Admission

Preschool

Academics

Preschool Philosophy

We believe that preschool is where children form their first impressions of the world around them. It is in our playgrounds and classrooms where our attitudes toward conflict resolution, community, and a sense of our place in society are primarily developed.

Understanding and respecting children’s individual styles helps teachers create a more nurturing and caring atmosphere. In a warm, safe and interactive environment our teachers use an play-based approach through which the children engage in educational and fun-filled experiences.

Preschool Curriculum

We believe that a strong preschool curriculum includes empowering young children to feel good about themselves, think for themselves, have integrity and a sense of their own imaginative power. Through a combination of exploration play, academic focused circle time and self selected centers, students are exposed to early literacy, math awareness, science, block building, cooking, dramatic play, and social studies through an anti-bias curriculum, moral education, art, music, and yoga.

Preschool Opening Hours:

Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday – 8:15am – 5:00pm
Wednesday – 8:15am – 3:00pm

P2 Dolphins
2 Year Olds

P2 Dolphins: 2 Year Olds

The Dolphins class introduces our youngest students to school life. This is often the first shift away from spending the majority of their time at home and we understand the sensitivity that comes with this transition both for children and parents. There are many exciting ‘firsts’ during the Dolphins year as fine motor skills are honed and confidence is built through exploration, play and learning.

The P2 Dolphins curriculum includes:

  • Recognizing child’s name in print
  • Understanding and responding to 2-step directions
  • Naming basic shapes
  • Fine and gross motor skills
  • Grouping and sorting objects
  • Sensory explorations of textures, scents, shape, and size
  • Early literacy of sounds and letters
  • Social emotional development:
    • Listening skills
    • Problem solving skills
    • Critical thinking skills

P3 Butterflies
3 Year Olds

P3 Butterflies: 3 Year Olds

The foundations of learning continues in the Butterflies class as our 3 turning 4 year olds begin to learn the first concepts related to math, science and social studies. Exploration remains at the heart of the Butterflies program while letter and numerical literacy are established. Age appropriate activities are designed for children to be initiators and for teachers to support them in a process where learning is fun without rigidly defined limits.

The P3 Butterflies curriculum includes:

  • Early Literacy of identifying letters A-Z in random order
  • Math Concepts of sorting and matching
  • Conflict resolution
  • Co-operation
  • Science and Social Studies

Kindergarten Readiness Program
4 Year Olds

Kindergarten Readiness Program: 4 Year Olds

Our Kindergarten Readiness program is a special bridge between preschool and Kindergarten. Our teachers provide a strong academic curriculum in language arts, science, mathematics, and social studies. The program also serves as a vehicle for the emergent development of our St. James’ Beliefs and the sturdy morals and values we cherish like kindness, conflict-resolution, empathy, and respect.

The Kindergarten Readiness Program curriculum includes:

  • Printing, counting and identifying numbers 0-10
  • Beginning to rote count up to 100
  • Draw and identify simple shapes
  • Print, identify and recognize letter sounds A-Z
  • Problem Solving
  • Play cooperatively
  • Sharing, waiting, taking turns

We can't wait to meet you!

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About St. James'

Admission

Our Values

Academics

Beyond School

Community

Giving

Laura petersen

Preschool Director

California State Polytechnic University, Pomona
B.A. in Administration

Pasadena City College
Child Development 

Certificates/Recognition

Responsive Classroom, Child Care Center Application, Outdoor Classroom

Laura is an experienced educational leader with more than 20 years of experience in education. Throughout her career, Laura has worked with children and families across a variety of educational settings, with a particular passion for creating nurturing, engaging, and supportive environments where children can thrive. Prior to joining St. James’, Laura served as the Director of a private school in Pasadena serving children from infancy through sixth grade. She also spent 12 years at Saint Mark’s Episcopal School in Altadena, where she developed a deep understanding of the importance of strong relationships between educators, children, and families.

Laura holds a degree in Business Administration, but has always had a passion for early childhood education.  Laura believes children learn best when they feel safe, valued, encouraged, and genuinely known. Her approach to leadership centers on creating a warm and welcoming school community while supporting teachers in providing meaningful experiences for every child. Outside of her professional life, Laura is a proud mother of two children. She has also opened her home as a foster parent to multiple children, an experience that has strengthened her understanding of the individual needs, experiences, and strengths every child brings with them. Laura  is honored to serve as Preschool Director and looks forward to partnering with families to create a joyful, supportive, and enriching foundation for each child’s educational journey.