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-based environment, optimal class sizes, field trips and special classes such as Spanish, library, art, music and physical education. 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

Each classroom teacher uses 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 play-based, age appropriate and individually tailored to meet the needs of each child.

Areas of learning which are emphasized include:

Specials: One day a week, students will receive one of the following specials to enhance their education: art, music, Spanish, physical education and library. Two recess periods are included in the full day curriculum (one recess period in the half day curriculum).

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.

Prayer Bear is our traveling class bear that will share many special moments and prayers with each student to help work on early religion and spirituality. Each week a different PK4 student will have the opportunity to take Prayer Bear home to help them pray for the week. He is a good listener. Prayer Bear comes with a special binder/bag that includes a variety of prayers, a list of ideas of how families can pray/reflect together with Prayer Bear, and a simple activity sheet that the students can do with their family to help them reflect on their week together.

On Fridays, the Prayer Bear returns to school and we take some time in our morning share circle to discuss that child’s week with Prayer Bear as another moment of reflection/discussion. Many students continue to keep up with prayers at home (i.e. dinner prayer, bedtime prayers, please pray for…).

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, 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.

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 in to large group instruction, small group learning and play centers; for example, one-to-one correspondence, patterns, sorting, counting, 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.

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.