Academics

Preschool

Preschool Welcome

Thank you for inquiring about Calvary Christian Preschool. The Preschool years are critical to a child’s optimal development and future success. These years are also some of the most special as children begin to explore and engage in the world around them. In helping children learn, develop and grow to their full potential, we commit to providing a safe, nurturing environment where they feel loved and know they are valued.

We offer a developmentally appropriate program that incorporates large and fine motor sensory activities, dramatic play, music, art, early math and literacy experiences, Bible stories, cooking, small group collaboration, and technology-integrated projects. As children go through our program, they develop physically, socially, cognitively, spiritually, and academically, as we prepare them for the Kindergarten and elementary years ahead.

In 2015, we unveiled a state-of-the-art Preschool Play Yard that allows our students to explore and play in a fun nature-inspired way. The 6,500 square-foot yard, complete with a climbing wall, stepping stones, and rolling hills, provides children with opportunities to explore and utilize all their senses in incredible ways. The Play Yard helps even the youngest students develop their gross motor skills, increase confidence, and explore risk-taking in a safe setting. 

We realize choosing a preschool for your child is an important decision. We look forward to sharing our exceptional program and answering any questions you might have.

Sincerely,
Brittany Gleason
Preschool Director

A Peek Inside Calvary Preschool

Our Preschool Program

Calvary’s Preschool experience focuses on the child, his or her environment, social skills, and spiritual knowledge. Children learn about the world in which they live, how to work and play together, and how to pray for themselves and others. Children are exposed to activities that encourage large and small motor development. They also develop foundational concepts for reading, science, language arts, math and Bible.

Calvary's preschool teachers make it a priority to get to know each student and what makes him or her learn, laugh and grow in Calvary's nurturing preschool environment. 

Calvary offers age-appropriate preschool programs to meet the unique developmental needs of each child:

List of 4 items.

  • Mommy & Me

    Calvary’s Mommy & Me is a special program where new mothers and their young children spend time together in a uniquely-designed setting. These classes meet the needs of both the mother and child in an encouraging and warm environment. Mommy & Me classes provide a special time for the mother and child to interact, learn, and grow, while celebrating motherhood. The emphasis of the program is on the personal development of both the mother and the child.

    Mommy & Me classes meet once a week in the morning during the school year. We specifically ask that alternate caregivers (nannies, grandparents, etc.) do not attend in order to respect the intimacy and confidentiality of each mother who is part of the session.

    Classes are assigned based on the age of the child by September 1 of the year they enter the program.

    • The Infant class is for mothers with children between birth and age one. 
    • The Toddler classes are for mothers with children between the ages of one and two. 

  • 2-Year-Old Preschool Program

    In Calvary’s 2-Year-Old Preschool Program, children begin to discover their interests and learn to express themselves as they explore an array of art mediums, participate in play, and are exposed to storytelling, songs, rhyme, and poetry in a language-rich environment.

    This program is for children who are two years of age by September 1 of the year they enter the program.  Calvary offers a half-day program from 8:30 AM to 11:30 AM. Starting in the fall of 2023, families will have the option of a 2-day, 3-day or 5-day class schedule. All classes are limited to 12 students with 3 teachers. Children do not need to be toilet trained to enter the 2-Year-Old Preschool Program.
     

  • 3-Year-Old Preschool Program

    The 3-Year-Old Preschool Program allows children to learn to investigate and work on short- and long-term explorations and projects. They spend time discovering a variety of art mediums and materials to express their ideas, feelings, and understanding of concepts. Phonics, writing, and mathematics are explored and woven into project work and centers in a natural and meaningful way. Children begin to explore Calvary’s breadth of enrichment classes as physical education and music classes are held on a weekly basis.

    This program is for children who will be three years of age by September 1 of the year they begin the program. Calvary offers a half-day program Monday through Friday from 8:30 AM to 11:45 AM. An extended day is offered as an option from 11:45 AM to 2:45 PM, Monday through Friday. Please see the Extended Day section to learn more about this program. Children entering Preschool 3 need to be toilet trained by the first day of class in September.

  • 4-Year-Old Preschool Program

    The 4-Year-Old Preschool Program is designed to meet the unique developmental needs of preschool children as they prepare for Calvary’s academic Kindergarten classes.

    In the 4-Year-Old Preschool Program, children are introduced to a more structured day where early literacy and math skills are formally introduced and academic concepts are woven into project work and centers in a natural and meaningful way. Children explore Calvary’s breadth of enrichment classes as physical education and music classes are held on a weekly basis. Children continue to build on their strengths to contribute to short- and long-term small group explorations and projects.

    This program is for children who will be four years of age by September 1 of the year they begin the program. Calvary offers a half-day program Monday through Friday from 8:30 AM to 11:45 AM. An extended day is offered as an option from 11:45 AM to 2:45 PM, Monday through Friday. Please see the Extended Day section to learn more about this program. Children entering Preschool 4 need to be toilet trained by the first day of class in September.

Extended Day

Afternoon Enrichment classes are held throughout the year beginning in September. The classes run from the first Monday of the school year through the last Friday of the school year. Children enrolled in the 3-year-old and 4-year-old preschool programs may participate in the afternoon program, which is designed to provide further enrichment and athletic opportunities.
 
Calvary enrichment class offerings run from 11:45 am to 2:45 pm, Monday through Friday. Children enrolled in Afternoon Enrichment bring their own lunch to school. 
 
Students may sign up by the day, week, month or school year. If your child has consistent Afternoon Enrichment needs, please contact our Preschool Director. You are also welcome to sign up on an “as needed” basis through the Preschool Office.
 
Contact Brittany Gleason, Preschool Director, at 310-573-0082 x 114 or via email for more information. 

MOM LIFE: Calvary Mom's Group

MOM LIFE, a group for moms with children all ages and stages, from Calvary Christian School, Calvary Church, and the greater Palisades, Santa Monica, and Westside community. It is a time and space for moms to gather and be connected, loved and inspired. MOM LIFE meets one Friday each month from 8:30-10:00am. Coffee is brewing at 8:00am, so come early to chat! Speakers will share on a variety of topics including marriage, anxiety, women's health, and of course - parenting! Childcare for any kids not in school is available. Click here for more information. MOM LIFE Is a ministry of Calvary Church.