Heather Pearl, Director:
Preschool
2025-2026 School Year:
Online registration- Click Here to Register
If you have questions contact Heather at [email protected].
2024-2025 School Year: If you are interested in a VASD Pre-K spot please reach out to Heather at [email protected].
Click here for a virtual tour.
Open Registration will be from February 3rd through March 28th.**
Placement Letters will be mailed home with placement or wait list information around April 3rd.
**If we get more applications than spots available, we will put all applications received by 3/28 into a lottery to pull randomly for spots. After 3/28 spots will be filled as received, if there are openings or any become available.
If you are interested in the Verona Area School District Pre-K program you must register through the school district.
The philosophy of St. James Preschool is to instill in each child a confident desire to learn more about the world in which we live and provide children with a balanced routine to develop emotional, intellectual, physical and social skills through natural play in a loving environment. St. James Preschool does not discriminate against any person on the basis of race, color, national origin, disability, or age in admission, treatment, or participation in its programs, services and activities.
Classrooms use a play-based philosophy with emphasis on one-on-one, small group and large group instruction that is age/ability appropriate. Centers will focus on colors, shapes, letter and number recognition as well as activities that stretch the mind, express feelings and encourage cognitive development. Social interaction will also be a focus as these children learn to relate to peers and adults. Children will be encouraged to verbally express needs and desires. Classes will have the opportunities for free play, music, art, science, early math and literacy concepts, stories, role-playing and more. The staff will promote Kindergarten readiness through pre-reading and math activities. Classes may be multi-age.
This schedule is what our school days typically look like (this one is from Pre-K).
All classes have a schedule that are similar but might change the order of activities.
8:30-8:50 Arrival & Welcome Activities
8:55-9:10 Hello Circle Time (Hello Song, Community Building, Large Group)
9:15-9:40 Small Group Work (Handwriting, Math, Literacy, Choice Time)
9:40-10:00 Hand washing, Songs, and Stories
10:05-10:20 Snack
10:25-10:55 Centers (Choice time & projects)
11:05-11:10 Closing Circle
11:15-11:40 Outdoor Play/Recess
"St. James Preschool has been an incredible 1st school experience for both of my children, one a current 4K student and one thriving in 1st grade right now. They both attended the 3K and 4K programs. The staff is very knowledgeable and caring. They appreciate each child's individuality and work hard to support a young learner's needs. I saw so much growth, not only academically, but in social-emotional skills as well. My kids looked forward to going to school each day and met some wonderful friends. They love their teachers! They were excited to share what they learned each day, and I think their time at St. James has helped develop their love for learning. I would recommend St. James to anyone looking for an amazing preschool experience for their child." -Jeanne
"I cannot say enough great things about St. James Preschool! The staff are incredibly attentive and communicative, always keeping parents in the loop and truly caring about the needs of each child.
In our experience, the learning environment is fantastic- kids are able to grow and develop through a mix of play, singing, dancing, art, and just plain fun. It's clear to me that St. James focuses on well-rounded learning experiences that nature not just academic growth but also creativity and social development.
The staff is absolutely wonderful, and you can tell they genuinely love what they do. It's a place where children are not just cared for but thrive." -Sarah
"It is bittersweet that our kids are growing up and moving beyond St. James. It has been a wonderful place for our two boys to learn, grow, and have a lot of fun. The teachers there really care. I love seeing the daily updates with the kids about things like learning about the shapes and sizes of buildings, making puppet shows, and controlling their emotions. And that was just in the last week. Ms. Heather brings it all together and has set the bar for what I think a great preschool can be." -Erika

Preschool Fees & Offerings
St. James Preschool partners with the Verona Area School District to host their Pre-K program.
For children who will be 4 years old by September 1, 2025.
Activity Fee: $35
Class Fee: No monthly fee for VASD residents
(private pay is $400 a month paid September-May)
Tuesday thru Friday approximately 8:30 am - 11:40 am*
*The Verona School District decides the start time based on busing.
For children who will be 3 years old by September 1, 2025.
Non-Refundable Registration Fee: $75
Tuition: $335/month paid September-May
Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday 8:45 - 11:45 am
Time may vary by 5-10 minutes but will be set before school starts.
For children who will be 2 years old by August 1, 2025.
Non-Refundable Registration Fee: $75
Tuition: $255/month paid September-May
Mondays and Fridays 8:45 am - 11:15 am
If you have any questions please contact Heather Pearl at [email protected].
Additional fees and/or materials may be requested for field trips, special events and programs, etc. There will be a supply list before the beginning of the year.
Fees may change each school year.
All class times may need to be changed 5-15 minutes. Start and end times will be set sometime in August before school starts.
Preschool Staff
2024-2025 St. James Preschool Staff

Heather Pearl Director
Heather has been at St. James Preschool 13 years.

Stacy Zimmerman Pre-K Teacher
Stacy has been at St. James Preschool 13 years.

Kari Poppen Pre-K Teacher
Kari has been at St. James Preschool 3 years.

Holly Parker 2 & 3 year old Teacher
Holly has been at St. James Preschool 14 years.

Kristin Wills 2 & 3 year old Teacher
Kristin has been at St. James Preschool 7 years.
