Preschool Curriculum

Here at Our Lady of Joy Preschool, we use an integrated thematic approach, weekly themes and daily activities are thoughtfully planned to nurture a strong Catholic identity while supporting each child’s social and emotional growth, physical development, cognitive skills, and creativity. In preparation for kindergarten and more formal education, our program emphasizes language development, early reading readiness, foundational math concepts, and problem-solving skills, all presented in a developmentally appropriate and engaging way. Our preschool classes use the Zoo phonics program, Handwriting Without Tears, and our Simple Solutions textbooks (PreK only) which all support their approach to learning. Children learn best by hearing, speaking, seeing, moving, and touching, and our curriculum reflects these learning styles to help develop confident readers, writers, and critical thinkers. Music, art, and physical education are also joyfully incorporated into our daily routine.

Catholic values are lovingly woven throughout each day. Classes begin and end with prayer, as well as opportunities for personal prayers. Students attend a weekly Courtyard prayer every Wednesday after drop-off, gathering as a community to thank God for his many blessings. In addition, students attend the Atrium for one hour each week, where they grow deeper in their relationship with God through hands-on, age-appropriate faith formation rooted in the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd.

Our preschool also welcomes special visitors and experiences that support learning and safety awareness. Each year, students enjoy visits from the local Fire Department, Police Marshal, Water Safety Educators, and Pediatric Dentistry professionals. Throughout the year, our community joyfully celebrates special traditions and events such as Trunk or Treat, All Saints Day, Grandparents Day, Breakfast with St. Nick, Donuts with Dad, Muffins with Mom, and Water Day.