Saint Raphael Catholic Preschool is our largest program. We are proud to be a Parent Aware 4-Star Certified Program–the highest rating a school can get! Our preschool program is geared to Kindergarten-readiness and weaves neatly into our K-8 primary school. Saint Raphael preschoolers are formed in both mind and heart by our elite teaching staff and our curriculum which centers on the Catholic faith, building character, forming social and language skills, and teaching introductory mathematics and writing. 3 and 4 year olds are enrolled together in one classroom, but often divide for age-pertinent lessons.
Nurturing Child Development
Saint Raphael Catholic Preschool nourishes the development of each child through core curriculum programming, including:
- Faithful Beginnings
- Creative Curriculum
- Catechesis of the Good Shepherd
- Parent Aware
Students must be 3 years old and potty-trained to enroll in preschool. Preschool admissions are open year-round! Students that are 5 years old on September 1 are eligible for Kindergarten enrollments.
Contact
All prospective families are welcome to visit our program. To schedule a visit or inquire about the program please contact our Admissions Department at 763-504-9450!
Religious Education: Catechesis of the Good Shepherd
Catechesis of the Good Shepherd is an approach to the religious formation of children. It is rooted in the Bible, the liturgy of the church, and the educational principles of Dr. Maria Montessori. Children gather in an “atrium,” a space prepared for them, which contains simple yet beautiful materials that they use.
Materials and presentations on the life of Christ and His teachings help to make the great mystery of who God is more understandable for the child. Through geography, the words of the prophets, and infancy narratives, Jesus is established as a real person. The Paschal narratives are treated similarly, using model cities of Jerusalem, empty tombs, and cenacles for the Last Supper. Selected parables further the child’s wonder and curiosity about the great mystery of the Kingdom of God.
Children become familiar with the articles of the Eucharist and Baptism by arranging them in their own atrium on miniature altars and fonts. The children also become acquainted with the gestures of our liturgy and their meaning of the Paschal Mystery: Christ has died, Christ is risen, and Christ will come again. A prayer corner located in each atrium reflects the liturgical time of year by means of appropriate colors, prayer, songs, artwork, and readings.