Early Childhood

St. Mary’s Place for early childhood education (2 years old by June 1) through Senior Kindergarten

In the Marlene R. Shaw Early Childhood Center, each day is an adventure of wonder and discovery. Our youngest preschool girls begin their journeys in an environment that is steeped in language and filled with a spirit of independence and inquiry. A rocking chair is tucked into every early childhood education classroom at our private school in Memphis and is a symbol of the love and security each young girl will experience as she begins her transition from home to school.

Girls in Early Childhood attend Chapel once a week and participate in our ongoing character education program fondly known as the Bridge to Caring. Read more about the character traits here.

Early childhood years create a foundation for your daughter's life. 80 percent of brain development happens by age 5. Research has shown the importance of early childhood learning experiences and its impact on later learning, behavior, and health.

6 Reasons to Choose St. Mary's

Imagine a learning environment specifically designed for the way a girl learns, where each student is recognized as a unique individual, and where dedicated teachers spark her curiosity and foster her creativity.

St. Mary's Place

St. Mary's Place for early childhood education

In St. Mary's Place, two qualified teachers lead each classroom and are supported by experts in special subjects from music to Spanish to Creative Movement. Learning through play and hands-on exploration are the hallmarks of our Reggio Emilia inspired St. Mary's Place program. Our project-based learning approach to instruction allows our teachers to turn everyday experiences into teachable moments. Language and literature are at the center of all we do, giving your daughter the best possible start on her St. Mary's journey.

Pre-Kindergarten

In Pre-Kindergarten, two lead teachers guide each classroom and are supported by experts in special subjects ranging from Spanish to music to technology. We know that girls learn best when they are having fun. That's why hands-on exploration and collaborative projects are the hallmark of our program. Through both classic and popular literature, our students are introduced to phonological awareness and literacy skills as well as early math concepts, giving them the best possible start on their St. Mary's journey.

Junior Kindergarten

We consider Junior Kindergarten a magical year where previous knowledge becomes more solidified and leads to deeper connections. Through author studies and writer's workshop, students gain a better understanding of the reading and writing process. Math investigations are woven into language arts discussions. With emergent curriculum, teachers listen for girls' interests and become liaisons to their learning. Throughout the process, small group and differentiated instruction help meet the specific needs of each student.

Senior Kindergarten

Specialist teachers collaborate with our talented, loving classroom teachers to create a dynamic environment designed to engage and ignite young girls' minds. We take each girl from her starting point and move forward with flexible reading and math groups that target her individual needs. Collaborative projects woven into the school day provide countless opportunities for the girls to become creative writers, inquisitive scientists, and global thinkers.

Flexible Schedule

Families can customize their daughter's schedule. Early drop-off and after care are available.

St. Mary's Place

St. Mary’s Place students have 2-day, 3-day, and 5-day options including mornings and full days.

Pre-Kindergarten

Pre-Kindergarten students have 3-day and 5-day options including mornings and full days.

Special Subjects

Students enjoy a variety of subjects like Spanish, Art, Library, Creative Movement, P.E., Science, Religion, and Music

Experienced Educators

Each classroom has two experienced lead teachers who are supported by special subject educators.

Weekly Chapel

All Early Childhood students attend weekly chapel where we build on character education.

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St. Mary’s Place for early childhood education (2 years old by June 1) through Senior Kindergarten

6 Reasons to Choose St. Mary's

St. Mary's Place

St. Mary's Place for early childhood education

Pre-Kindergarten

Pre-Kindergarten

Junior Kindergarten

Junior Kindergarten

Senior Kindergarten

Senior Kindergarten

Christina Block

Jacinta Miller

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