St. Christopher's Day School has been teaching preschool children for more than 50 years. Our educational philosophy is simple: Preschoolers learn through a play-based curriculum. Young children work hard at play. They invent scenes and stories, solve problems and negotiate their way through social roadblocks. Because their motivation comes from within, they learn the powerful lesson of pursuing their own ideas to a successful conclusion.
Conveniently located next to Gladwyne Elementary School, St. Christopher's Day School sits on some of the most beautiful property in Gladwyne, Pennsylvania. Here, preschool aged children are encouraged to explore while we take advantage of our unique natural setting throughout the year, collecting leaves, going on nature hunts, sledding down hills and watching for the first robin of spring.
Ducks (Older Two’s): The Ducks class is held Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9:00- 11:00 am for children turning three by December 31. Socialization is the key for this age. Our activities are centered on social play experiences which encourage the development of language and other cognitive skills. Children must have self-help bathroom skills.
Frogs (Three-Year-Olds): The Frogs class is held on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 9:00 am - 12 noon for three-year-olds. This program has a five-to-one student-teacher ratio. All three years olds must have self-help bathroom skills. Building on socialization, the Frogs interact with their peers and our staff in a fun, supportive environment. We focus on small group experiences that encourage social play through learning to solve problems, share and cooperate within a group.
Bears (Four-Year-Olds): The Bears class meet Monday - Friday from 9:00am - 12 noon for four-year-olds. Our Pre-K program is based on a thematic curriculum. Teacher directed activities are planned which integrate all the readiness skills needed for kindergarten success. The children have an opportunity to develop their social and creative skills during a daily free play period. These children develop needed pre-kindergarten skills, initiative and independence.
Kindergarten Enrichment: Kindergarten is a magical time where imaginations come alive and learning has no limits. St. Christopher's Kindergarten Enrichment encourages children to explore the world around them and use their inherent curiosity to learn in a warm, accepting, and caring environment. A combination of free-play and structured activities are used to boost self confidence as well as enhance academic, social and emotional skills being fostered in kindergarten.
Stay Day: Our Stay Day Program, for 3-year-old and 4-year-old programs, offers time for free play, group games, stories, science, art and outdoor fun. The program runs from noon - 3:00 pm on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. A well-equipped playground and generous play area add to the fun at St. Christopher’s Day School.
Enrichment Programs: Tuesday and Thursday afternoons we offer enrichment programs for the 4-year-olds to further enhance their preschool experience. Some examples of past enrichment programs include science, drama, cooking, dance, soccer, yoga and foreign languages.