St. Mark's Nursery School
Our Program and Philosophy
St. Mark’s Nursery School was established in 1991 and is one of the finest of the several wonderful preschools in
The School’s mission is to provide a developmentally appropriate educational experience for young children in a caring and supportive atmosphere. When each child’s individuality is celebrated, his or her unique potential is enhanced. In every way, St. Mark’s Nursery School aims to help children form friendships, develop self-confidence and discover the joys of learning. We also nurture the spiritual lives of our young children through weekly chapel led by our parish clergy.
The school believes the educational process should address all areas of learning – social, spiritual, physical, and intellectual. A wide variety of activities is designed to reflect the children’s interests and abilities and to help develop reasoning skills. As an Episcopal school, the values of faith, hope, love and service are fundamental to the program.
The school provides a flexible curriculum of age-appropriate activities through which children learn and explore while guided and encouraged by their teachers. Structured activities emphasizing acquisition of basic skills are balanced with child-directed ones, providing many experiences which nurture self-expression, self-discovery, and self-esteem. A typical day might include free play, story time, science and nature, art, music, snack and outdoor play on our newly refurbished private playground.
Parents are an important, integral part of their child’s education and are urged to become involved in all areas of school life.
Meet our Staff
Director Helen S. Palmesi has a Bachelor of Science Degree in Child Development and Family Relations from the
There is a professional staff of four head teachers and four teaching assistants with extensive experience in early childhood education. They are dedicated to giving affectionate attention to children and providing stimulating, successful learning experiences though positive reinforcement and encouragement. All faculty and staff are committed, not only to the educational welfare of the child, but also to the highest standards of professionalism.
Admissions
Class size is held to ten or fewer children supervised by a head teacher and a teaching assistant. There are two classes of 3-year-olds meeting three days a week (Monday, Tuesday and Thursday) and two classes of 4-year-olds meeting four days a week (Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday). Class hours are
Applications are available from the school or the church office in early January. Children must be three or four years old by January 1 following entrance into the respective class for 3s or 4s; however, a child whose birthday falls before September 1 may be given preference in admission.
Preference may be given to children of St. Mark’s parishioners. St. Mark’s Nursery School does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, religion or national or ethnic origin. It does not discriminate in the administration of its educational policies or other school-administered policies.
Scholarships are available for families with financial needs.
School Calendar
Contact Us
St. Mark’s Nursery School is located on St. Mark’s Church campus at 111 Oenoke Ridge,
For more information, contact Helen S. Palmesi at (203) 972-7888.
