St. James' Episcopal Church - Getting Connected/Children/Preschool

St. James' Preschool Class & Tuition Schedule

St. James' Preschool Volunteer Opportunities

St. James' Preschool Tour Dates: Monday, January 12, and Tuesday, January 13, 2009, at 10:00 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. on both days. Please register with the Preschool Office at (703)777-8439.

The St. James' Preschool was founded in the fall of 1972 by a group of parish mothers with one class for 3-year-olds and one for 4- year-olds. Since then the preschool has grown to offer 16 classes for 216 students. We have classes for 2 1/2 year olds thru 4 1/2 year olds, in both morning and afternoon sessions. The Preschool is a ministry of St. James’ Episcopal Church. The Episcopal Church has long been committed to offering educational opportunities which focus on the Christian values of open inquiry, firm but loving discipline, respect for each other and the response to the needs of others. These, along with the appropriate learning skills, are among the values which this school intends to nurture in an atmosphere of joy and hope.

Registration

Registration usually takes place in February or March for the following Fall. During that time, orientation tours will be offered to prospective families. For additional information, please call the school at (703)777-8439. A child entering a class must have attained that age prior to October 1 of the school year. Also, a child entering a class (other than a 2 1/2-year-old class) must be completely potty trained.

Preschool Program

The Preschool program has been designated to enable the children to be involved in a creative learning experience. Periods of directed activity are alternated with periods of free play. The school provides the children with a chance to grow in a group outside their home. This is an opportunity for growth, fun and learning about themselves in relation to other children and to adults other than their parents. This opportunity is provided in an environment especially equipped for and suited to the needs of a small child. The children are exposed to many different activities which cultivate self expression, good language skills, respect for others, large and small muscle coordination, creativity in arts and crafts, music and listening appreciation. A climate of rich and broadening experiences for children, which this school provides, includes many situations, which should contribute to their religious growth. By observing the Christian Liturgical Calendar we hope to bring about a richer understanding of reasons for our holidays and celebrations. Children of this age are inquisitive about the origin of nature and themselves; therefore some discussion of God, His world and our way of living is to be expected. Christian teachings will be reflected in discussion, but content will be appropriate to the understanding of children of this age. No attempt is made to present a particular denominational perspective. Opening exercises will include a brief prayer; singing and grace will be said before snacks.

Chapel

The Preschool provides a weekly opportunity to worship in the church for the 3- and 4-year-old classes. Chapel is lead by one of our Preschool chaplains who teaches out of Judeo-Christian heritage. Children learn stories and songs about the Bible. Our perspective is inclusive and sensitive to other traditions and those with no synagogue or church affiliations. St. James' Preschool sees the spiritual development of children as important and intends to nurture the developing spirituality in each child. Chapel is fun and full of energy. Parents are welcome to come and observe chapel at any time.