Our Curriculum:
Our classes provide individual attention by teachers, as well as teacher-directed and free choice activities. We plan and deliver lessons and activities to build skills in all developmental areas - physical, intellectual, emotional, social and spiritual. We incorporate socialization skills, art, music, stories, cooking, science exploration, mathematical thinking skills, language development, listening skills and Christian concepts and values, including weekly chapel visits, into our program.
In addition, our 4s and preK classes will be exposed to an increasingly structured environment, including alphabet skills, reading readiness and math concepts.
The Staff at St. Luke's Preschool
Preschool Director – Melissa Martin
Melissa Martin graduated from Newman University in 2011 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Elementary Education. Since graduating, she has worked with youth in education, juvenile corrections, mental health, and as a coach. Originally from Kansas she, her boyfriend Alex, and their two children have lived in Tacoma since 2015. She enjoys spending time with her family, being outdoors, playing sports, and arts and crafts. She started her tenure as St. Luke's Preschool's Director in January of 2023.
Lead Teacher, 3s and 4s classes - Elisabeth (Lisa) Vance
Teacher Elisabeth teaches the 3s preschool class on Tuesday and Thursday. The 4s preschool class on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. Teacher Elisabeth is married and has two children, Eva and Nora. She enjoys spending time with her family and friends.
Lead Teacher – Terri Atkinson
Terri has more than 30 years of experience working with young children and their families in a variety of early childhood programs, including employee sponsored child care, COOP preschool, Head Start, college campus sponsored child care, homeschool kindergarten and licensed family home child care. She has a Child Care Specialist certificate and a Child Development Associate Credential, as well as over 1000 credit hours of training in early childhood education from Clover Park and Bates Technical colleges. Terri enjoys including creative art and expression, music, dance, science and storytelling into the preschool program. She loves to read to children and introduce them to quality literature.
Fran Fortner - Assistant
Fran graduated from Western Washington University with a degree in Sociology/Psychology. She retired as a Special Education Para with the Tacoma School District. While all children are special, she especially loves to work with preschoolers. Fran is a mother to three daughters and a grandmother to 8 grandchildren.
Lead Teacher/Teaching Assistant – Jill Larson
Jill has been part of our teaching staff since 2007. For most of that time she has been lead teacher of our 2 ½ year old classes and has provided assistance with other classes in our preschool. She and her husband were licensed therapeutic foster parents for more than 30 years. She has been a Girl Scout leader, a volunteer Vacation Bible School teacher and has assisted with several youth and children’s activities. Jill loves working with children (and they love her). She lives in Tacoma with her husband Bill, 1 spoiled dog and 4 cats.
2.5-Year-Old Class
Have you ever wondered what your child is learning while he or she plays? Through quality play activities, children gather valuable information and develop important skills that support later academic success. Children in this class will learn as they explore in a safe and nurturing environment.
• Classes offered Monday-Thursday from 9:00am to 11:00am
• Teacher to child ratio is 1:6
• Children must be 3 years old by August 31, 2025 to enroll for 2024/2025 school year
• Monthly Tuition is $150.00 per month. Starting at 2 days a week.
• Staff will assist in toilet training. (See toilet training policy in family handbook)
3 Year Old Class
Our 3 year old class provides a safe and comfortable learning environment to promote positive feelings of friendship and fellowship. Students will participate in group and play activities designed to help them problem solve, reason and think creatively. Much attention is given to developing social skills.
• Meets Tues/Thurs from 9-11:30am
• Teacher to child ratio is 1:8
• Children must be 3 by October 1st to enroll
• Yearly field trips are taken
• Monthly Tuition is $180.00 per month
4 Year Old Class
In our 4s class we continue to foster the development of positive social interaction with other children, good listening skills and following directions. We support and challenge each child’s developing potential. Children are formally introduced to the letters of the alphabet, their associated sounds and correct handwriting formation as well as number sense and recognition.
• Meets: M-W-F from 9:00am-12:15pm (Three Days)
• Teacher to child ratio is 1:10
• Children must be 4 years old by October 1, 2024 to enroll for the 2024/2025 School Year.
• Yearly field trips are taken
• Monthly Tuition is $250.00 per month
• The 4-year-old class is considered a preparatory class for kindergarten. Students in this class may move on to Kindergarten or our PreK Class the following year.
Pre-Kindergarten Class
Our PreK class is intended for children who are ready for a longer preschool experience and who will begin kindergarten the following year. The class size will be limited to 10 students. The extended day and smaller class size allow for a more in-depth learning experience while we gain knowledge through exploration and practice our academic skills. Students in our PreK class will bring their lunch to eat at school.
• Meets Mon-Thurs, 9am-1pm
• Teacher to child ratio is 1:10
• Children must be 4 by August 31st to enroll
• Monthly tuition is $432.00 per month.
