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St John's Preschool is dedicated to providing children
with a solid foundation during the critical years of early learning. We
offer a challenging and stimulating learning experience by educating;
encouraging social, emotional, and intellectual growth; and preparing
children for their next academic and life experiences.
Your child will learn many things while they are with us,
although we don't consider ourselves an academic preschool. Our preschool
uses music, art, literature, and free play to encourage a child to grow
creatively. Through everyday lessons, which revolve around themes, our
students are exposed to letters, numbers, shapes, colors, patterns and
sequencing. They will be learning how to take turns, how to sit on circle,
and how to complete a task. These are all important skills that they will
need when starting Kindergarten.
Our main goal is to have our students feel safe and cared
for while they are away from their parents. We want school to be "fun"
for them so that when they are older they will remember that school is
a fun and positive place to be.
St. John's prides itself on its family atmosphere where
we feel we take care of the whole family, parents and siblings as well
as the student. St. John’s is part of St.
John's Episcopal Church and incorporates Christian values and traditions
into our curriculum and daily interactions. We welcome children of all
faith backgrounds to our school.
- Established in 1974
- Located in downtown Kirkland
- 26 staff members with an average of 4.9 yrs experience with St. John’s
Preschool
- More than 200 students enrolled in 16 classes
- Proactive parent involvement and volunteer opportunities
- New facilities built in 2004
We have a Carnival in March and an Auction in April. The auction is parents only but the carnival is a fun activity for parents and children.
It is also the major fundraising activity in the preschool to help provide
those little "extras" for our students while keeping the tuition
costs down.
In January and April, children will celebrate the Christian faith
with the Praise and Alleluia programs. This is the time when the children perform the songs they have learned in music class.
In addition to special events, St. John’s offers student and parent enrichment activities throughout the year. Student enrichment activities focus on exposing students to new activities, entertainment and learning experiences that are not part of the classroom curriculum. Examples of some 2008-2009 school year student enrichment include Thistle Theatre’s presentation of “Aesop Fables ” and customized science workshops from the Pacific Science Center. Parent enrichment opportunities, designed to provide parents with parenting information and tools, are also provided throughout the school year. Examples of Parent Enrichment include a Kindergarten readiness discussion and presentation by well known parent educator and Seattle Times columnist Jan Faull. These activities are funded in part by money raised at St. John’s annual Carnival event.
Education: Gonzaga University, Bachelor
of Arts, Communication Disorders with an emphasis in Special Education
Joan has been the director at St. John’s for more than fifteen
years. Prior to coming to St. John’s, she set up and directed
Holy Family Preschool and Kindergarten from 1986 – 1989.
Joan is passionate about working with children “because they’re
fun, bright, inquisitive, accepting, and so willing to try new things.”
She greatly values the sense of community at the preschool, “I
like being at St. John’s because it’s just like one
big family. Students, parents, and staff make up our family. It
is a pleasure to work with other professionals who enjoy children
as much as I do.”
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| Education: Kohlstrasse College, Wuppertal,
Germany, Early Childhood Education
Annette has worked at St. John’s for fourteen years. Prior
to that, she worked at a preschool in Wuppertal and a home for teenage
girls before getting married and moving to the United States. While
raising three daughters, Annette ran a daycare out of her home,
was part of the Bothell co-op preschool, and taught Sunday school
at St. Jude’s Parish in Redmond.
Annette is motivated by working with children because it “gives
me the opportunity to keep learning as well. It is not just the
preparation for the lesson or class time but it is challenging to
bring all there is to learn to their level. The children’s
never ending curiosity and excitement over every little thing make
it a joy to be a teacher.
Annette appreciates the energy at St. John’s and it’s
commitment to the children. “St. John’s Preschool is
a loving place where each child is treated as an individual. We
make learning fun and help kids to succeed in their first school
experience. St. John’s Preschool, with its supporting and
loving staff, helpful board, and wonderful parents, is and has been
the perfect place for me to work over the past 12 years. I have
been able to work in different roles, from assistant, to teacher,
to administrator; and there has never been a dull moment. It’s
a busy place; it’s my kind of place.”
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First year as a board member, and third year as St. John's Preschool parent. "Our daughter has continued at St. John's in the Science program, and our son is currently in the Pre-3's class. We are so glad to have found St. John's Preschool. The teachers and staff are truly great here, and we're glad to be a part of this caring community."
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This is Malissa’s second year on the St. John’s Preschool Board. Her son, Brock, spent 3 enjoyable years at St. John’s and is now in Kindergarten. “The staff here is truly amazing and gave Brock a love of school from the start. We will always be thankful for the wonderful relationships we have established here.”
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This is Gretchen's first year on the Board. Her son Carter is currently in the 4's. "St. John's has been a wonderful introduction to school for Carter. He loves his teachers, his friends and his routine here. Our family is so pleased to have found this community."
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This is Carrie's 1st year on the board, and her 2nd year at St. John’s. (Last year she enjoyed being a room parent). This year her son, Alex, is in the 3+ class and her other son will attend school in a couple of years. "I’ve loved St. John’s since I first stepped foot into the classroom. I love the sense of community and the family-friendly atmosphere. It was really important for my family that we felt comfortable and welcomed at school. My son has truly thrived in this environment. We could not ask for a better school and staff for our children."
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This is Katie's first year on the board and third year as a St. John's parent. Her son did the 3+ program and then moved onto Pre-K the following year. As a Half Day Kindergartner, he is now involved in the afternoon Science program. Her daughter is in the 3's program and is so happy to be getting to go to St. John's after watching her brother get dropped off for two years. "St. John's has been such a wonderful addition to my children's life and to the life of our family."
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This is Jennifer’s second year on the St. John’s Preschool Board and her third year as a St. John’s parent. She currently has a daughter in the Pre-K program. “The staff is amazing and treats each child as if they were a member of their own family. St. John’s goes the extra mile by offering new and exciting parent enrichment programs as well as an amazing one of a kind science program. My kids and I have made such wonderful friendships that will last for years to come." |
This is Lynn’s third year on the board. Lynn is a member of St. John’s Church. “St. John’s has become such a cherished part of our extended family and community. Our children look forward to school and sharing with us all the new things they have learned each and everyday.”
This is Vanessa’s second year as a board member, and her third year as a St. John’s parent. Her daughter, who is now in First Grade, attended the 3’s and 4’s program, and her son in currently enjoying his turn in the 4’s classroom. “St. John’s is a warm, friendly, and very family oriented school. The teachers and staff are truly committed to the success of every child. It’s a pleasure to see students thriving and genuinely interested in learning, and I am blessed to be part of such a wonderful community.”
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