Our Classes
“Our kids are excited for school each day. We can’t stress enough how meaningful it has been to have teachers whose practices align with our parenting philosophy. Our kids have grown so much through St. Mark’s child-led, relational, play-based guidance. The school’s communication and built-in scaffolding for families are just what we needed. We definitely feel held by St. Mark’s staff, but perhaps more importantly, our kids get to feel that support every day.”
A Typical Day
Each of our classroom experiences is unique, but certain characteristics can be found throughout our program. Key unifying beliefs seen across all classrooms are that the curriculum is child-led, play is valued as the work of childhood, and children are spoken to with care and respect. Indoor and outdoor classrooms are thoughtfully curated to be learning environments where children and their families feel free to be themselves, make choices, try new ideas and delight in their discoveries and abilities- nurturing their body, mind, and heart.
In every class, children have time each day to freely choose what they’d like to engage with from play to topics of inquiry. Our environments provide opportunities for children to explore dramatic play inspiration, tactile experiences, process art activities, literacy materials, puzzles and toys, and loose parts that invite open ended creativity.
Teachers consider the ages, interests, background experiences and activity levels of the children in their care as they prepare spaces and plan for each day. They make certain that there is something meaningful for everyone, and follow each child’s interests during the day, gathering more supplies as needed to meet this goal.
Throughout the day, teachers practice presence with children, getting to know them and speaking to them with respect and an assumption of positive intent. They use natural teachable moments to present children with problem-solving opportunities, asking open-ended questions to encourage reflections (in verbal children) or engagement. Books and songs are infused throughout the day.
When developmentally appropriate, children gather together for group activities. Group members may share stories, songs, ideas, and experiences. They learn to listen, wait, and honor the opinions of others. All children have an opportunity to eat together in community.
Classes prioritize time spent outdoors and engaged in gross motor activities daily, such as rock climbing in our “Big Room.” Our outdoor classroom spaces provide opportunities to climb, run, bike, and take risks with teachers nearby. We are very lucky to have four beautifully designed play yards that invite discovery and wonder through the flora and fauna that also call these spaces home.
At the beginning and end of each morning, when children transition between home and school, teachers and caregivers connect about the child’s current interests and growth and share the happenings from both school and home. We value this time of connection and also welcome more in depth conversations any time to support families.
St. Mark’s Nursery School and Kindergarten is a non-profit community service offered by St. Mark’s United Methodist Church of Bloomington, Indiana. We welcome children of every race, religion, nationality and ability. We do not teach religious doctrine. We focus on developing caring relationships, play and the experience of wonder in the world around us. Tuition below reflects adjusted rates for the 2024/2025 school year. Amounts listed for each schedule reflect the monthly amount families will pay when dividing our annual tuition into 10 installments. Registration for next school year will open February 1, 2024.
KinderGARDEN
Our kindergarten has a maximum of 14 children with two teachers, and meets Monday through Friday. Different from our nursery school, kindergarten runs from 9:30 am to 12:30 pm with a flexible drop-off time between 9:00 am and 9:30 am.
Our kindergarten has OPENINGS! Schedule a tour today!
| Schedule | Cost |
|---|---|
| Monday through Friday | $425 |
Dandelions
This is a multi-age class for children who are 3 1/2 to 5 years old at the beginning of the school year. Children who join the class at three years have the opportunity to stay in the class for a second year. We maintain a ratio of one teacher to eight children in this group. Dandelions meet Monday through Thursday. Families also have the option of sending their child on Fridays! Fridays must be attended regularly (it is not a drop-in option).
| Schedule | Cost |
|---|---|
| Monday through Thursday | $339 |
| Fridays | $101 |
Foxtails
This class is for children who are 4 by the beginning of the school year. We maintain a ratio of one teacher to eight children in this group, with a max class size of 16. Foxtails meet Monday through Thursday. Families also have the option of sending their child on Fridays! Fridays must be attended regularly (it is not a drop-in option).
| Schedule | Cost |
|---|---|
| Monday through Thursday | $339 |
| Fridays | $101 |
Thistle
This class is for children who are 3 at the beginning of the school year. We will maintain a ratio of one teacher to seven children in this class, with a max class size of 14. Families may choose from two days of care on Tuesdays and Thursdays, three days of care on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, or five days of care Monday through Friday.
| Schedule | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tuesdays & Thursdays | $194 |
| Mondays, Wednesdays & Fridays | $279 |
| Monday through Friday | $445 |
Clover
This class is for children who are 28 to 36 months at the beginning of the year. We maintain a ratio of one teacher to five children in this group. Families may choose from two days of care on Tuesdays and Thursdays, three days of care on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, or five days of care Monday through Friday.
| Schedule | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tuesdays & Thursdays | $201 |
| Mondays, Wednesdays & Fridays | $289 |
| Monday through Friday | $460 |
Chicory
This class is generally for children between 18 and 28 months at the beginning of the school year. We maintain a ratio of one teacher to five children in this group. Families may choose from two days of care on Tuesdays and Thursdays, three days of care on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, or five days of care Monday through Friday.
| Schedule | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tuesdays & Thursdays | $207 |
| Mondays, Wednesdays & Fridays | $299 |
| Monday through Friday | $477 |
Violets
This class is generally for children between 12 and 18 months at the beginning of the school year. We maintain a ratio of one teacher to three children in this group, with a max class size of six. Families may choose from two days of care on Tuesday and Thursdays, three days of care on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, or five days of care Monday through Friday.
| Schedule | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tuesdays & Thursdays | $214 |
| Mondays, Wednesdays & Fridays | $309 |
| Monday through Friday | $494 |
Milkweed
This class is generally for children between the ages of four and twelve months in August. A team of two attentive teachers provide care for a max class size of five. Families can choose from one to four days of care, Monday through Thursday.
| Schedule | Cost |
|---|---|
| 2 Days | $274, |
| 3 Days | $398, |
| 4 Days | $514 |