Preschool & Pre K
Building the Foundation for a Lifetime of Learning
At Our Lady of the Lake Catholic School, our Preschool and Pre K programs are intentionally designed to nurture the whole child during the most important years of early development.
We know that for many children, Preschool or Pre K is their very first school experience. That is why our early childhood program focuses not only on academic readiness, but also on helping children develop confidence, independence, emotional regulation, social skills, curiosity, and a love of learning.
Our classrooms are warm, joyful, relationship-centered environments where children are known, supported, and encouraged to grow at their own developmental pace. Through play-based exploration, hands-on learning, structured routines, and meaningful relationships, students build the foundational skills they need to thrive in Kindergarten and beyond.
At OLL, we believe early childhood education should feel engaging, nurturing, developmentally appropriate, and deeply rooted in belonging.
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A Thoughtfully Scaffolded Early Childhood Experience
Our Preschool and Pre K programs are intentionally designed as a progression that supports children as they gradually build independence, confidence, and Kindergarten readiness skills.
Teachers carefully scaffold learning experiences and classroom expectations to help students grow socially, emotionally, academically, and behaviorally over time. Students are guided through age-appropriate opportunities to:
- Build independence and self-help skills
- Develop classroom routines and transitions
- Practice collaboration and problem-solving
- Strengthen communication and listening skills
- Learn emotional regulation strategies
- Develop friendships and social confidence
- Grow in responsibility and self-advocacy
This gradual, supportive approach helps children feel successful and confident as they transition into elementary school.
Educating the Whole Child
At OLL, we believe young children learn best when they feel safe, connected, valued, and joyful.
Our early childhood program intentionally supports the formation of the whole child through:
- Social-emotional learning
- Community-building experiences
- Faith formation and kindness
- Play-based exploration
- Early literacy and math instruction
- Creative expression and movement
- Hands-on discovery and inquiry
Students engage in lessons and activities focused on empathy, friendship, emotional awareness, problem-solving, and learning how to positively participate in a classroom community.
Teachers help students develop the foundational executive functioning and self-regulation skills that support long-term academic and social success.
Learning Through Play, Exploration & Discovery
Our classrooms are designed to spark wonder, creativity, and curiosity.
Through purposeful play and hands-on learning experiences, students engage in:
- Early literacy development
- Foundational math concepts
- Science exploration and discovery
- Art, music, and movement
- Sensory learning opportunities
- Outdoor play and environmental exploration
- Collaborative and imaginative play
Children are encouraged to ask questions, take risks, create, explore, and discover while developing confidence as learners.
Inspired by OLL’s commitment to environmental education and stewardship, our youngest learners also engage with nature, gardens, outdoor learning experiences, and hands-on exploration of the world around them.
Faith & Community
Faith is woven naturally into the daily life of our Preschool and Pre K classrooms through prayer, kindness, service, and community-building.
Students begin developing an understanding of God’s love while learning how to care for one another, practice empathy, and contribute positively to their classroom community.
Our youngest Lakers also participate in important schoolwide traditions and liturgical celebrations including:
- Mass of the Holy Spirit
- Ash Wednesday
- End-of-Year Mass celebrations
- School Families and community events
These experiences help children feel connected to the larger OLL community from the very beginning of their educational journey.
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Program Options
OLL offers flexible scheduling options to support the needs of families and young learners, including:
- Four-day and five-day programs
- Half-day and full-day options
Our early childhood classrooms are intentionally designed to provide nurturing, engaging, and developmentally appropriate learning environments where children can build confidence, independence, and readiness for future success.
Ready to Learn More?
We invite you to visit Our Lady of the Lake Catholic School and experience firsthand the warmth, joy, and sense of belonging that define our early childhood program.
We would love to partner with your family as your child begins their educational journey.
Deven McCoy
dmccoy@ollseattle.org
