The main difference between Pre-K and Preschool is the academic focus.
Pre-K is meant to take place the year before Kindergarten to prepare children for the social and academic challenges ahead. Children in Pre-K participate in more structured activities and delve deeper into certain subjects. Pre-K has a stronger focus on advanced learning to ready kids for Kindergarten, elementary school, and beyond.
Our Pre-K Curriculum includes Handwriting Without Tears. This curriculum allows us to provide child-friendly, hands-on, innovative instruction for early learning and handwriting.
Our Math curriculum seamlessly rolls up into Kindergarten concepts with Math in Focus.
Scholastics‘ approach provides an engaging developmentally appropriate best practices for early childhood education for readers, writers and explorers of the world.
Stories of God’s Love is a Catholic-faith-readiness curriculum with a focus on virtues, feelings check-in, cross-cultural connections, and more.
Children in both Preschool and Pre-K have regular classes with Art, PE, Spanish, Library and Music Teacher Specialists.
Students also participate in plenty of outdoor play and learning centers.
Below, you can take a look at what a typical schedule is for our Pre-K students.
Pre-K Full Day Program
8:00 am to 3:00 pm Monday to Friday
September to June
Welcome & Free Play: During the drop off period, children are encouraged to make independent choices in a time of purposeful play. Our day in Pre-K has also a balanced teacher-directed and child-directed times. It’s important for young children to be able to make choices and to learn how to follow through.
Circle Time: Circle time sets the tone for the day’s schedule. After morning activities are closed, the class transitions to the class rug where they practice active listening. The students are engaged with songs, calendar, counting, introduction and practice of Spanish words, letter recognition activities and more.
Class Time: Pre-K students will start their structured learning of the day with subjects such as Math, Language Arts, Handwriting, Literacy, Science or Art. Subjects are scheduled based on the day of the week. Once the lesson has been introduced the class is given instructions for a supporting activity.
Specialist Class: And learning time continues! This time, Pre-K students will switch their focus to subjects such as Social-Emotional Learning (SEL), Music, Art, PE, Library or Spanish. Subjects are also scheduled based on the day of the week.
Snack Time: Snack time is used as another learning opportunity. Teachers sit and eat with the students to discuss healthy snacks, practice table manners or explore their thoughts and interests regarding the week’s lessons. Snack is a valuable time to practice social skills with their peers. Snack time is when a lot of children discover what they have in common with their classmates and start to build the foundation for their friendships. The children also practice being a good neighbor by cleaning up after themselves. If your child has any dietary restrictions, we are always happy to accommodate! Just let us know.
Recess: Play time! This is a time for physical activity and play. During recess, students are encouraged to be physically active and engaged with their peers in activities of their choice and enjoying the sun as much as possible! 🙂
Learning Centers: Learning Centers are activities located in specific areas around the classroom with a different theme each week. Children work in small groups during center time, and rotate each day so each group is exposed to the learning target. Our Learning Centers may include: Reading, Writing, Dramatic Play, Building, Art and Crafts, Sensory and many more. Centers is also a time teachers help students to verbalize their feelings and communicate effectively with their peers.
PE (Physical Education): Fitness is included every day on our playground or in our large, indoor gym where motor skills development, coordination and balance are all emphasized. The classroom extends into gym time through organized games or cooperative playtime fun for a cohesive learning experience.
Teacher Directed: And learning time continues! This time, Pre-K students will switch their focus to subjects such as Math, Handwriting, Music, Art, Library, Science or Literacy. Subjects are also scheduled based on the day of the week.
Rest Time/Nap Time: For our Pre-K students attending our full-day program, this is time for a regularly scheduled nap or rest which can enhance memory and support learning in children this age. During this time, kids are encouraged to lie down for a minimum of 30 minutes (per licensing requirements). Quiet activities are also provided for our students who do not nap or who may only nap for 30 minutes.
Wake Up: Time to slowly wake up or re-energize and get ready for more fun and learning!
Story Time: Story time teaches children important pre-literacy skills when we read, sing, talk, and play together. Story time encourages cognitive development and social-emotional growth, too.
Pack Up: After a day full of fun and learning, it is time for our students to get ready to go home!
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A Seamless Transition to Kindergarten
At OLG, we strive to make the transition from Preschool and Pre-Kindergarten to Kindergarten a natural, positive, and exciting experience for every child. Our youngest learners become familiar with the greater school community through assemblies, special events, and opportunities to connect with K–8 students and teachers.
For children who meet the age requirements for Kindergarten (5 years old by August 31st), our Pre-K teachers and ELC Director work together to assess each child’s developmental readiness and support a successful transition.
In June, our Kindergarten Jump-Up Day gives incoming students the opportunity to explore their new classroom, meet their teachers, and become familiar with Kindergarten routines in a fun, welcoming environment.
By building relationships, fostering confidence, and creating a sense of belonging, we help ensure that each child feels prepared, supported, and excited for the next step in their learning journey at OLG.
Pre-K Visits the Kindergarten class
Second Graders work with Preschool Buddies
Want to learn more about Our Lady of Guadalupe School? Here are some QuickLinks:
- Our Academic Excellence
- Catholic Education is for Everyone
- Testimonials – Hear from our OLG Parents!
