St. Paul's Preschool

Welcome to St. Paul’s Episcopal Preschool!

Our mission is to educate the hearts and minds of young people for lives of learning, leadership, and service. Our early childhood program is designed to engage the youngest learners to develop socially, emotionally, physically, and cognitively through developmentally-appropriate practices rich in social connections, language literacy, math, and other disciplinary skills and content. We are committed to making the preschool experience as rich and positive as possible. For many parents, this is their child’s first experience away from the home-learning environment. It is a big step for both parents and children. It is a gift that parents are giving to their children, the value of which cannot be underestimated. It is a door to learning and exploration.

Over one hundred years of research has shown us the importance of children’s learning through play and exploration. Current research only solidifies the understanding that children learn best when they are actively and mentally engaged in their own learning. The knowledgeable and experienced teachers at St. Paul’s facilitate and guide students with well thought-out strategies and environments that motivate and encourage preschool-age learners to investigate, question, problem solve, and discover.

In the classroom, children learn to navigate friendships by sharing materials, taking turns, acting responsibly, and taking perspective of others’ ideas. Collaboration and small group work are supported by the teachers who encourage exploration in an enriched learning environment. Cognitive skills are further developed through investigation and exploration. Teachers provide materials and activities that develop literacy, numeracy, and scientific thinking. Children are encouraged to question, create, problem-solve, and explore.

Our teachers are carefully selected for their nurturing and understanding of young children. They must meet the Department of Social Services training requirements in early childhood education for preschool teachers and aides. Our teachers are the strength of St. Paul’s Episcopal Preschool. They are truly dedicated to making your child’s experience as rich and positive as possible.

Parents are recognized as valuable and vital partners in their child’s learning experiences. We strive to provide a variety of opportunities to work together with you in our school community. St. Paul’s Episcopal Preschool is a wonderful place for preschool learners, 18 months – 5 years old, to develop a foundation for a love of learning through a socially and academically lively learning environment.

Chris Stegmaier Byrnes
Interim Head of School

About Our School

Housed in the first floor of Wilmer Hall, St. Paul’s Episcopal Preschool is closely linked with St. Paul’s Episcopal Church. First formed in response to the needs of parishioners, St. Paul’s Episcopal Preschool seeks to serve the needs of families in the community. Children attend weekly chapel services.

Click to meet the Clergy and Staff of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church

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Search for New Head of School

St. Paul’s Episcopal Preschool (SPEP) seeks a new Head of School to begin June 1, 2021. The Head position is a 12-month, full-time (40 hours/week) position, and includes a competitive salary, health insurance, pension, and parking.

St. Paul’s Episcopal Preschool (SPEP), located in the heart of Old Town Alexandria, Virginia, is a ministry of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church serving chil…

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