with an incoming 3 year old will be prioritized. Otherwise, spaces will be extended to outside families seeking entry.
Pre-K4Pre-K4 Age Requirement:
Student must be four (4) years of age on or before September 1
Eligibility- Meet the criteria outlined in the Pre-K Expectations
- Prospective Pre-K4 students must complete a school facilitated assessment to measure the child's Motor Skills, Concepts, Language, Self-Help, and Social Development
Curriculum
Preschool curriculum follows the Texas Prekindergarten guidelines and Diocesan developed guidelines for early education. Pre-K centers on a theme-based curriculum focusing on play opportunities to promote age-appropriate learning.
Instruction
Pre-K students receive instruction in large and small group as well as individually. Teachers work to address differences in students’ learning styles, levels of maturity, educational and developmental needs. Instructional planning is additionally supplemented with research-based curriculum resources exclusive to Pre-K4.
Unique to Pre-K4 at STCS- Pre-K4 has experienced teachers and classroom aides
- Religion is taught daily and students participate in weekly Mass with the entire school
- Incorporation of the Catechesis of the Good Shepard program
- Weekly or twice-weekly classes in Art, Music, P.E., Spanish, Technology, and Music
- Designated Library class twice per week
- Individual assessment is provided throughout the school year
- Students experience four (4) exclusive field trips
- Classes enjoy special guests and participate in all school-wide celebrations
- Pre-K students partake in special class performances and activities
- Participation in school-wide service projects and class specific service projects
“I am committed to teaching young children about God and the world in a Catholic setting. I look at this position as my ministry where God wants me to be and use the talents He has given me in the best way to serve Him…I believe this school is doing God’s work.” – Debbie Crowley, STCS Pre-K Teacher