Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Quality Preschool Programs in Downingtown
St. James Preschool has served the Downingtown community for over 50 years through our nurturing early childhood education program. Founded in 1965 by St. James Episcopal Church, our non-denominational preschool provides a balanced approach to learning that emphasizes social development, academic readiness, and creative expression. Our staff of certified teachers and assistants brings decades of combined experience to our classrooms, maintaining low student-to-teacher ratios that ensure individual attention.We offer flexible scheduling options across our Young Threes, Threes/Fours, and Pre-K programs, with both morning and afternoon sessions. Our curriculum focuses on foundational skills through structured activities and child-led exploration, incorporating art, music, and outdoor play. We maintain strong family connections through accessible staff, regular communication, and community-building events that include parent-teacher association activities and family field trips.
Services
Young Threes Program
Threes/Fours Classes
Pre-K Preparation
Lunch Bunch Program
Parent-Teacher Association
Outdoor Playground
Flexible Scheduling
Family Field Trips
Chapel Visits
Individualized Attention
Details
- Year established: 1965
Highlights and features
- Certified teachers with 15+ years average teaching experience
- Low student-to-teacher ratios in every classroom
- Flexible scheduling with morning and afternoon session options
- Proven track record serving local families since 1965
- Curriculum emphasizing both academic readiness and social development
What people say
Experienced teachers
Nurturing environment
Strong academic preparation
Individual attention
Positive atmosphere
Services
Young Threes Program
Our Young Threes program introduces foundational skills through play-based learning. Children develop social awareness, fine motor skills, and basic concepts through structured activities and creative exploration. Certified teachers use age-appropriate methods to ease the transition from home to school environment.
Threes/Fours Classes
Threes/Fours classes focus on emerging academic skills and cooperative play. Children explore literacy, math concepts, and creative arts while developing important social skills through group activities. Experienced teachers balance structured lessons with child-led discovery.
Pre-K Preparation
Pre-K program emphasizes kindergarten readiness through advanced academic concepts and independent work habits. Children master alphabet skills, counting, and complex thinking while participating in enrichment activities that develop confidence and curiosity.
Lunch Bunch Program
Our Lunch Bunch extends learning through social mealtime experiences and afternoon activities. Children develop independence while maintaining educational engagement through the full day. The program supports working families without compromising learning opportunities.
Family Field Trips
Regular field trips provide hands-on learning experiences that reinforce classroom concepts. Children explore local museums, farms, and community spaces to connect academic learning with real-world applications in age-appropriate ways.
People
Suzanne Diodato
Co-Director
With 20+ years of teaching experience, Suzanne has led preschool classrooms and directed educational programs since 2006. She holds a B.S. in Elementary Education and prioritizes creative learning experiences that engage young minds through daily adventures.
Kelly Arnao
Threes/Fours Teacher
Certified in Early Childhood, Elementary, and Special Education, Kelly brings Masters-level reading expertise to our classroom. Her teaching style combines creativity with structured learning to nurture emerging skills in young children through engaging, hands-on activities.
Jennifer Arraya
Preschool Teacher
With nearly a decade of preschool teaching experience, Jennifer combines Spanish language skills and outdoor education passion. She creates immersive learning environments that introduce young learners to new languages and nature-based discoveries.
Charlene Breindel
Pre-K Teacher
18-year teaching veteran Charlene specializes in preparing children for academic success. Her Early Childhood Education degree and business background help make learning both fun and practical through creative curriculum implementation.
Maha Raman
Pre-K Teacher
Combining technology training expertise with early childhood education, Maha brings unique STEM perspectives to preschool learning. Her Master's degree in Computer Applications informs innovative teaching methods that make early math and science concepts accessible and exciting.
Questions
What ages do you accept at St. James Preschool?
We accept children aged 2½ to 5 years in our Young Threes, Threes/Fours, and Pre-K programs.
Are there different class schedule options?
Yes, we offer 2-day, 3-day, and 5-day morning sessions with afternoon options for older children.
What is your teacher-to-student ratio?
All classes maintain low ratios with 10-14 students per class having both a teacher and assistant.
Do you offer extended day programs?
We provide a Lunch Bunch extended day program for eligible classes.
Is religious education part of the curriculum?
As a church-affiliated program, we include non-denominational prayer at snack time and monthly chapel visits.
How does your curriculum prepare for kindergarten?
Our spiraling curriculum builds social skills, language development, and academic concepts through structured and exploratory learning.
