St. Thomas More Catholic Preschool

632 Laurel Hill Road
Chapel Hill, N.C.  27514

919-969-6700
HOURS OF OPERATION:
Regular Hours: 7:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m., Monday-Friday
Summer Hours: 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m., Tues., Wed., Thurs.

Preschool Mission

At St. Thomas More Catholic School, the early childhood classrooms offer an environment that encourages children to explore, question, and learn. The curriculum revolves around a child’s natural tendency to “learn through play,” allowing children to approach new concepts in a “hands-on” manner. Each child has the opportunity to follow his/her interests within the classroom community and be recognized as a special and unique child of God. It is important that each child feels respected, loved, and valued as the focus is on the development of the whole child in all areas: spiritual, fine motor, cognitive, physical, social, emotional, mathematical and critical thinking.

Family Involvement

As the primary teachers of their children, parents are valued as partners in education. Parents are expected to share their gifts of Time, Talent, and Treasure with the school community.
 

Structure

Children learn and grow in a loving, nurturing, Christ-centered environment. Through stimulating, hands-on, small group learning centers, children can explore their interests, practice and strengthen fine motor, gross motor, self-help, sensory, and social interaction skills while learning important concepts in religion, language, literacy, math, science, music, and art. In addition, the children enjoy outdoor playground time each day along with specials classes like Music, Art and P.E.

Catholic Faith

Our Catholic faith is an integral part of our curriculum. Children build a strong foundation for spiritual growth as they learn prayers, Catholic traditions and values, Bible stories, songs, and observe changes in the liturgical year through daily routines, activities, visits to the church, and interactions with clergy, parish staff, and each other.

Program Information                          

Preschool  Options:

• PK-3 and PK-4  (5 days) M-F

• Extended Day (5 days)  M-F

 School Day Hours:
 · Instruction  Time  7:30am —11:30am
 · Extended Day 11:30 am —2:45pm
 · Afterschool 2:45-5:45 pm options are available.

General Information 

Calendar: Download the printable calendar here

Snack/Lunch: Preschool students should bring a nutritious snack each day. If they are staying for wraparound time, parents need to provide a lunch from home, or order lunch through My Hot Lunchbox.

Attire: Preschool Classes do not wear school uniforms. Children may wear comfortable clothes for working and playing but must wear sneaker shoes.

Requirements: Students must be;

• 3 years old by August 31st for PK 3

• 4 years old by August 31st for the PK 4· 

• Students must be potty-trained and able to manage their toileting needs with limited assistance.

Curriculum: The Preschool Program follows the Diocese of Raleigh Early Childhood Curriculum: Scope and Sequence: https://dioceseofraleigh.org/catholic-schools/standards-and-instruction 

Admissions and Registration: For information about admissions and registration, please visit the St. Thomas More Catholic School Admissions page located on the main website at stmcsnc.org/admissions.

Aftercare: Preschool aftercare will be available on School days (Monday through Friday) from 2:45 p.m. until 5:45 p.m. The preschool will have care established at the preschool building for both Pre-K 3 and Pre- K4 students. Children may be enrolled using the standard procedures and pricing as Aftercare that will be available for Lower and Middle School Students at the Lower School building. The options for preschool Aftercare are occasional, 3 days per week, and 5 days per week. The aftercare program follows the same policy as the regular school for holidays and snow days. We will provide nutritious snacks and beverages each day but if your child needs more “fuel,” please send in extra snacks. 

For your child's safety, please call or e-mail your child’s teacher and the aftercare director if there any changes regarding your child's pickup or attendance in our aftercare program. There will not be aftercare provided on 11:30 dismissal days. The director will email families 2 weeks prior to remind families.