St. Philip Preschool
St. Philip Preschool is a Catholic preschool located in the heart of Noe Valley and is fully integrated with St. Philip elementary school. The preschool aligns with the elementary school’s mission of teaching the whole child in an environment that is rooted in Catholic faith and values.
Mery Skef is the director of the preschool. She provides a wealth of experience and expertise for the St. Philip school community and our preschool staff of dedicated and passionate educators.
St. Philip Preschool is a full-time, state-licensed, program for children ages 3 years through 5+ years old until they enter kindergarten.
Curriculum
Our philosophy is play based, and focuses on the whole child approach. Our curriculum is centered on meeting each child's academic, spiritual, social, and emotional needs so that he/she can gain self-confidence, develop good citizenship, and reach his/her potential. Fun, challenging activities take place in our large open classroom and play yard, along with celebrations of the seasons and holidays.
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A 5 full-day program
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Supports social skills and character building
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Encourages self-advocacy and language development
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Provides nurturing attention and conversation
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Cooperative learning
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Circle time with music and movement, story and participation
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Open center discovery and exploration
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Fine motor development
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Math readiness
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Gross motor focus
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Art, science, and sensory experiences
Preschool At a Glance
PRESCHOOL HOURS
Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
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SCHOOL YEAR
Normal school year will run August 21st through July 31st, except for vacations and holidays. Please see the 2024-2025 school calendar.
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DAILY SCHEDULE
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TOURS
We have scheduled tours every week (Book a tour). We also offer daily tours on request - please email or call 415-824-8467.
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ADMISSIONS
ADDRESS
725 Diamond Street, San Francisco, CA 94114
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Mery.skef@saintphilipschool.org
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Indoor Centers
The classroom is set up daily by experienced teachers with purpose and intent in provoking learning and growth through the children’s interests and needs. The classroom is divided into different learning areas to allow for child and teacher-directed activities.
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Reading & Library
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Writing​
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Math
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Science
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Art
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Listening
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Blocks & Manipulatives
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Dramatic play
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Gross motor
Outdoor Play Area
Our outdoor area provides room to practice gross motor skills, connect with nature, and have fun. Children are encouraged to explore the environment, play in small and large groups, participate in organized activities, and enjoy uninterrupted free play. The children are outdoors for at least 2 hours a day and play in our covered outdoor play area on rainy days.
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Bean bags
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Hula hoops
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Easel art
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Easel art
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Sandbox
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Water play
Parent Partnership
Preschool children thrive when parents and teachers work together to create a community of support for them. Our preschool operates an "open door" policy, so parents/guardians may visit the school and see the program in operation at any time. Additionally, our teachers keep in touch with families through daily face-to-face interactions, phone calls, and parent conferences twice a year. We use Brightwheel, a software app, to keep parents connected in real time. We offer a variety of choices for parents who wish to contribute their skills to our program, and we welcome parent involvement in the classroom, on walking field trips, and at community fundraising events. More information about our schoolwide Parent Teacher Group can be found here.
Admissions & Tours
Our program is licensed for children from three years old until they enter kindergarten. Admissions priority is given to currently enrolled children and siblings of children currently enrolled in K to 8th grade. Priority is also given to active, registered Parishioners of Saint Philip the Apostle Church and then to applicants from the local community. Children entering our program should be independent in using the toilet.
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Saint Philip Preschool, mindful of its mission to be witness to the love of Christ for all, admits students of any race, color, and national and/or ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, program,s and activities generally accorded or made available to students at this school. Saint Philip Preschool is an active ministry of Saint Philip the Apostle Roman Catholic Church and follows the guidelines provided by the Department of Catholic Schools, the Archdiocese of San Francisco, and is licensed by the State of California #384001548.
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