Academics

Our Preschool Program for Three to Four Year Olds is a readiness program which enriches motor, auditory, visual, and comprehension skills. The curriculum engages the child and is designed to promote critical and creative thinking in all aspects of the educational domain - social, intellectual, spiritual, physical, and emotional.  Our primary goal is for all of the children to feel comfortable, to simply love school and have fun. In a play-based and creative environment, our students become independent, sharing and caring little people.

Hours

Our 3 Year Old Preschool class meets Monday through Friday from 8:15am to 1:15pm and ALL children must be fully potty trained to attend.

Please select from the following for more information:

• Curriculum
  PRACTICAL SKILLS | LANGUAGE ARTS | MATH | SCIENCE | RELIGION | ART | MUSIC
• The Year at a Glance
• Family Handbooks

Practical Skills

• Follow directions
• Listen attentively
• Play well with others
• Learn to share with others
• Learn proper hygiene
• Use appropriate language
• Take care of materials and property
• Obey school and safety rules
• Use art materials correctly

Language Arts

• Identify first name in written form
• Begin to print some letters in first name/writes first name
• Identify uppercase letters A – Z
• Begin to learn days of the week and months of the year
• Recite the Pledge of Allegiance
• Identify eight basic colors (red, white, blue, black, purple, pink, yellow, and orange)
• Listen to stories attentively

Math

• Count using numbers 1 - 10
• Begin to arrange numbers 1 - 10 in sequential order
• Identify five basic shapes: circle, square, rectangle and oval
• Understand the concept of longer, shorter, bigger, and smaller
• Understand the concept of first and last
• Count chorally with numbes 1 - 31 using a calendar

Science

Natural science enables children to understand themselves, others, the world in which they live, and their Creator. Observation and discovery is a meaningful experience for young children.

• Examine daily weather conditions and predict changes
• Explain the Earth experiences seasonal changes
• Examine planting materials
• Observe the growth of plants, seeds, bulbs, cuttings
• Discover color changes observed in autumn
• Compare habitats and food of animals
• Engage in a variety of Science experiments

Religion

• Learn the meaning of friendship
• Learn to become a good "disciple"
• Develop empathy and kindness towards others

Art

• Express ideas/theories/emotions through art
• Develop fine motor skills (using paintbrushes, pencils, crayons, scissors, gluing, Model Magic)
• Learn to use paint and painting tools correctly
• Develop eye/hand coordination
• Make new, daily discoveries using various art materials 

Music

• Learn to actively listen to music each day
• Experiment with movement, encouraging dancing to different types of music
• Learn fingerplays and rhymes
• Learn songs of praise and thanksgiving to God for special occasions

September
n September students learn about farm animals, what grows on a farm, and make their own farm stands. We read Kissing Hand and other seasonal books. Along with talking and learning about many different fruits and vegetables, students learn colors. Students go “apple picking” in our courtyard, and make a variety of apple projects including applesauce.

October
While October is Fire Safety Month and is filled with many fun Halloween activities, we also learn about the five stages of how a pumpkin grows. Students go “pumpkin picking” in our courtyard, and create many pumpkin projects including pumpkin books.

November
Fall fun continues in November with discussions about the changing of the seasons, colors of the leaves and Native Americans. Students make fall wreaths, turkeys, and cornbread, as well as vests, beaded necklaces, headdresses and rain sticks inspired by the culture of indigenous peoples.

December
Throughout the month of December we celebrate our faith along with the five senses. Students celebrate Saint Nicholas Day, learn about Advent, the birth of Baby Jesus and snowflakes. We will make a Five Senses book, and an Advent calendar so we can count the days until Jesus’ birthday. Students will make stuffed angels as well as special gifts for our parents.

January
In the New Year we continue our seasonal celebrations with a variety of winter activities. Students make “snow”, winter trees, and practice counting with snowmen. Additionally, students study black and white animals by creating penguins, pandas, zebras, whales and mountain goats using Model Magic.

February
Love is our theme in February. Holy Cross Academy LOVES to read, and parents are invited to be our special guest readers. Students complete a variety of Valentine themed projects as well as celebrate Dental Health Month.

March
Along with a special visit from Jenkinson’s Aquarium, in March students go on a safari. We create binoculars, passports and hats as we talk and learn about safari animals, such as lions, elephants, giraffes, and hippos. We also celebrate Saint Patrick’s Day and Dr. Seuss’s birthday this month.

April
As Spring blossoms we once again examine the changing of the seasons and talk about new life - a perfect time to learn about Easter. Students explore the parts and growth of a flower, learn about butterflies, create a butterfly life cycle book and celebrate the blessings of Easter through a variety of activities.

May
In May we celebrate Mother Mary as well as our wonderful Holy Cross community Moms. Students create a variety of extra special projects to present at our annual Mother’s Day Tea, a heartwarming Holy Cross Academy preschool tradition.

June
We end our year preparing for “graduation” and celebrating our fantastic Holy Cross Academy Dads. Students and families alike look forward to our annual Father’s Field Day. In June we marvel and wonder at the blessings the year has brought for both our students and teachers, culminating in a special graduation ceremony.