Student/Teacher ratio for Kindergarten is 25:1 Student/Teacher ratio for 1st Grade is 17:1 Support Staff: Psychologist, Speech Therapist and a Remedial Tutor Hot Lunch Program Educational Field Trips Age Appropriate Assemblies on Site
Our Kindergarten Philosophy We believe that Catholic education begins in the heart of the family with the parents as the primary education, nourishing spiritual and human values. As a Catholic school, it is both our privilege and responsibility to support the parents in this role. Kindergarten is the beginning of the St. Michael School experience. It is the experience that complements, enriches, and formalizes the education already begun in the circle of the family. Kindergarten is the transition from the home to the school. The kindergarten at St. Michael School is based on the development of the whole child. It provides the motivation and structure for each child to continue to grow in all areas: spiritual, intellectual, emotional, social, and physical. It further strengthens a child's own awareness of self-worth and dignity. Each child is a unique gift of God. A good beginning helps to determine the success of the end. Each child should experience success and gain a positive self-image. A happy child who is eager to come to school is the most important achievement of the kindergarten year.
Full-Day Kindergarten St. Michael School maintains a full-day kindergarten. With a full day of kindergarten, students have the opportunity to build on their preschool experience in a relaxed atmosphere with plenty of time for creative experiences in music, art, physical education, assemblies, and field trips. A full-day kindergarten becomes more child-centered: there is more time for hands-on experiences and individual or small group instruction. Our kindergarteners feel a part of the total school community with a sense of security and sense of routine, both very important for a young child.
Children may experience fatigue the first weeks of kindergarten. This is normal. Our curriculum and schedule are designed to support periods of quiet activities, rest and play periods that balance the more academic readiness activities. It is very important to remember that kindergarten is not a "mini" first grade. Our kindergarten seeks to integrate readiness skills, play and the personal-social-emotional growth of the individual child. Setting the stage for positive attitudes about school and learning is of prime importance. Children who know that learning is fun, meaningful, and rewarding are off to a great start!
Kindergarten Registration Entrance Age: Admission age must conform to state entrance age laws of the State of Ohio -- five years of age on or before September 30 or admission through early entrance testing offered by the Diocesan Education Office (Phone: 216/696-6525) or local public school system. Children are eligible for early entrance testing if they will be five years of age on or before the first day of January.
Early Education (St. Basil)