St. Matthew’s FAQ
What is your curriculum like?
Our curriculum revolves around developmentally appropriate learning through play. While we play, we learn many skills and concepts. Look at our complete scope and sequence of our curriculum for 2-3 year olds and 4-5 year olds.
Do parents receive progress reports?
Yes. Preschool parents are provided with progress reports two times per year with Parent / Teacher conferences taking place in January. Kindergarten parents receive three progress reports with conferences held in December and March.
Who provides snack?
In preschool, the parents supply snack according to a set "Snack Calendar". In Kindergarten, children bring a snack with them each day.
What is Lunch Bunch?
Lunch Bunch offers families of three to five-year-olds the opportunity to extend the school day by one hour. Lunch Bunch hours are from 11:30 AM to 12:30 PM. During this hour, children eat a lunch sent from home, take part in free play with their peers, and go outside for exercise (weather permitting).
Advanced registration is required and can be completed by signing up on the Bulletin Board in the education hallway. The cost for this service is $7.50 per session. Coupons are available for your convenience.
We ask that children who have life threatening allergies not attend Lunch Bunch.
Do you offer other Special classes?
We offer special classes and events for our students including Music and Enrichment programs. In addition we bring in fun, educational visitors to enhance learning such as puppeteers, police officers, nature centers and more.
Do you do field trips?
Field trips are planned to enrich the experiences of the classroom. Permission slips will be sent home prior to the trip and must be returned by the due date. Preschool trips will require parents to drop off and pick up students at the event location. Kindergarten parent volunteers may be needed to chaperone and drive for such trips. Drivers may be required to provide the school with copies of current driver’s license, registration and insurance. These items will be kept on file at the school. Finally, siblings may not be permitted on these trips.
Do children need to be potty trained?
Children entering our two-year-old class may wear diapers or pull-ups.
Children entering our three and four-year-old classes must be fully potty trained.
What is your school cancellation policy?
School Closing
In the event of a school closing due to inclement weather, St. Matthew’s follows the Downingtown Area School District closures. School closings will be noted on the school home page. In addition, the school voice mail will be have the latest school closing information. Finally, all parents will receive an automated email alerting them to emergency school closings.
School Delay
If there is a delay in opening the school we will work on a modified schedule. Kindergarten students will report 2 hour late. Morning preschool will meet from 11:30 to 12:30. Lunch Bunch will meet from 12:30 to 1:30. Afternoon preschool will meet from 1:30 to 3:00.
Can I come in for a tour?
We would love to have you tour our school.
Call Sandy at 610-458-3381 to schedule a visit.
When is registration?
Registration is ongoing, please call for availability. The registration start dates for the next school year are listed below.
| Who are you registering? | Registration Date |
|---|---|
| Current students | Nov. 26 through Dec. 1 |
| Children of congregation members; Siblings of alumni | Nov. 27 |
| New students | Begins Dec. 5, continuing until full |