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Academics » Early Childhood

Early Childhood

 
"Joyful Learning through Play"
PK4

St. Gregory the Great Early Childhood Programs

St. Greg's Early Childhood Program provides a joyful introduction to our school's faith-filled community of learners. Our faith-based community encourages development of the whole child; spiritually, academically, socially, and emotionally. We believe that parents and teachers are partners in a student's education. We value communication, parent involvement and a loving, positive environment to create a sense of belonging. We welcome all to join our school family!

St. Greg's has four separate programs:

  • Pre-K 3
  • Pre-K 4
  • Early Kindergarten (EK)
  • Kindergarten (K)
While each program focuses on different age-appropriate curriculum, there are fundamental themes that are consistent throughout. Each program develops a Catholic identity to help prepare students to learn, live and lead as Disciples of Christ.
 
Each program prioritizes Joyful Learning through Play, partners faith with education and fosters moral leadership.

What is Pre-K 3 at St. Greg's?

  • Pre-K 3 is a preschool program for children who are 3 before December 1st.
  • Children must be potty-trained to enter this program.
  • **NEW** There is a two-day and a three-day option for the PK3 Program. The two-day class meets Tuesdays and Thursdays and the three-day class meets Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Both formats meet from 9:00-11:30am.
  • Class size capacity is 13 students.

What is Pre-K 4 at St. Greg's?

  • Pre-K 4 is a prekindergarten program for children who are 4 by December 1st.
  • Children must be potty-trained to enter this program.
  • This program runs Monday through Friday from 9:00AM to 2:00PM.
  • Students are eligible for before-school care starting at 7:30AM for an additional charge.
  • Students attend daily specials - gym, music, computer, art, and library.
  • Class size capacity is 18 students.

What is Early Kindergarten (EK) at St. Greg's?

Early Kindergarten is a multi-age (4/5 year old) program that gives the gift of enrichment and time for students before they enter Kindergarten. 

Enrichment: For 4/5 year olds who are not Kindergarten eligible but have already completed a year in a 4 year  old program. These children will benefit from a blended Pre-K/K curriculum that will challenge them academically while being with a cohort of peers that are Kindergarten bound.

Time: For 4/5 year olds who are Kindergarten eligible but would benefit from an additional year to develop. These children will benefit from a blended Pre-K/K curriculum and give them the time they need to socially, emotionally, and academically thrive the following year in Kindergarten.
  • This program has a full-time teacher and a full-time teacher assistant.
  • EK runs Monday through Friday from 8:00AM to 2:00PM.
  • Students are eligible for before school care starting at 7:30AM for an additional charge.
  • Students attend daily specials - gym, music, computer, art, and library.
  • Students are eligible to take the bus if they live within a 15 mile radius of the school and are 5 years old by December 1st.
  • Contact your school district for more information regarding transportation and see our transportation page.

What is Kindergarten at St. Greg's?

  • A Catholic faith-based program with a full-time teacher and full-time teacher assistant.
  • The program runs Monday through Friday from 7:40AM to 2:00PM.
  • Students attend daily specials - gym, music, computer, art, and library.
Which Program is Best for your child?
PK 3 (M, W, F)
9:00AM to 11:30AM
PK 4 (M-F )
9:00AM to 2:00PM
EK (M-F)
8:00AM to 2:00PM
K (M-F)
7:40AM to 2:00PM
Before Care Eligible   X X  
Bus Eligible     X X
Daily Specials   X X X
Field Trips X X X X
Full-Time Teacher X X X X
Full-Time Teacher Assistant X X X X
Lunch in Cafeteria     X X
Catholic Faith Based Learning X X X X
Prayer Partners X X X X

Field Trips and Community Outreach

snowAt St. Greg's, we believe that hands-on experiences are a great way to engage students. The more involved a student is, the more memorable and joyful their learning experience. Our Early Childhood students attend field trips, host a variety of programs on campus and have partnerships with several community programs.
  • Kelkenberg Farm
  • Theater of Youth
  • Shea's Performing Art Center
  • Buffalo Zoo
  • Aquarium of Niagara
  • Buffalo Audubon Society
  • Buffalo Museum of Science
  • Reinstein Woods
  • Buffalo Philharmonic
Prayer Partnersprayer partners

 

Pre-K and EK students work with 4th grade as their Prayer Partners throughout the year. Prayer Partners focus on supporting each other to deepen spiritual and community bonds and work on many service learning projects throughout the year, including:

  • Halloween Parade at Local Nursing Home

  • Box of Joy Project 

  • Toy donations for children of Nicaragua

  • Valentine's Day cards for Veterans