Preschool Education is Child-Centered

Saint Patrick Catholic School has been a vibrant presence in Tacoma’s North End since 1893.  The experience encourages excellence. Our program is designed to provide activities appropriate to foster independence and the social, emotional, spiritual, physical and intellectual growth of every student.  Preschool classes are directed by experienced preschool educators and instructional assistants.

Preschool Provides Excellent Introduction to Academics

Preschool classes use the preschool level language arts curriculum, designed by Houghton Mifflin, that continues through eighth grade. Stories, art, music, and poetry combine in a whole language program that stresses letter shape and development of phonetic skills.

Our science curriculum was designed by Lakeshore. It uses scientific language and stresses observation of nature and participation in experiments to explain the world. The social studies curriculum stresses the recognition of time periods and holidays. Daily counting, patterning, and sequencing are included in the math curriculum. Students learn religion as they celebrate the major Christian holidays, sing and pray together, and participate joyfully in the spiritual life of the larger community of the school.

Daily Activities Encourage Fine Motor Skill Development

Students draw, color, and use scissors to develop writing skills. They practice letters, and in some cases, words. Students practice social skills during recess on a playground designed and reserved for the exclusive use of preschool students.  They also practice these skills during periods of free activity choices during the school day. Teachers lead many activities designed to encourage early reading and the development of language and school skills.

Afternoon Enrichment

Children love exploring new ideas, new sounds, new tastes. Our afternoon extended day program provides opportunities to explore new areas that require more time than the morning program allows.  Enrichment time changes and explores different activities for the afternoon to keep students engaged.

The afternoon enrichment program includes lunch together either in the classroom or in the school lunch area. Students have the opportunity to play outside and work on gross motor skills at recess on our designated preschool playground.  After quiet rest time, the children are involved in an enrichment activity, fine-motor practice, and small group instruction along with other fun activities. The schedule stays the same throughout the week. Our enrichment opportunities listed below change throughout the year.

  • Classroom Art projects
  • Literacy
  • Number Sense
  • Fine Motor Instruction
  • Story Time
  • Outdoor Play

Specialists Offer Art, PE, Library & Music

Specialists provide weekly instruction in art, physical education, library science, and music. Students in preschool classes also participate in many enrichment opportunities. In addition to the optional hot lunch program, concerts, plays, prayer services, and school assemblies are available to our students.

Extended Care Available

A popular Extended Care Program is available before school from 6:00 A.M. – 8:25 A.M. and after school from 3:00 P.M. – 6:00 P.M. In the afternoon, a snack and supervised outdoor playtime on the preschool playground are available at Extended Care.

½ Day Preschool

Days | Monday – Friday

Time | 8:25 A.M. – 12:00 P.M.

Age | 3-4 years old (must be age 3 and fully potty trained by August 31)

Preschool with Afternoon Enrichment

Days | Monday –  Friday

Time | 8:25 A.M – 3:00 P.M

Age | 3 years old (must be age 3 and fully potty trained by August 31)

PreK with Afternoon Enrichment

Days | Monday – Friday

Time | 8:25 A.M – 3:00 P.M

Age | 4 years old (must be age 4 and fully potty trained by August 31)

Kindergarten Program Builds On Foundation of PreK

The Kindergarten Program builds on the foundation of the PreK Program. While focusing on developing independent students, we transition into a more traditional setting. The classroom provides multiple activities and centers with more time spent in structured activities. Students are presented with more specific goals. The gradual transition prepares them for a more structured classroom setting with a focus on strong reading comprehension.