St. Stephen School

The underlying instructional strategy in early education throughout preschool is the use of organized and free-play activities that are intended to provide opportunities for the child to interact, explore and relate successfully in his/her environment.

The preschool program uses multi-sensory hands-on learning approach to teach fine motor skills, auditory and visual learning using center time, books, songs, technology, and art. Free play, story time, show and tell, music, crafts, and outdoor play fill the students' day. Children attend prayer services, participate in community service projects and are provided many cultural arts activities.

Parents are confident in knowing their children are being educated in a comfortable and nurturing environment which provides an educational curriculum that allows children to achieve their highest potential.

Our Pre-K 4 program is directed toward a readiness for reading and math while learning in a hands-on classroom rooted in the Catholic faith.We explore reading through an integrated literacy based reading series that is developmentally appropriate. The children explore story elements, alphabet, vocabulary and concepts, and phonemic awareness. Our Math program is based on daily calendar practices, counting, cardinality, numerical operations and Algebraic thinking. Science and Social Studies concepts are taught in hands-on, age-appropriate methods. We utilize Smart Board and iPad technology in support of the curriculum.

Our religion curriculum covers the Catholic faith through symbols and articles, Bible stories, prayer and attending Mass throughout the year. We study the liturgical events of the Catholic Church and find a love and devotion to Jesus. Prayer partners are established with our sixth grade students. We share meaningful spiritual lessons and develop a sense of community.