Preschool

At Notre Dame of De Pere, we educate every student at their individual level of learning. Our holistic approach nurtures Catholic values, respect, character development and academic exploration with a focus on kindergarten readiness. Your child will enjoy a welcoming, faith and play-based environment, field trips and special classes as the schedule allows. We also offer before and after school care for PK3 through 5th grade.

Call us at (920) 337-1115 to schedule a tour or submit a Visit Request Form online!

Preschool Curriculum Summary

Mrs. Kopp and Mrs. Stone use curriculum and resources that are appropriate for preschool and Catholic education. The teachers are encouraged to use a variety of resources including Catholic curriculum along with their own vast professional knowledge and experiences to plan weekly lesson plans that are theme-based, age appropriate and individually tailored to meet the needs of each child. 

Areas of learning which are emphasized include:

Specials/Recess: As schedules allow, students will receive a special to enhance their education: Two recess periods are included in the full day schedule.

Religion/Faith: Students are introduced to the story of God’s unfailing love for us, his persistence in drawing us back to Himself and the characters along the way who strive for holiness. We seek to put Jesus first in all that we say and all that we do and to lead by example. Students will participate in Mass with the rest of the school about once per month.

Catechesis of the Good Shepherd is a program that is included in a young learner’s preschool experience. This program takes a Montessori approach to encourage students to develop their innate potential for a faith filled relationship with God.  CGS includes scripture, mass gestures, prayers, artwork, and music. 

Creative Art Enrichment: Weekly thematic units are planned for guided art projects, and materials are in the classroom for creative art. Fine motor tasks incorporate a wide variety of techniques and media so students may explore and enhance their own creativity while making connections to instructional themes.

Literacy/Cognitive Enrichment: Activities enhance language and thinking skills and promote reading readiness. Examples include: asking and answering questions, clapping syllables in words, awareness of the concepts of print and exposure to letter-sound relationships. Instruction is delivered in a manner that is consistent with the individual needs and readiness of each student. Differentiation comes natural with various enrichments offered and rotated. 

Fundations: 

Fundations is a program that begins in PK4. This program allows students to be consistent with their letter work as they move through the grades here at NDDP.   

Music/Movement Enrichment: Group games and musical opportunities provide an avenue to develop listening skills, creativity, coordination, turn-taking, patience and problem solving.

Science/Sensory Enrichment: Children have a natural desire to learn about the world in which they live. Activities in this area aim to encourage curiosity and risk taking. Students will explore, experiment, predict and problem solve while connecting to a variety of instructional themes.

Math Enrichment: Math concepts are built into large group instruction, small group learning and play centers; for example, one-to-one correspondence, patterns, sorting, counting, ten frames, number recognition, shapes, comparison words and measurement. Teachers aim to provide fun and engaging activities that will promote a solid foundation for future mathematical success.

Life Skills and Community: We believe a strong sense of self and community is important to the development of the whole child. Children are taught to express themselves honestly and respectfully. Students are encouraged to problem solve, take responsibility for their actions and apologize when necessary. An emphasis is placed on forgiveness and the development of empathy. Students also take part in service and stewardship opportunities with the larger school and faith community.

Behaviors: 

We utilize the Green & Red choice program to avoid words that are discouraging. If behaviors do arise, we attempt to solve the problem quickly and effectively. If behaviors continue or affect other student’s learning or safety, parents are contacted via email and/or behavior slips that need to be signed and returned.   NDDP’s guidance counselor and/or principal will be notified if behavior escalates and becomes an ongoing issue. 

Classroom Pets:

Mrs. Stone and Mrs. Kopp have graciously added classroom pets to both PK rooms. Their classroom pets allow their students to develop responsibility, empathy and create special relationships. Truly, a one-of-a-kind experience!

3-Year-Old Programs

• 2 Half Days (Tuesday/Thursday): 8:15-11 a.m.
• 2 Full Days (Tuesday/Thursday): 8:15 a.m.-2:45 p.m.

4-Year-Olds Programs

• 3 Full Days (Monday/Wednesday/Friday): 8:15 a.m.-2:45 p.m.
• 5 Full Days (Monday-Friday): 8:15 a.m.-2:45 p.m.

Contact Us

Pricing information can be found here.

Ready for a tour? Contact us today to schedule a tour. We’d love to tell you more.