Early Education Program (EEP) at St. Mary’s
At St. Mary’s, we believe the earliest years are where the foundation for lifelong learning is built — through curiosity, care, and joyful discovery. Our Early Education Program (Preschool through Early Kindergarten) is designed to nurture every dimension of your child: emotionally, socially, cognitively, spiritually, and physically.
IB & NAEYC-Aligned Learning
Our program follows the International Baccalaureate (IB) standards as well as the guidelines for developmentally appropriate practice set forth by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC).
Through the Primary Years Programme (PYP) framework, students:
- Develop international-mindedness, learning to appreciate different perspectives and cultures
- Build a positive attitude toward learning, engaging in inquiry and reflecting on the learning process to become lifelong learners
- Strengthen problem-solving and critical thinking skills through meaningful investigations and learning centers
- Explore real-world issues, extending learning beyond traditional subjects with in-depth, hands-on inquiries
Why Families Choose St. Mary’s for Early Learning
A joyful, inquiry-based start. Children explore real ideas through our IB-aligned curriculum. We spark curiosity by encouraging questions, wonder, and imagination — because when children are active learners, they’re deeply engaged.
Small classes, strong connections. Low teacher-to-student ratios (1:6–1:8) ensure your child is seen, known, and supported. Teachers build trusting relationships, so children feel safe to try, to fail, and to explore.
Play with purpose. Every activity — from story time to puzzles, from movement to arts — is curated to build skills like problem-solving, communication, and emotional resilience, all wrapped in play.
Seamless transition into school life. Early literacy, numeracy, collaboration, and self-regulation are woven into each day, preparing children for Kindergarten and beyond.
Holistic well-being. We nurture social and emotional awareness, spiritual identity, and physical wellness — through chapel, movement, community, and caring gestures.
A world perspective, grounded in community. Daily Spanish, global awareness, and learning beyond boundaries combine with local values of trust, respect, responsibility, and service.
Enrichments & Added ValueIB + NAEYC Excellence. Our program meets or exceeds standards set by the International Baccalaureate (IB) and the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC).
Warm, safe, supportive environment. Trust, respect, responsibility, and community are more than words — they’re the climate we cultivate so children thrive. From our safe campus to our dedicated faculty, our mission is alive every day.
Dining Program. In partnership with FLIK Independent School Dining, our youngest learners enjoy fresh, healthy meals for breakfast, lunch, and snacks. Shared mealtimes foster community, social skills and habits for lifelong wellness.
After-school enrichment & extended care. For busy families, we offer safe, inspiring care beyond the regular schedule. Students engage in art, science, movement, gardening, and play — all with caring, trained staff.
Faith & values integrated daily. Weekly chapel, Bible stories, music, and movement help children explore their spiritual identities in a welcoming environment.
Learning Spaces in the Sillers Center
All EEP classrooms are located in the brand-new Sillers Center, specifically in the Thompson Family Early Education Center. These spaces are bright, flexible, and designed to inspire exploration, creativity and collaboration.
Children enjoy access to the Liu Family Playground, offering climbing structures, slides, and open areas that encourage gross motor development, imaginative play, and social interaction.
Our Programs
Come Visit Us
Seeing is believing. Meet our teachers. Explore our classrooms where children are busy learning through doing. Witness the play, joy, and responsiveness. We’d love to show you how your child could flourish at St. Mary’s. Click here to register for one of our Admission Information Sessions.
Shelly Harmon, Head of Early Education Program