Our Pre-K teachers at Christ the King are second to none. They are certified, trained, loving, experienced staff members who genuinely care for each and every child who attends our program. Their primary goal is to adequately prepare each student for the challenges of Kindergarten while nurturing a love of learning and a Christ-like heart.
Overview & Philosophy
At Christ the King School we believe that children are capable and eager learners. We support their need for hands-on, meaningful activities and are advocates for the importance of play. Through play, children learn the rules of society; they work out emotional problems and develop imagination. In play, children learn how to share, to negotiate, to collaborate, and how other people feel; they formulate, test, and revise theories about the world around them. While they play, they are masters of their own world — they are in charge. We consider these years critical, not only for the world of knowledge waiting to be learned, but because basic attitudes are being formed — about their world, people with whom they are in contact, and most of all, about themselves.
Each child is valued and respected as a person. We are committed to helping children learn problem-solving skills, become responsible for actions taken, and develop increased control over body and mind. Emphasis is on the whole child. Our staff, composed of skilled, caring teachers is committed to helping each child reach their full potential in the emotional, social, physical, creative, intellectual, and cognitive domains.
We are dedicated to establishing strong connections between children and their peers, children and staff, and staff and families. At Christ the King, adults, and children are partners in creating meaningful curricula and growth experiences.
For more information or to schedule a tour call (574) 272-3113.
Half-Day Pre-K
Christ the King offers two Pre-Kindergarten options: 1/2 Day and Full Day. Children must be 4 years of age by August 1st to be eligible. The children in this class are integrated with a group of students who stay for the entire day but are taught all of the materials necessary to advance to Kindergarten. 1/2 Day Pre-K operates from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. This class also benefits from the Library, Physical Education, Catechesis of the Good Shepherd, and Spanish. They do not wear uniforms. Half-Day children are required to take the KDI-2 Kindergarten Entrance Exam in February of each year to test for Kindergarten readiness.
Full-Day Pre-K
There are two Full-Day Pre-K classes at Christ the King. Children must be 4 years of age by August 1st to be eligible. Full Day Pre-K operates from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m, with rest time from 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. every day. This class benefits from all of the special courses (Art, Music, Physical Education, Spanish, Library, and Catechesis of the Good Shepherd) and enjoys lunch in the cafeteria with the other grades. They do not wear uniforms. Full-Day children are required to take the KDI-2 Kindergarten Entrance Exam in February of each year to test for Kindergarten readiness.
Curriculum
The goal at the end of each school year is for Pre-Kindergarten students to be fully prepared for the challenges of Kindergarten the following year. We focus on an array of academic, physical, and self-help skills throughout the year. Upon completion of the program, children are prepared in recognizing all upper and lowercase letters, identifying each letter sound, writing their first and last names unassisted, writing numbers 1-10, cutting and gluing, etc. As children show signs of becoming emerging readers, our Pre-K teachers modify and differentiate their instruction accordingly to help fit the academic needs of the whole class.
Special Courses
Children in Pre-Kindergarten are able to take full advantage of all of the special courses Christ the King has to offer. We think it is very important that they benefit from these as soon as they enter school. Pre-K students attend Art, Spanish, Music, Computers, Physical Education, Library, and Catechesis of the Good Shepherd each on a weekly basis.
Our goals for the preschool child:
1. To develop positive self-esteem.
2. To develop an awareness of, and sensitivity to, others.
3. To become a responsible person to self and others.
4. To develop social skills.
5. To develop verbal skills with peers and adults.
6. To develop perseverance and problem-solving skills.
7. To develop cognitive skills
8. To learn to make choices.
9. To share.
10. To listen and follow directions.
11. To finish a job begun.
12. To develop a sense of wonder and curiosity.
13. To develop an awareness of health and safety practices.
14. To develop an interest in creative arts (music, body movement, crafts, dramatic play).