St. Mark Preschool

Business Details

Christ-Centered Early Childhood Education in Encinitas

St. Mark Preschool provides a Christ-centered, Reggio Emilia inspired education for children aged 2-5. Our program emphasizes discovery, creativity, and holistic development through play-based learning. We foster strong relationships between children, families, staff, and the community while integrating Christian values into daily activities. Our qualified team nurtures each child's unique gifts through collaborative, interest-driven curricula. We prioritize social-emotional growth, conflict resolution, and building self-confidence rooted in God's love.

Regular communication and documentation of learning experiences ensure parents remain engaged in their child's development journey. Chapel time weekly reinforces biblical teachings and spiritual fruits. Our eclectic approach combines Reggio Emilia principles with Christian foundations to create a supportive, enriching environment. Parents consistently praise our nurturing atmosphere and the positive impact on their children's growth. We maintain flexible scheduling options to accommodate diverse family needs.

Services

Preschool Programs Reggio Emilia Curriculum Christian Foundation Play-Based Learning Chapel Time Flexible Scheduling Social-Emotional Development Creative Expression Parent Communication Individualized Attention

Highlights and features

We integrate Reggio Emilia principles with Christian values for holistic development
Our qualified staff prioritizes individualized attention and emotional growth
We emphasize collaborative, child-led learning through creative exploration
Chapel time weekly reinforces biblical teachings and spiritual development
Parents receive regular updates with photos and detailed learning documentation

What people say

Well loved by the teachers Kids have flourished Constant communication Blessed to be part Nurture natural development

Website

Update Listing

Services

Preschool Programs

Our preschool programs serve children aged 2-5 with flexible scheduling options including half-day, full-day, and extended-day formats. We combine Reggio Emilia principles with Christian teachings to create developmentally appropriate learning experiences. Our curriculum emphasizes social-emotional growth, creative expression, and spiritual development through hands-on exploration.

Reggio Emilia Curriculum

Our Reggio Emilia inspired curriculum follows child-led, project-based learning. Teachers document learning processes through photos and artifacts while emphasizing creative expression across multiple mediums. Children develop critical thinking skills through collaborative exploration of their interests in a supportive environment that values both process and product.

Chapel Time

Weekly chapel sessions integrate Christian teachings into our program. Children engage with age-appropriate Bible stories while learning about the fruits of the Spirit through songs, prayers, and interactive discussions. This dedicated time fosters spiritual growth and community building while reinforcing values of love, kindness, and self-control in developmentally appropriate ways.

Parent Communication

We maintain constant communication with families through regular updates, photos, and documentation of learning experiences. Our program encourages family involvement in the educational process while providing transparent insights into children's development. This collaborative approach strengthens the connection between school and home environments for consistent support.

Creative Expression

We value diverse forms of creative expression including visual arts, music, movement, and dramatic play. Our program provides multiple mediums for children to communicate their understanding of the world while building self-confidence. Teachers facilitate artistic exploration that supports cognitive development and emotional expression through various artistic languages.

People

Annette Conrad

Program Director

Annette Conrad leads our program with extensive experience in early childhood education. She oversees curriculum development and staff coordination while maintaining our Christ-centered educational philosophy. Her leadership ensures consistent implementation of Reggio Emilia principles across all classrooms.

Linda Pullara

Lead Teacher

Linda Pullara serves as Lead Teacher for the Poppy Class with specialized training in Reggio Emilia methodology. She creates engaging learning environments that follow children's natural curiosities while integrating Christian values. Her classroom emphasizes collaborative exploration and creative expression.

Madeleine Fair

Lead Teacher

Madeleine Fair leads the Wildflower Class with expertise in child-led learning approaches. She develops curriculum that balances structured guidance with spontaneous discovery, fostering children's innate curiosity. Her teaching style emphasizes social-emotional development and peer collaboration.

Lili Brooks

Lead Teacher

Lili Brooks teaches the Sunflower Class with focus on holistic development through play-based learning. She implements documentation practices to track children's progress while maintaining our program's educational philosophy. Her classroom environment encourages exploration and creative problem-solving.

