Early Childhood

3 YEARS TO PRE-K

Where creativity and a love for God begin.

At St. Peter, your preschooler is known and celebrated as a unique child created by God. Our play-based early childhood program balances spiritual, social, emotional, intellectual, and physical development. All teachers are licensed by the State of Illinois and hold a degree in Early Childhood or Elementary Education.

CURRICULUM

Learning through play and wonder.

We love meeting preschoolers right where they are. Our play-based curriculum embraces children’s natural curiosity and wiggly bodies, building essential academic skills alongside the social and emotional foundation necessary for a lifelong love of learning.

Meet our preschool teachers.

We know that dropping your child off at school for the very first time is an act of trust. We don't take that lightly. Every teacher at our preschool is licensed by the State of Illinois and holds at least a Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood or Elementary Education. But even more than their credentials, they have a deep love for Jesus and are genuinely invested in your child's growth and faith.

Frequently Asked Questions

Choosing a preschool is one of the most significant decisions you’ll make for your child. We want you to feel completely confident before you visit. If you have additional questions, we're here to answer them.

What hours do you offer for preschool?
Every family has a different morning routine, and we've built our schedule around that reality.

Families with children in both our preschool and elementary or middle school programs often choose our 7:45 AM to 2:15 PM day, which runs on the same schedule as the rest of the school. One drop-off, one pickup, one less thing to coordinate. Prefer a slower morning start? Our 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM option gives your family a little more breathing room before the day begins.

If a half day is the right fit, we offer two morning options. 7:45 to 11:00 AM works beautifully alongside the full school day schedule, while 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM is perfect for families who need that extra hour in the morning.
Do you offer before or after care?
Yes! Kid Care is available every school day from 7:00 AM until 6:00 PM, with morning care beginning at 7:00 and afternoon care starting at dismissal.

Kid Care is also available on select non-school days, including Labor Day, the day after Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, New Year's Eve, Good Friday, and Memorial Day. Preregistration and a minimum of 10 students is required for holidays. Full holiday hours run 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
Is lunch provided or does my child bring their own?
Full-day preschoolers are welcome to join our hot lunch program, which is served Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday for a daily fee, or pack a lunch from home. Wednesdays we offer something a little extra: our PTL hosts "Fun Lunches" provided by local restaurants. Menus and sign-up information are sent home in advance so you can plan ahead.
Does my family need to be members of St. Peter or another Lutheran church to attend?
Not at all. Families from every faith background—or no faith background—are warmly welcome at St. Peter. We believe every child belongs here. That said, we are unashamedly Lutheran, and we want families to know that upfront. Chapel, religion classes, and faith formation at St. Peter are rooted in Lutheran confession and teaching. For families who are also part of St. Peter Lutheran Church, there's something special about that alignment. The message your child hears during the week is the same message they hear on Sunday. Faith becomes something lived consistently all seven days a week.
How do you handle separation anxiety for younger children?
Separation anxiety is a normal part of early childhood, and every child works through it differently. Our teachers begin building relationships with new students before the school year even starts through summer playdates and a classroom visit the weekend before school begins, so that by the first day, your child already knows their teacher and feels at home. Our teachers are practiced at helping children transition gently, and we stay in close communication with parents every step of the way.
How do you handle allergies and medical needs?
Families complete an allergy and medical needs form when enrolling their child. We keep medical action plans on file at school, and each classroom teacher is informed of any allergies or medical needs affecting their students. When relevant, this information is also shared with other parents in the classroom so everyone can help keep our students safe.

STAY & PLAY

Extend the fun after half-day preschool.

Stay & Play is available to preschool students on Mondays and Wednesdays from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM. Students bring a packed lunch and enjoy supervised play, crafts, sensory activities, cooking experiments, and more. The program runs at $12 per hour with advance sign-up required. Contact Mrs. Flasch at cflasch@stpeterlcms.org to arrange participation.

Take the next step.

The best way to experience St. Peter Lutheran School is to walk through our doors. Schedule a tour, meet our teachers, and discover a community where your child will be known, encouraged, and nurtured in faith from their very first day.