The Preschool Program
The Thorne School offers two morning preschool programs, one for 3-year-olds and one for 4-year-olds. Although the Thorne Preschool is designed for typically developing children, children with special needs can be considered for admission if their needs can be met in the regular classroom.
The morning program begins at 9 a.m. and concludes by noon. Children may arrive as early as 8:30 a.m. and must be picked up by noon. Morning programs are five days per week.
"At each stage of Thorne school I have watched my daughter become more skilled at navigating social situations. She knows how to share, she knows how to stand up for herself, she knows how to play with old and new friends." —Preschool Parent
Thorne School also offers an afternoon program for children from both the younger and older morning classes. This mixed-age group class is similar in structure to the morning program but includes a lunch, rest time, and a special activity (music, science, art, movement). The afternoon program concludes at 3:15 p.m. and is offered two, three, or five days per week. Children staying for the afternoon must provide their own lunch.
Fees for 2024-25
Half-Day Program, September through June
5 mornings per week: 9 a.m. to Noon | $10,325 |
5 mornings per week plus 2 afternoons (T,Th) | $13,880 |
5 mornings per week plus 3 afternoons (M,W,F) | $15,725 |
5 mornings per week plus 5 afternoons | $19,400 |
(dates/rates tentative and subject to change) |
Extended care until 5:45 p.m. can be arranged through Shipley's afterschool program.
Parents interested in the traditional preschool program should contact Amanda Ulrich by email (aulrich@2fitfashion.com) or at 610-526-7913.
Teachers
Jodie A. Baird, the teacher of Thorne School's younger preschool class, is a graduate of Stanford University (B.A.) and the University of Oregon (Ph.D.) and has been teaching at Thorne School since 2012. Her two children are both Thorne graduates. jabaird@2fitfashion.com • 610-526-7913
Julie Carlson, a teacher in Thorne School's older class, is a graduate of Yale University and has been teaching at Thorne School since 2011. She is also the lead teacher for our Afternoon program. jcarlson@2fitfashion.com • 610-526-7913
Carolyn Klinghoffer, a teacher in the Older Preschool class has her BS in Early Childhood from West Chester University and has done graduate work in elementary education at Villanova University. A Thorne parent since 2014, Carolyn has been working with Thorne students since 2021. cklinghoffer@2fitfashion.com • 610-526-7913
Abby Krauss, an assistant teacher in our afternoon program is a recent graduate of Bryn Mawr College. As an undergrad, Abby was a classroom aide in both the Younger and Older Preschool Classrooms. Abby is currently working towards her Masters in Psychology at Immaculata University. akrauss@2fitfashion.com • 610-526-7913
Jillian Lomas, a teacher in Thorne School's younger preschool class, is a graduate of West Chester University (B.S. in Elementary Education) and has a Special Education Certification. Prior to coming to Thorne in 2017, Jill taught prekindergarten, kindergarten, and first grade at the Shipley School in Bryn Mawr. Jill is also the lead teacher in Thorne School's afternoon program. jlomas@2fitfashion.com • 610-526-7913
Alison Preisser, a teacher in the Younger Preschool class has her B.A. from Hamilton College and her M.S.Ed. in Education from Bank Street College of Education. A Thorne parent since 2010, Alison has been working with Thorne students since 2021. apreisser@2fitfashion.com
Alexis Elkins, an assistant in our afternoon program has a degree from Villanova University and has worked as a school support professional in both preschool and kindergarten settings. aelkins@2fitfashion.com
Calendars
2023-2024
July 2023 | |
---|---|
1 | Tuition Due 1st Semester |
28-30 | Teacher classroom preparation as needed |
August 2023 | |
1-31 | Teacher classroom preparation as needed |
September 2023 | |
4 | School Closed - Labor Day |
5,6,7 | Visiting days |
8 | First day of school (morning only) |
11 | First full day of school |
11 | Parent Orientation 7 p.m. |
15 | School Closed - Rosh Hashanah (sundown) |
17 | Opening Family Picnic 5-6:30 p.m. |
25 | School Closed - Yom Kippur |
October 2023 | |
6 | Parent Coffee 9-10 a.m. |
9 | School Closed - Teacher in-service |
TBA | Fall Festival |
24 | Kindergarten Open House |
November 2023 | |
13-24 | Book Fair (Children's Book World) |
20-22 | School Closed - Parent Conferences Older and Younger Preschool Classes |
23-24 | School Closed - Thanksgiving Break |
December 2023 | |
15 | Last day of school before Winter Break - noon dismissal |
16 | Preschool Festive Event - details TBA |
17-31 | School Closed - Winter Break |
January 2024 | |
1-2 | School Closed - Winter Break |
3 | School Resumes |
15 | School Closed - Martin Luther King Jr. Day |
22 | Tuition Due - 2nd Semester |
February 2024 | |
TBA | Winter Community Event |
16, 19 | School Closed - Presidents Weekend |
March 2024 | |
22 | Last day of school before Spring Break - noon dismissal |
25-31 | School Closed - Spring Break |
April 2024 | |
1 | School Closed - Spring Break |
2 | School Resumes |
26 | School Closed - Professional Development Day |
TBA | Spring Community Event |
May 2024 | |
27 | School Closed - Memorial Day |
June 2024 | |
4 | Closing Picnic, 5-6:30 p.m. |
5 | Last Day of School - school closes at noon |
Thorne Summer Camp TBA