Our Campus
St. Matthew’s preschool
The preschool is housed in the Education Wing adjacent to the Parish Hall. There are two classrooms upstairs and two classrooms downstairs that we make use of. The rest of the building houses the parish offices.
Directly out the back door of the preschool, the children have an expansive, newly-renovated playground area with plenty of room to run and explore. There is equipment specifically designed for our two-year olds and a larger play structure for the older children. The playground is completely fenced in and includes a full set of swings and two sand boxes. Within the confines of the playground area is our school garden, comprised of four raised beds and a crab-apple tree. The children are able to easily access the garden and participate fully in the seasonal cycles of planting, growth, and harvest.
Children’s Chapel
The Children’s Chapel, consecrated on September 14, 2013, was built for worship by the youngest children in the St. Matthew’s parish. Every child in the church school contributed a stone that is incorporated into the stonework.
Thursday mornings at St. Matthew’s Preschool, you’ll find our two, three and Pre-K students making their way to to our beautiful Children's Chapel with Father John Zahl. They tip-toe, bounce, and run their way into 15-20 minutes of story, song and sharing that puts their lives within the greater context of Jesus' love for them and for all creation. The gathering is welcoming of all faith traditions and holds as its simple premise the belief that Jesus loves us, every one.
St. Matthew’s Woodlands
St. Matthew's property, covering approximately 65 acres, includes the Ketchum Sanctuary and the Glebe lands. There are hiking trails, a small river, and a lovely, naturalistic chapel in the woods.
MUSIC CLASS
Each week the children in the 2's, 3's and Pre-K classes enjoy a weekly music class.
Music is an innate part of every child, and provides a wonderful, unique medium through which learning and growth can happen. Varied musical activities including singing, instrument playing, creative play with props, and musical books/stories will be used to enhance each child’s natural musicality and creativity.
Westmoreland SANCTUARY
Nature play significantly improves all aspects of child development – physical, cognitive, social and emotional.
The children will participate in monthly studies with a Westmoreland Sanctuary Naturalist on the beautiful grounds of St. Matthew's Preschool.
YOGA
Using methods such as games, stories, songs, and props, Miss Stephanie helps the children develop their body awareness, balance, strength, posture, and flexibility. Miss Stephanie’s philosophy focuses on keeping the class fun, which leads to a high interest level and consistent learning opportunites. As the children explore their sinner selves through the yoga classes, they begin to develop key motor skills and life long wellness habits.
St. Matthew’s Church
St. Matthew's Preschool is located on the grounds of the St. Matthew's Episcopal Church in scenic Bedford, NY; the church itself is a historic building built in 1810. The main church is used by the Preschool throughout the year for special events such as our Christmas Family Chapel Service in December and Pre-K graduation in June!
