Early Childhood Education

Early Childhood Education is an important part of a child's overall learning process. Studies have shown that participation in an Early Childhood Education program directly contributes to how well a student performs in elementary school and beyond.

St. Mark Catholic School is proud to offer the following curriculum-based and accredited Early Childhood Education programs that serve children between the ages of 3 and 5:

Part-Time Preschool (age 3)
7:55 AM - 1:00 PM
Choose 3 days/week (pick your days) or 5 days/week
Please click here for details.

Full-Time Preschool (ages 3-4)
Full-Time Pre-K5/Transitional Kindergarten (age 5)
Full-Time Kindergarten (age 5)

Curriculum and instruction include sequential and constructive programs of learning. Instructional delivery focuses on various learning styles, multiple intelligences, and student-centered activities. The school curriculum is designed by the Office of Catholic Schools of the Diocese of Dallas, and extended within each classroom to meet student needs.

Housed in the St. Mark Early Childhood Education building, classes are conducted in a facility that was built especially for the young student including oversized classrooms equipped with Smartboard technology, classroom iPads, restrooms, sinks, and water fountains. Beginning in Preschool, students spend time in the SmartLab where they can express what they are learning in the classroom through hands-on projects and cutting-edge technology.

Preschool (ages 3-4)
Through weekly themes, 3- and 4-year-old classes develop skills and build a knowledge base. Class experiences include gross and fine motor activities, exposure to math and science concepts, and a variety of opportunities to develop language, literacy, social, and emotional skills. Students also receive instruction in technology including coding, religion, Spanish, art, library, and social development. Physical movement, music, recess, and rest time are offered daily. In addition, Preschool students who attend class on Fridays participate in the weekly All-School Mass. Other opportunities include school events and programs such as community service projects, an annual stage performance, and the annual Christmas Pageant. Emphasis is placed on Kindergarten readiness.

A child must be three or four years old on or before September 1 and be fully potty-trained to attend Preschool at St. Mark.

PreK5/Transitional Kindergarten (age 5)
PreK5/TK offers a Kindergarten-level curriculum, but at a modified pace, that builds upon concepts learned in Preschool while building towards Kindergarten. Daily lessons include math, literacy, social studies, science and religion. Rotating weekly "specials" classes include Spanish, art, music, technology labs including coding, and library visits. Physical Education class and recess are offered daily. Students participate in the weekly All-School Mass, and other school events and programs such as community service projects, and the annual Christmas Pageant. Emphasis is placed on Kindergarten readiness.

The PreK5/TK curriculum does not duplicate the Preschool or Kindergarten curriculums, but rather, provides a bridge between the two. Students must attend Kindergarten the following year.

St. Mark Catholic School is one of only four schools in the Diocese of Dallas to offer a PreK5/Transitional Kindergarten program.

PreK5/Transitional Kindergarten is designed for children who turn 5 during the months of May-October, and who may not be ready to attend Kindergarten.

Kindergarten (age 5)
Daily lessons expand upon the subjects of math, literacy, social studies, science, and religion with special emphasis on reading, writing, and math skills. Rotating weekly "specials" classes include Spanish, art, music, technology labs including coding, and library visits. Physical Education and recess are offered daily. In addition, Kindergarten students participate in the weekly All-School Mass, and other school events and programs such as community service projects, and the annual Christmas Pageant. Students spend time in the SmartLab where they can express what they are learning in the classroom using hands-on, cutting-edge technology. Emphasis is placed on first grade readiness.

A child must be five years old on or before September 1 to attend Kindergarten at St. Mark.

Curriculum
Click here for the detailed Early Childhood Education and Specials curriculum prescribed by the Diocese of Dallas.

Hours
Part-time program hours are 7:55 AM to 1:00 PM; choose 3 days/week (pick your days) or 5 days/week.

Full-time program hours are 7:55 AM to 3:30 PM, Monday through Friday.

Before/After School Care
Morning supervision is available at no charge from 7:15 AM until 7:40 AM. Students are escorted to classrooms at 7:40 AM. An After School Program is available until 6:00 PM on school days for an additional fee.

Community Service
Because service is an integral part of being a Catholic, all St. Mark students participate in monthly All-School service projects. Click here for more information about St. Mark's community service program.

For more information or to schedule a tour, please contact the school office at (972) 578-0610.