Pre-Kindergarten
Designed for four-year-olds and younger five-year-olds, our Pre-Kindergarten program integrates the magic and joy of the British Primary educational philosophy while building a strong foundation of kindergarten readiness.
A Gentle Introduction to Elementary School
A Pre-K classroom provides a gentle introduction to elementary school in a smaller, self-contained setting with fewer transitions than our multi-age K-1-2 classrooms. It allows students time to develop foundational skills needed for success in a very focused and child-centered setting. Our program prepares these younger students to matriculate into our larger Stanley community.
As the first step on their Stanley journey, students will be introduced to our 7 Goals for Learners: self awareness, collaboration, respect, curiosity, perseverance, academic resourcefulness, and joyful, lifelong learning. The children will thrive in an environment that respects and honors all stages of early childhood.
Pre-K students will also have time to build independence and daily life skills like tying shoes and zipping jackets while learning about their immediate world, including themselves, their family, their school, and their friends, all among peers at a similar level.
The Benefits of a Pre-K to 8 School
Serving four-year-olds and younger five-year-olds, our self contained Pre-K classrooms align with the same all-school calendar and full-day schedules as our K-1-2 classrooms. We offer early literacy, math, social studies and science activities as well as choice time, art, music, PE and movement with our resource teachers.
Pre-K students benefit from all a Pre-K - 8 school has to offer, including school-wide assemblies and activities with older students. Also, when it comes time for kindergarten, our students are ready to easily make the transition with joy!
What does Stanley Offer to Young Children?
THE MAGIC & JOY OF CHILDHOOD: Our program reflects the magic of early childhood and begins with the premise that children do not need to be made to learn, but are allowed to learn in a joyful environment that inspires the whole child.
KINDERGARTEN READINESS: Our hands-on kindergarten readiness program engages young learners through playful exploration while building essential pre-literacy skills and number sense in a nurturing, developmentally appropriate environment.
THE VALUE OF PLAY: Our program upholds the value of play in supporting children’s social, emotional and brain development. Play encourages creativity and innovation. Our teachers weave into the curriculum the skills and strategies needed to be problem solvers, scientists, writers, artists, friends and active members of their community.
STRONG SELF-CONCEPT: Our school-wide emphasis on building a strong self-concept in our students is evident from day one. Students make choices, self-reflect on their learning, and develop a foundation of knowing and caring for themselves that supports their growth.
About Applying
Potential students apply during our regular admission season and go through our standard admission process.
Tuition is $26,783 for the 2025-2026 school year. See our tuition and fees page for more details.
To apply, visit our Admission page.
The Magic of Pre-K
Take a tour of our joyful and engaging Pre-K program.
Susannah Marais has been an educator for over 20 years; she has led our Transitional Kindergarten program for the past three years. She was a K-1-2 classroom teacher at Stanley for six years and was previously a lead teacher at Paddington Station Preschool. She also taught at Denver Public Schools and Aurora Public Schools, and is a graduate of Stanley's Teacher Preparation Program. Susannah has an immense heart for young children, a wonderful appreciation for childhood, and a profound understanding of the joyful, holistic growth of our youngest learners.
Haylee Sibley brings a thoughtful and well-rounded background to her work with young children, shaped by both academic training and diverse professional experiences. She holds a degree in Human Development and Family Studies and began her career supporting children and families as a foster care case manager and private childcare provider. After earning a master’s in School Counseling, she deepened her understanding of young learners’ social and emotional development.
Before joining Stanley, Haylee was a Lead Teacher at Paddington Station Preschool. For the past three years, she’s been an integral part of the Stanley faculty, working alongside her teaching partner, Susannah Marais. Haylee is continually inspired by the joy and curiosity children bring to each day and finds deep fulfillment in witnessing their growth.