Academic Life
Early Childhood Education
St. Mark’s Early Childhood Program exists to share the love of Jesus with preschoolers and their families. This has been done through the creation of a safe, playful, and caring environment where children learn and grow under the supervision of trained adults who recognize each child’s needs and nurture each child’s individual gifts.
What will children experience at our Early Childhood Program?
Jesus Time: Using storytelling, flannel board presentations, role playing, puppets, and a variety of other creative methods, teachers share wonderful events, people, and truths from the Bible every day. The focus always circles back to Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.
Circle Time: Children spend time together with their teachers, singing songs, counting, “reading” the calendar and weather charts, and sharing their daily experiences.
Small Group Time: In small groups, children work on language development, reading, math, and science exploration.
Art: Children explore their creative gifts through the use of a multitude of art media.
Music: Each day includes some music experience such as singing songs, dancing, listening to music, or using musical instruments.
Chapel: On Wednesdays, the children in PS and PK gather in the Worship Center with the students from the elementary and middle school (K-8) for worship, prayer, and a special message. Families are always welcome at Chapel.
Physical Development: Spacious indoor areas provide opportunities for games and large motor activities. A fenced area outdoors is available for fresh air, creative play, and exercise.
Family Involvement: Families are always invited to schedule a visit to our classrooms, chaperone field trips, and chat with teachers. The program is intended to be child- friendly and family-friendly.
Family Activities: Our Early Childhood Center offers a number of family events from year to year. Highlights include:
Dad and Me Pumpkin Carving
Pumpkin Patch
Children’s Christmas Services
Purina Farms
Mother’s Tea
Move-Up Ceremony
Theme Days
Elementary and Middle School (Kindergarten – 8th grade)
Curriculum: As a private, faith-based school, St. Mark’s makes independent decisions on curriculum and learning objectives. As a nationally accredited school, St. Mark’s regularly reviews and implements standards by the government and other sources, as long as these standards do not conflict with core values of the church or school.
Christian living: All students spend time in God’s Word every day. Morning devotions, weekly chapel services, memory work, and Christian living classes are designed to nurture a love for God and His Word in fun, creative, and memorable ways. Because they are constantly reminded that they are loved and forgiven by God through Christ, children are motivated to respond with words and behavior that honor God and help others come to know Him.
Core classes: Basic core classes are presented each day. Individual and group tasks and projects allow children a variety of ways to learn and apply information that is appropriate and meaningful. Students who show exceptional aptitude or need extra help are given individualized activities to meet those individual needs.
Field Trips and Assemblies: Classes are encouraged to schedule one field trip or assembly each month. Parents are encouraged to participate as drivers and chaperones on off-campus trips.
Technology: With ever-changing tools in technology, teachers at St. Mark’s believe that their first and foremost priority is teaching students how to use the tools of technology in a way that honors God and allows them to stay safe. All students in grades K-8 have access to tablets or Chromebook. These tools are used to enhance classroom learning under teacher supervision.
Theme days: Once a year, K-8 students are divided into multi-age groups to explore a topic. Teachers prepare multi-sensory stations for students to explore in their small groups. Past topics have included: the Reformation, finances, Lewis and Clark, Cinco de Mayo, colonial America, etc.
Faith Families: At weekly chapel, students sit in multi-age groups (3’s – 8th grade). Older students help mentor younger students during worship. These groups are also brought together for special activities during the year (Thanksgiving Feast, chapel activities, getting-to-know-you activities, etc.)
Whether it’s the transition from Early Childhood to Kindergarten, or from one grade level to the next, St. Mark’s students are well-prepared for future success. Surveys and anecdotal information consistently indicate that graduates from St. Mark’s are well prepared for high school, and that St. Mark’s has a solid, positive reputation in local public and private high schools for preparing students well for continued success as they progress to higher levels of education.
Potential families are encouraged to check with the counselors of local high schools to get information on how St. Mark’s graduates typically succeed with academic challenges beyond middle school
