The curriculum of the Cathedral Preschool is developed and adapted to relate program goals to specific learning experiences. There is a foundation of core skills that is beneficial for all children to master if they are to experience success in school. The nature of the skills depends upon the age of the child and his or her present level of readiness. The Cathedral Preschool staff is aware of individual differences and provides mastery experiences to maximize each child's potential at his or her chronological age and developmental stage.
We are pleased to offer art, music, chapel, and indoor and outdoor physical play to all ages. Three-Year-Olds through Kindergarteners enjoy presenting a delightful Christmas Pageant to family and friends each December. For other age-specific offerings, please read on...
Two Year Olds
Pupil/Teacher Ratio: 12:2
The two-year-olds’ curriculums focus on socialization and thematic units, as adjusting to the preschool environment is a major part of the two-year-olds’ world. Children are introduced to sharing, taking turns, saying please and thank you, and other socialization skills. Thematic units may include colors, shapes, seasons, animals, and self-awareness. Gluing, cutting, and threading activities help develop fine motor skills. Sequencing, memory, listening skills, and following directions are also an important part of the two-year-olds’ day. The Two-Year-Olds have access to many books in their comfort of their own classrooms, as well as art and music classes.
Three Year Olds
Pupil/Teacher Ratio: 12:2
or 15:2
Three-year-olds begin the Handwriting Without Tears program by learning through play with wood pieces and letters. They also begin to learn the correct "pencil grip" and slowly begin to recognize the big and little curves and lines that form letters. Three-year-olds explore math concepts through Math Their Way activities such as free exploration, patterning, sorting, classifying, counting, comparing, and number recognition. The Three-Year-Olds begin learning library skills through regular use of the Cathedral Preschool Library, and they enjoy regular art and music classes.
Handwriting Without Tears was developed by Jan Olsen, an occupational therapist, who has specialized in handwriting for more than 25 years. Handwriting Without Tears is a simple, developmentally based curriculum for writing readiness - printing and cursive. Its multi-sensory lessons teach to all learning styles - visual, auditory, tactile, and kinesthetic.
(Three-Year-Olds, Pre-K, and Kindergarten)
Math Their Way, by Addison-Wesley, is a hands-on approach to mathematics. Students develop an understanding and insight of the patterns of thought, the use of concrete materials, and manipulation. The activities are designed to help young children see relationships and interconnections in mathematics and to enable them to deal flexibly with mathematical ideas and concepts. Some of the activities in Math Their Way include free exploration, patterning, sorting, classifying, counting, comparing, and number recognition. (Three-Year-Olds)
Pre-K
Pupil/Teacher Ratio: 15:2
or 12:2
The Pre-K classes continue the Handwriting Without Tears program with workbooks and handwriting lessons that are simple, short, and fun. Also introduced are concepts and lessons from Open Court, Imagine It!, and Everyday Mathematics.
The Four-Year-Olds continue to develop their library skills through regular use of the Cathedral Preschool Library. They also enjoy their first regular science classes. They continue to enjoy regular art and music classes.
Handwriting Without Tears was developed by Jan Olsen, an occupational therapist, who has specialized in handwriting for more than 25 years. Handwriting Without Tears is a simple, developmentally based curriculum for writing readiness - printing and cursive. Its multi-sensory lessons teach to all learning styles - visual, auditory, tactile, and kinesthetic.
(Three-Year-Olds, Pre-K, and Kindergarten)
Math Their Way, by Addison-Wesley, is a hands-on approach to mathematics. Students develop an understanding and insight of the patterns of thought, the use of concrete materials, and manipulation. The activities are designed to help young children see relationships and interconnections in mathematics and to enable them to deal flexibly with mathematical ideas and concepts. Some of the activities in Math Their Way include free exploration, patterning, sorting, classifying, counting, comparing, and number recognition. (Three-Year-Olds)
Open Court Reading is a research-based curriculum grounded in systematic, explicit instruction of phonemic awareness, phonics, and word knowledge; comprehension skills and strategies; inquiry skills and strategies; and writing and language arts skills and strategies. The program creates a literature-rich environment that instills a passion for lifelong reading and love of literature and the written word. It is a well-balanced program that teaches students not only how to read, but also how to comprehend and make the most of reading content. The Open Court Reading series includes instruction in oral language, book awareness, print awareness, and common features in stories. (Pre-K)
Kindergarten
Pupil/Teacher Ratio: 15:2
Kindergarten students begin the comprehensive reading and language arts program, Open Court - Imagine It! They also further develop the Handwriting Without Tears skills they learned in Pre-K using the Zaner Bloser curriculum. Kindergarten students also continue to build on and extend their mathematics concept understanding through Everyday Mathematics.
All Kindergarten children continue to enjoy art and music classes, continue to develop their library skills through regular use of the Cathedral Preschool Library, and continue to enjoy regular science classes. Each year, they present a Thanksgiving play, and they perform the leading roles in the Preschool's Christmas pageant. The year ends with their very first graduation.
Handwriting Without Tears was developed by Jan Olsen, an occupational therapist, who has specialized in handwriting for more than 25 years. Handwriting Without Tears is a simple, developmentally based curriculum for writing readiness - printing and cursive. Its multi-sensory lessons teach to all learning styles - visual, auditory, tactile, and kinesthetic.
(Three-Year-Olds, Pre-K, and Kindergarten)
Everyday Mathematics was developed with the belief that children rarely learn a new concept or skill the first time they experience it. Because concepts are more fully understood after repeated exposure, topics (or "strands") in Everyday Mathematics are taught progressively throughout the age levels. These strands include numeration; operations and computation; patterns, functions, and algebra; geometry; measurement and reference frames; and data and chance. Each age level builds on and extends concept understanding so that children approach each new challenge from a firmly established foundation. (Pre-K, Kindergarten)
Special Services
Occupational Therapy – Play Plus
Play Plus is an in-school program designed to help children practice fine and gross motor skills according to their personal needs. All children in the 3 year old, Pre-K, and kindergarten classes are screened. Children who seem to need more practice in one or more areas are recommended for Play Plus.
The children work in small groups once a week during school hours with Occupational Therapist, Phyllis Carden, OTR/L.
Speech and Hearing Screening
Students at the 3 year old level and any students new to the school at the Pre-K and Kindergarten level are screened for speech/language/hearing by Northside Hospital.
Vision Screening
Each year students in the Pre-K and Kindergarten classes take part in vision screening by Prevent Blindness.
While we do not provide speech therapy or treatment for hearing or vision problems, we stress the importance of detecting issues early and are glad to discuss recommendations.
PALS
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PALS is offered on Mondays and Wednesdays from 12:00 noon until 1:00 pm for 3 year old, Pre-K and K students.
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Art PALS is offered on Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 12:00 noon until 1:00 pm for Pre-K and K students.
Kindergarten students, Pre-K students, and three-year-olds have the opportunity to extend their school day with social and enrichment activities by enrolling in PALS or Art PALS.
Enrollment is offered on a first-come, first-served basis for two sessions during the year 
(September–December and January–May).
For more information, including program costs, please contact the Preschool Office.
