Preschool

Saint Andrew Presbyterian Church Preschool values the whole child, which includes the social, emotional, physical, intellectual, and spiritual development of every child, and seeks to offer a safe environment to encourage curiosity, adventure, and a love for learning.

The most natural way a child learns is through play. Children learn by doing, they strive to become independent and self-directed in their learning.

Our focus is based on the whole child, which includes a variety of learning experiences to develop the spiritual, social, emotional, physical, and intellectual development of every child as well as learning to develop a sense of community.
We want each child to feel good about who they are and to be able to make independent choices that foster positive self-esteem and self-confidence.
We believe that each child is a unique and special individual with varying interests, needs, and abilities.
We strive to prepare an environment, which will help children develop to their fullest potential.

Children learn through play and by doing. A prayer is said before snacks. Kindness and cooperation are taught.

The teaching staff demonstrates genuine care and respect for all children and their families. We encourage family participation and have an open-door policy. All parents or family members are welcome to visit anytime. Our curriculum is based on emergent learning, which draws on children’s interests, activities, and spontaneity with the natural inclination for the child to socialize and have fun. We encourage each child to dress for success enabling them to explore and discover the many wonderful experiences that await them in a safe and nurturing environment.

Two-Year-Old Classroom.

Focusing on wellness and disease prevention through education.
Moving from dependent to involved care of our health.
Creating a whole-person approach to health involving body, mind, and spirit.

The St. Andrew Presbyterian Church Preschool is a nonprofit program operated by the church. Tuition is due in the following programs and can be made payable to SAPCP.

Our schedules take into consideration the Groton Schools Calendar.

All programs are state licensed.

*Registration discount offered to families who are registering more than one child.

Enrollment is open to the local community.

Call 405-0478 to determine if class openings are available.

Preschool Staff

We are privileged to have the following experienced and dedicated professionals running our program.

Julie O’Keefe - Director and Head Teacher

Julie joined the St. Andrew team in 2022.

Susan Bogar - Teacher

Susan has been teaching at St. Andrew since 2016, and previously served on the parent/teacher advisory board at the preschool. She graduated from Central Connecticut State University with a BS in Business Marketing. Susan followed her passion for art and continued her education at the Rhode Island School of Design studying Print Design and Production. Susan brings creativity to the classroom. She and her husband Brian have two children who are graduates of St. Andrew Preschool. Susan volunteers in Groton Public Schools and is a Girl Scout Troop Leader.

Susan Lord - Assistant Teacher

Susan has been at St. Andrew Preschool since 2019. She has a Bachelor’s degree in Communications from Bentley University in Massachusetts. Susan is an alumni parent of St. Andrew. She and her husband Gordon have four children who keep them very busy. Susan is involved in the Stonington Public School System where she often volunteers. Susan is also an avid runner.

Erica Chandler - Assistant Teacher

Erica has a Master’s Degree in Education and taught grades K-2 for 15 years, before choosing to stay home full-time with her children. Most recently, before coming to St. Andrew Preschool, Erica worked part-time as an elementary math tutor and substitute teacher. All three of her children are alumni of St. Andrew.