541-296-6004
office@smatd.org
1112 Cherry Heights Road

Pre-School and Pre-Kindergarten Curriculum

PRE-SCHOOL

Religion

Monthly Scripture
Say prayers before meals
Understand that when we pray we talk and listen to God
Pray for ourselves and others
Thank God for His gifts
Daily Devotions
Bible Stories
Liturgical Seasons
Faith-Based Centers

Language Arts

Name Recognition at the check-in table on arrival & name letter formation by tracing name each day
Letter of the Week (in alphabet order)
Learn to write correctly (both uppercase and lowercase letters)
Practice correct letter formation
- working at the writing table center with pencils, markers, and paper available
- writing in shaving cream/salt/playdough
- practice proper pencil grip (big pencils available)
Provide activities that promote the development of fine motor skills
- Legos
- Small blocks
- Playdough
- Lacing
- Sorting with tongs
- Dominoes
- Sorting buttons
- Scissor projects

Math

Count and sort objects into groups
Recognize shapes and patterns
Make comparisons of size, shape, length, and weight
Calendar & Attendance

Science

Explore the natural environment
Observe seasonal changes
Communicate observations
Use tools to measure
Sensory Science Centers

Social Studies

Culture-based dramatic play centers
Flag Salute
Patriotic Songs

Physical Education

Move with balance and coordination
Participate in indoor and outdoor physical activity

Art

Express ideas and thoughts in creative ways
Paint, draw, and sculpt
Listen to music and sing songs
Recognize colors in English and Sign Language

Health

Play and work cooperatively
Follow classroom rules
Interact positively with other children
Healthy eating habits
Personal care

PRE-KINDERGARTEN

Religion

Sing Songs of Praise
Say prayers before meals
Understand that when we pray we talk and listen to God
Pray for ourselves and others
Thank God for His gifts
Daily Devotions
Bible Stories
Liturgical Seasons

Language Arts

Name Recognition at the check-in table on arrival
Letter of the Week (emphasis on each letter of the alphabet)
Learn to write correctly (first letter uppercase, lowercase to follow)
Practice correct letter formation
- working at the writing table center with pencils, markers, and paper available
- writing in shaving cream
- writing in cornstarch and water
- writing in alphabet book (complete throughout the school year and take home at end of the year)
- practice proper pencil grip (big pencils available)
Provide activities that promote the development of fine motor skills
- Legos
- Small blocks
- Playdough
- Lacing
- Sorting with tongs
- Dominoes
- Sorting buttons
- Scissor projects

Math

Count and sort objects into groups
Recognize shapes and patterns
Make comparisons of size, shape, length, and weight
Calendar & Attendance
Faith-Based Centers

Science

Explore the natural environment
Observe seasonal changes
Communicate observations
Use tools to measure
Sensory Science Centers

Social Studies

Culture-based dramatic play centers
Flag Salute
Patriotic Songs

Physical Education

Move with balance and coordination
Participate in indoor and outdoor physical activity

Art

Express ideas and thoughts in creative ways
Paint, draw, and sculpt
Listen to music and sing songs
Recognize colors

Health

Play and work cooperatively
Follow classroom rules
Interact positively with other children
Healthy eating habits
Personal care

My ten years spent at St. Mary’s Academy was the foundation of my academic excellence and leadership skills. Some of my favorite memories are the times spent in family groups, both as a younger member and later as a family leader. These experiences made St. Mary’s feel like one large family taking care of each other. Every teacher pushed me to learn more and grow beyond what I once thought I was capable of. These skills carried me right into high school where I successfully completed advanced placement and upper-division classes. I look forward to using all that I have learned in my Catholic education as I head to college as an Elementary Education major.

– Spencer Coburn, SMA Graduate 2017

I am currently a student at Witman College. While attending St. Mary’s, I consistently felt challenged in my schoolwork. Not only was the classwork challenging, but the teacher-to-student ratio was lower than that of the public school, which allowed for more personalized assistance in the classroom. Once I started my freshman year in high school, I realized that the high school classes I was taking were easier than those at St. Mary’s. This prompted me to enroll in honors and AP classes in order to maintain the level of education that was provided to me by St. Mary’s. In turn, taking these upper-level classes helped to prepare me for college.

– Sofia Blair, SMA Graduate 2016

St. Mary’s helped me to grow from a shy pre-k student into a confident 8th grader who was both academically and emotionally ready for high school. The teachers and staff are so compassionate and work to tailor the curriculum to the needs of each student. St. Mary’s provided me with the tools to succeed in high school, and beyond.

– Katie Burns, SMA Graduate 2012

St. Mary’s Academy is a private, non-profit Catholic school serving students and families from pre-school through the eighth grade of all denominations located in The Dalles, Oregon. We are currently accepting applications for:

St. Mary’s Extended Day Care

Do you want to join a great team and gain early childhood experience? Come join us at St. Mary’s Academy in our state-certified childcare program for preschool to fifth-grade students.

St. Mary’s is accepting applications for a creative, part-time extended daycare team member.
Hours for this position are from 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm on scheduled school days, Monday through Friday.
Applicants must be 18 or older and have, or be willing to obtain, an Oregon Food Handler Card, CPR/First Aid Training, and Central Background Registry Certification.

Please call 541-296-6004 or email [email protected] for an application.

Substitute Teachers K-8th

Must hold an active teaching license.

Please call 541-296-6004 or email [email protected] for an application.

Positions open until filled.

Download SMA Employment Application

St. Mary’s Academy
1112 Cherry Heights Rd.
The Dalles, OR 97058
541-296-6004
[email protected]