Melissa Dominguez

Teacher

Melissa Dominguez contributes to our teaching team with experience in early childhood development. She supports classroom activities that promote social skills and creative expression while reinforcing Christian values. Her approach emphasizes positive guidance and individualized attention.

Questions

What age children do you serve?

We accept children aged 2-5 years old in our preschool program.

What educational approach do you use?

Our program combines Reggio Emilia principles with Christian values and play-based learning.

Is chapel time included in the curriculum?

Yes, weekly chapel sessions integrate age-appropriate Bible stories and spiritual teachings.

How do you communicate with parents?

We provide regular updates with photos, learning documentation, and classroom stories.

What scheduling options are available?

We offer half-day, full-day, and extended-day options 3-5 days weekly.

How do you handle social-emotional development?

Our teachers guide children in conflict resolution, friendship building, and emotional expression.

Reviews (6)

Write a Review

Jessica W.

Oct 24, 2019 Report

We have been a preschool family for 3 years. I don't have enough good things to say about this school. The moment you step in, it feels magical! The outdoor play area has so different and fun areas for the kids - a messy kitchen, playground, garden, ship in the sand, water station, track for tricycles... The classrooms have the same appeal. There are sensory areas, little libraries, a playhouse, doll/home sections... We love the Regio Emilia approach - kids guide the learning. I have seen a step up in teaching this preK year getting kids ready for school. I am amazed by how much my

Jenny M.

Sep 05, 2014 Report

My son is in his second year at St. Mark's and we love it! He is excited to go to school everyday and even asks to go on the weekends. The director and teachers are so nice and loving that is makes it a wonderful start to each week day. There is a great sense of community here and I am so happy to be a part of it. My son's confidence has increased dramatically since joining the school.

He is so happy to have friends and a place to call his own. Each morning he screams with excitement when the school comes into view, even after attending a whole year! The gentle reassurance each child

S. S.

Sep 03, 2014 Report

I currently have two children at this preschool and can attest to the wonderful, loving, caring, and learning-rich environment that St Mark provides. I agree with another reviewer that upon our initial tour of the facility that I knew we were in a very special place. The small class size was very appealing to us and St Mark is one of those places where every teacher knows every student by name (and is greeting them on the playground, between activities, saying goodbye at the end of the day, etc.)

St Mark is a place where the teachers bend down at eye-level to communicate with their students

Sarah R.

Aug 29, 2014 Report

I have nothing but great things to say about St. Mark! Having been a nanny for 10+ years, I've seen my fair share of preschools and St. Mark has been my favorite. I nanny for three families who currently attend St. Mark (ages 2-4) and I have seen such positive growth in each of their children. The teachers are all so friendly at pick up and the kids are always in good spirits after their day.

I can tell that each teacher genuinely cares for their class and that alone makes all the difference in the world. I would highly recommend St. Mark to families looking for a warm, fun, loving, and creative

P. S.

Aug 28, 2014 Report

I toured my fair share of preschools in search of the right one for our family and you know how you just get that feeling? St. Mark gave me the warm and fuzzies. It felt like our school from the moment I walked in. I love that it's small and cozy. The staff is among the most loving I have ever encountered in a preschool or otherwise. I was amazed on my first visit to see every teacher out on the playground actually taking part in the play and genuinely having fun not just standing around on "yard duty" like you see at most schools. They have a beautiful garden the kids helped plant

Linda H.

Aug 26, 2014 Report

I have three children, and we have been there for over a year now. Since we attended 3 other preschools with the first two children, I can say with confidence that this is the best preschool I have found because it has everything I have ever been looking for in a school:

1. strong leadership that is not afraid to make changes that are student and family-centered, such as extended hours, a 2's program, and flexible scheduling. As a teacher, I can tell you that many schools make teacher-centered decisions that make it difficult for working parents to pick up and drop off;

2. educated, skilled