Early Education Program

Supporting the Optimal Development of Each Child

Our program is centered on the values of trust, relationships, respect, responsibility and community through play, exploration and discovery in a supportive and enriching environment constructed on the interests of the children. We believe, when children feel safe and develop healthy, trusting relationships, cognitive development is fostered.

St. Mary's Early Education 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).

The Primary Years Programme

Encourages international-mindedness in students.
Encourages a positive attitude to learning by engaging students in inquiries and developing their awareness of the process of learning so that they become lifelong learners.
Promotes investigation of meaningful learning centers and builds students’ problem solving and critical thinking skills.
Reflects real life by encouraging learning beyond traditional subjects with meaningful, in-depth inquiries into real issues.

St. Mary's Faculty

St. Mary’s highly educated teaching staff supplements self-directed student activities with large group, small group and one-on-one activities. These student-centered, teacher facilitated activities ensure that all students are given the opportunity to reach their highest potential developmentally and academically, while nurturing the whole child.

Shelly Harmon

Head of Early Education Program

x326 | shelly.harmon@smaa.org

PYP Programme of Inquiry

Lower School Curriculum Guide

early Education sample schedule

In Preschool through Early Kindergarten, students explore how to embody the IB Learner Profile.

The IB Learner Profile represents 10 attributes valued by IB World Schools. We believe these attributes, and others like them can help individuals and groups become responsible members of local, national and global communitities.

Our Programs

Early Preschool

Early Preschool (EP) is a time when endless exploration tests independence and expanded verbal skills through open lines of communication. Two-year olds strive to make sense of the world around them and won’t take “no” for an answer.Our curriculum and classroom layout are designed with this in mind, providing a safe environment for students to explore, engage and be autonomous! Our teachers guide children through age-appropriate group activities and self-directed learning center exploration. Story time reinforces the joy and wonder of books and literacy. Puzzles and other small manipulatives teach beginning math skills like shape, size and color. As children prepare for Preschool, the importance of nurturing their love of learning is paramount, and plenty of play, with hands-on educational experiences, is vital.

Ratio & Class size:

1:6 Ratio / 12 students per class

Program Schedule Offerings:

Option 1: Tuesday & Thursday: 2 Half Days or Standard Days
Option 2: Monday, Wednesday, & Friday: 3 Half Days or Standard Days
Option 3: Monday – Friday: Half Days or Standard Days

Preschool

Preschool (PS) children are discovering the world, deepening their knowledge, testing their independence and forming a love of learning. St. Mary’s unique preschool program, shaped by our IB curriculum, facilitates learning and discovery. We meet each child’s developmental and educational needs while nurturing cognitive, physical, social and emotional growth. Our program supports children in playful exploration because children learn best when they are actively engaged in imagination and constructing their own knowledge. Our curriculum is based on the belief that children learn in many different ways. Learning centers are designed to invite children to investigate and participate in meaningful experiences . Teachers supplement individual activities with small and large group lessons focusing on core subject areas and units of inquiry.

Ratio & Class size:

1:7 Ratio / 14 students per class

Program Schedule Offerings:

Option 1: Tuesday & Thursday: 2 Half Days or Standard Days
Option 2: Monday, Wednesday, & Friday: 3 Half Days or Standard Days
Option 3: Monday – Friday: Half Days or Standard Days

Early Kindergarten

Early Kindergarten (EK) is an enhanced full-time preparatory program. Our IB educators provide a curriculum that weaves together extensive opportunities for design thinking, exploration, investigation and experimentation with a strong emphasis on mathematics and literacy skills. Throughout a student’s day, they will engage in group activities to promote their ability to collaborate, communicate and self-regulate. Seasoned teachers facilitate and encourage EK students by asking open-ended questions that spur problem-solving and critical thinking skills. A St. Mary's EK student will have exposure to Spanish (daily), experience our Single Subject Classes (e.g., Technology, Physical Education, Dance, Art, Science, and more) and partake in opportunities for Social Emotion Wellness.

Ratio & Class Size:

1:8 Ratio / 16 students per class

Program Schedule Offerings:

Option: Monday – Friday: Standard Days

In addition to our IB learners striving to encompass the IB Learner Profile attributes they also participate in the following:

Chapel on Monday Mornings

Chapel is a developmentally appropriate, spiritual learning experience including music and movement, prayer, and Bible stories. Additionally, we expose children to other walks of faith and are welcoming of all.

Language Acquisition Classes

Spanish is incorporated in classrooms throughout the school day, and formal Spanish education is offered in Preschool and Early Kindergarten on a daily basis. We give children the foundation that prepares them for Lower School and sets them on a path of life-long learning.

After-school Enrichment & Extended Care

Outside of the school day, we do offer two other opportunities for children. After-school enrichment classes expand on our well-rounded education, such as art, science, music & movement and sports. Additionally, Extended Care, staffed with fully qualified teachers, provides opportunities for self-select play and fun activities including games, art and gardening before and after the regular school day. The various options within our program offer families support and choices in a safe, caring environment on campus, providing their children with opportunities to further engage in activities while expanding their knowledge and skills.

Supporting the Optimal Development of Each Child

St. Mary's Early Education Program

The Primary Years Programme

St. Mary's Faculty

Shelly Harmon

Our Programs

Early Preschool

Ratio & Class size:

Program Schedule Offerings:

Preschool

Ratio & Class size:

Program Schedule Offerings:

Early Kindergarten

Ratio & Class Size:

Program Schedule Offerings:

Chapel on Monday Mornings

Language Acquisition Classes

After-school Enrichment & Extended Care

Resources

Partners