Academics
Lower School

Junior Kindergarten

Joanna Harris, Parent '35

JK has given my son the confidence in himself that I had not seen until this year.

See what Junior Kindergarten is all about, where learning potential is unlocked

Initial educational experiences are critical in developing children's attitudes about school and about themselves and these impressions that can last a lifetime. That's why we believe that Junior Kindergarten is key to foundational development.

Designed for four- and five-year-old boys, St. Christopher's Junior Kindergarten is filled with extra time they need to develop socially, emotionally, physically and intellectually. More than a pre-school, it includes a modified kindergarten experience and curriculum. The boys make meaningful connections to the real world as well as to the world of their imaginations.
 

Junior Kindergarten Highlights

List of 4 items.

  • Service Learning

    Our youngest Saints partner with Angel Tree to learn how they can make an impact on others by gathering Christmas gifts for families in need.
  • Field Trips

    You son will learn hands on at Rockwood Nature Center, explore Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden and experience PARK365 which is an accessible playground designed for people with and without disabilities to complement his in-class lessons.
  • Family & Friends

    Families are important to us at St. Christopher's, so we provide opportunities for activities such as sewing projects and flower planting to play and learn along with your son.
  • Making Learning Fun

    In JK, we focus on empathy –  what can we do to make someone else smile? This value is exemplified through our service learning activities, our lessons and our daily discussions.

Frequently Asked Questions

List of 5 frequently asked questions.

  • What are the age ranges or birthdays to be a candidate for JK?

    We have two sections of Junior Kindergarten. To be eligible for our JK program, your son must turn four by August 31 of his entering year.
  • What is the testing process for JK?

    All applicants take the Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence – Fourth Edition (WPPSI-IV), a test that gives us an age-normed assessment of a child's cognitive development. Additionally, all applicants take an age-appropriate readiness test administered by our Lower School teachers. Finally, our office will send a preschool evaluation form to your son’s current teacher.
  • What is the timeline for the application process?

    The process officially kicks off in September one-year prior to entry. Our admissions office will mail a packet of information including a brochure about our Junior Kindergarten and Kindergarten programs, specifics about the admissions process and required forms to all applicant families. JK/K Parent Open Houses will be held in October and November for interested parents to come and learn more about our program. In addition, we have a JK House Tour for parents interested in JK to meet the teachers and see our unique JK houses. Psychological testing begins in November and runs through January. Our required readiness testing takes place in January. Decision letters are sent electronically to all families in February.
  • How long is the JK school day?

    Our Junior Kindergarten follows the same schedule as our Lower School. The school day runs 8 a.m. until 2:40 p.m. from Monday-Thursday with a 2:05 p.m. dismissal on Fridays. Extended Day is available Monday-Friday with dismissal times of 4 p.m. or 6 p.m.
  • Where is the JK program located?

    JK boys spend their day in two houses that have been uniquely renovated to offer a variety of spaces for our boys to explore and grow. These houses are located on Pepper Avenue with easy access to our Lower School.

Meet the Team

List of 3 members.

  • Photo of Deborah Brown

    Debbie Brown 

    Lower School Teacher of Junior Kindergarten
    (804) 282-3185 x2200
  • Photo of Heather Mumford

    Heather Mumford 

    Lower School Teacher of Junior Kindergarten
    (804) 282-3185 x2665
  • Photo of Elizabeth Pitzer

    Elizabeth Pitzer 

    Lower School Co-Teacher