Primary School Curriculum

St. Francis’s student-centered pre-K curriculum goes beyond state and national standards for independent preschools, offering balanced literacy practices, Reggio-inspired project-based learning, special programs, and a model spiritual-development program.

We strongly believe that an effective literacy program introduces young children to a wide variety of print and encourages students to actively use reading and writing as tools for learning.

Our students develop real world skills—such as critical thinking, problem-solving, creativity, communication, collaboration, leadership, and commitment—through meaningful exploration of topics that are student-generated.

We demonstrate that spirituality is important in everyday life and provide a faith-based community in which preschoolers attend chapel at least once per week.

Critical and Creative Thinking

Our Primary School curriculum encourages both critical and creative thinking through project work, open exploration time, morning meeting, small group interaction, and individual time. 

Enrichment Classes

The Primary School curriculum includes a rich blend of weekly enrichment classes that include Spanish, Drama, Motor Development, and Music. These classes support the goals of the program and provide additional opportunities for students to express themselves creatively.

Outdoor Play

We believe that children need unstructured time outdoors to play. The natural environment is an important component of our Reggio-inspired approach. Each day in Primary School provides students opportunities to work together, plan active play, try new things, and enjoy unstructured time.

Spiritual Education

Primary students are encouraged and empowered to live out their faith in exuberant and creative ways. Chapel is the heart and soul of our Primary School community. In chapel, we celebrate God’s goodness, learn to be attentive to his Word, and pray for the world. Worship takes place twice a week, with special focus on the holy days and holidays. Teachers integrate these lessons into the classroom in meaningful ways each week. Faith in our heavenly Father challenges us to ask questions, reflect and live more fully in God’s world.