Preschool
PK3 and PK4
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St. Augustine’s Preschool Program follows the Core Knowledge Preschool Sequence as its primary curricular framework to lay a strong foundation for future academic success. The CKPS sets the grounds that prepares students to make later connections for reading and writing while developing phonological awareness through sounds, words, rhymes, poems, and songs. This cumulative, knowledge-based curriculum is grounded in the principles of language-rich instruction, introducing students to carefully selected vocabulary through lessons, storytelling, and conversations. This approach supports both developmental and linguistic growth, enabling young learners to engage meaningfully with a wide range of content areas.
The Preschool Sequence also empowers teachers to set clear instructional goals and recognize the individual strengths and needs of each child. With this insight, educators are able to design developmentally appropriate lesson plans and activities that support each student’s growth, while also tracking progress in a focused and intentional manner.
By introducing students to a broad base of knowledge and fostering strong language skills early on, the Core Knowledge Preschool Sequence provides a seamless transition into the elementary grades. It establishes a solid academic and social-emotional foundation that prepares children to confidently meet the expectations of the Core Knowledge Sequence in later years. As a result, students enter Kindergarten and beyond with the curiosity, vocabulary, and background knowledge needed to thrive throughout their academic journey at St. Augustine Preparatory School.
In addition to the strong academic foundation being laid by CKPS, students also participate in classes and activities that support their spiritual, physical, and creative development. In our religion class, students begin to learn about the catholic faith in a more formal way. They are introduced to simple prayers, bible stories, and the foundational teachings of Jesus in a way that resonates with their everyday lives. Through guided discussions and activities, they explore virtues such as kindness, compassion, and forgiveness which lays the groundwork for their moral reasoning and helping them understand to treat others with love and respect.
Beyond academics, preschool students also participate in activities that foster curiosity and language skills, along with essential life skills such as sharing and problem-solving. Furthermore, to emphasize the importance of movement and coordination, preschool students start Physical Education classes where coaches lead them through gross motor skill exercises. Artistically, preschoolers also begin to explore color and art through our Art class, where they learn to observe, interpret, and express their thoughts and emotions visually. These early experiences help them build confidence, foster creativity, and develop an appreciation for beauty and self-expression.
At St. Augustine, we recognize that play is a crucial part of how young children learn about themselves and others. What makes play especially meaningful here is how it is enriched by intentional experiences that support emotional and social growth. Through activities like Pod Meetings, which cultivate self-awareness, empathy, and connection, and Wonder Wednesday, which stimulates creativity and inquiry, children gain the tools they need to engage in more thoughtful and collaborative play. In this way, the social-emotional and moral lessons they experience throughout the week enhance the quality of their play, turning it into a powerful space for growth, discovery, and joy.
