St. Mark School Expands Preschool Program

St. Mark School in Stratford is excited to announce that its Little Lions Preschool is expanding capacity from 25 students to 40. In the 2020-2021 academic year, a new classroom will open up to accommodate both a Pre-K 3 and Pre-K 4 program.

St. Mark School Principal Melissa Warner said the expanded preschool program was by popular demand. “We are making this change to best accommodate the increasing desire of families working or living in the surrounding area,” Warner shared.

The Little Lions Preschool hours are from 7:45 am to 2:10 pm and currently mirror those of a regular St. Mark School day. Flexible schedules of 2, 3 and 5 day options are available, as well as After School Preschool Care, Little Lion Club, from 2:10 pm - 4:30 pm. If more time is needed, preschool students join the remainder of the school at After School Program from 4:30 pm - 6:00 pm.

St. Mark will hold a Preschool Open House on Wednesday, March 18 from 4:00-6:00 pm. Families living or working in the area are encouraged to stop by, take a tour, and speak to the administration, faculty and other parents.

St. Mark is a New England Association of School and Colleges (NEASC) accredited school, approved to serve children in Pre-K through Grade 8. A globally recognized standard of excellence, NEASC Accreditation attests to a school's high quality and integrity.

Opening in 2008, Little Lions Preschool strives to encourage the social, emotional, physical, intellectual, and spiritual growth of every child, guiding them on their journey of lifelong learning. The program supports a curriculum based on the belief that young children learn best through play. Preschool and Kindergarten teachers collaborate to ensure preschool graduates are well prepared to begin their journey to Kindergarten.

Principal Melissa Warner shared, “Since its inception, Preschool Director Julie Larracuente has done an excellent job incorporating creative activities daily to teach children skills needed to move to the next developmental stage. Under her direction, our preschool teachers encourage experimentation, exploration, and discovery and help children learn in a caring, warm, loving, and nurturing environment.”

Jessica and Andy Tsichlas, parents of a current Little Lion, share their views on the program, “The Little Lions Preschool exceeds our expectations. Julie goes above and beyond daily for the children and does it all with a smile. Our daughter is excited to go to school and continues to grow exponentially each new day. We are eager to see what the future holds for our daughter at St. Mark
School.”

Little Lions Preschool benefits from the many amenities that an elementary school can offer. Preschool students have weekly lessons in Music, Innovation and Technology, Art, Physical Education and Spanish. Additionally, the physical health and wellness of students are cared for by a full-time nurse on staff.

The students are considered a vital part of the community and are invited to school-wide events such as Halloween Party, Christmas Concert and Talent Show. The Buddy Program pairs preschoolers with students in the older grades and the “buddies” visit frequently for story time or other social activities. Warner shared, “It is heartwarming to witness the cherished bond these young students develop with their buddies.”

St. Mark School is a Nationally Recognized Blue Ribbon School of Academic Excellence and a New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC) accredited school, serving students in Pre-K through Grade 8. For more information, visit stmarkschool.org or call (203) 375-4291.