Philosophy and Program Overview
St. Madeleine Sophie’s Pre-Kindergarten program is designed to help four- and five-year-old children build a strong foundation for future school success. It is a developmental, academically focused program where children are valued as individuals and supported with attention, approval, and care. While nurturing social and emotional growth, our program emphasizes readiness skills and learning experiences that prepare students for the transition to Kindergarten and beyond.
The curriculum is shaped by the developmental needs of young learners and guided by the standards of the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) as well as the Washington State Early Learning and Development Benchmarks. Through thematic units and center-based learning, students explore subjects such as early literacy, math readiness, science, the arts, and physical and social development. As a Catholic Pre-K program, faith formation is thoughtfully integrated into the daily routine in age-appropriate ways, allowing children to grow spiritually while they learn academically.
As the early entry step for our entire learning continuum, it is important to remember that St. Madeleine Sophie’s Pre-Kindergarten experience is designed as an academic step. It is NOT “play preschool” or “daycare.”
Learning Environment and Staff
The Pre-K classroom provides a safe, flexible, and nurturing space where children are cared for individually, in small groups, and as a whole class. Teachers foster curiosity, independence, language development, and social skills while cultivating a love for learning.
Our program is led by a team of professionally trained early childhood educators who emphasize social, emotional, and cognitive growth. As enrollment allows, we strive to maintain a low teacher-to-student ratio to ensure each child receives the personal attention they need to thrive. While academics are central, purposeful play and hands-on activities help children build creativity, problem-solving skills, and friendships.
Schedule and Eligibility
Since our Pre-Kindergarten program is considered an integral part of our educational continuum, the PK program follows the same academic calendar as our K-8 program. Classes begin the first week of September and end in mid-June. The Pre-K program operates Monday through Friday from 8:30 am to 11:50 am, ending just before lunch. The Afternoon Pre-K program, which is focused on Kindergarten readiness, is also Monday through Friday, beginning at Noon and ending at 3:00 pm. Those students who are eligible to attend both sessions have lunch and recess with their classmates.
Enrollment and Admissions
The Morning Session is open to all students who turn 4 years of age by the beginning of the school year, while the Afternoon Session focuses on enhanced Kindergarten readiness. Enrollment is first-come, first-served, with preference given to families already enrolled at St. Madeleine Sophie.
To register, families complete the online application, tuition contract, and immunization forms, along with a $300 non-refundable application fee. Once reviewed, families typically receive notification of acceptance within two weeks. Please note: enrollment in Pre-Kindergarten does NOT automatically guarantee admission into Kindergarten. All Kindergarten placements are conditional upon the results of a developmental readiness assessment given each spring.
For questions, comments, or concerns, please contact our front office.
425-747-6770 ext. 201
