Pawprints Preschool & Pre-K

A Place to Grow and Belong

Our Preschool and Pre-K programs at St. Thomas More offer a faith-filled environment full of encouragement and engaging activities. 

Rooted in Catholic values and the basic idea of caring for one another, our early childhood classrooms are designed to help your child grow in confidence, kindness and curiosity. 

The curriculum at St. Thomas More will help your child build the essential skills they need for kindergarten. Each day’s activities include Prayer, Circle Time, Center Time (including Math, Science, Reading, Art and Literacy), Music, Story Time and Snack Time.

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Questions after your tour? Email us at stmpawprints@omahacsc.org

A CHRIST-CENTERED EDUCATION
What We Teach in Preschool

  • Language and Literacy

    Preschool and Pre-K students at St. Thomas More strengthen their fine and gross motor skills through activities like cutting, drawing and building. Teachers also introduce and reinforce letter, number and pattern recognition. It’s a joy to watch students begin to write their names, sound out words and express themselves through early writing. Our goal is to help every child become a confident communicator, ready to share ideas, ask questions and connect with others.

  • Math, Science and More

    Teachers guide students through age-appropriate lessons in reading, writing, math, science, social studies and art. Students are encouraged to explore and get creative with how they learn and discover connections between their classroom and real-world experiences. In preschool and pre-K, there are a lot of cross-curricular lessons between subjects, allowing for repetition and plenty of sensory, hands-on exploration. Students also love to spend time in our Outdoor Nature Classroom.

  • Religion

    Children learn what it means to love God and serve others. The daily routine includes time to practice formal prayers and listen to stories about the Bible. The teachers do a great job of intentionally making faith a part of the classroom and helping children connect to their faith–whether it’s helping a friend, saying thank you, or noticing the beauty of God’s world. STM prekindergarten students also participate in the Montessori based, “Catechesis of the Good Shepherd” program. Scroll down to read more below.

  • Character Development

    A major benefit of Catholic education is the focus on the whole child development. Every day is filled with opportunities to build friendships, explore nature and grow in independence. We will help students master additional life skills like zipping coats, sharing toys, practicing handwashing and developing both fine and gross motor skills.

  • Daily Routine

    Preschool classrooms are always busy! At this age, movement and play are still a big part of how students express themselves and learn new things. You’ll see art and other dramatic activities to develop social skills and imaginative thinking alongside both large and small group lessons on the letters of the alphabet, basic number sense and more.
    For children who may be ready for more, teachers will offer additional practice in early phonics, handwriting, math enrichment and other activities to meet each learner where they are. We have many options for preschoolers who want a flexible schedule.

Preschool and Pre-K students at St. Thomas More strengthen their fine and gross motor skills through activities like cutting, drawing and building. Teachers also introduce and reinforce letter, number and pattern recognition. It’s a joy to watch students begin to write their names, sound out words and express themselves through early writing. Our goal is to help every child become a confident communicator, ready to share ideas, ask questions and connect with others.

Teachers guide students through age-appropriate lessons in reading, writing, math, science, social studies and art. Students are encouraged to explore and get creative with how they learn and discover connections between their classroom and real-world experiences. In preschool and pre-K, there are a lot of cross-curricular lessons between subjects, allowing for repetition and plenty of sensory, hands-on exploration. Students also love to spend time in our Outdoor Nature Classroom.

Children learn what it means to love God and serve others. The daily routine includes time to practice formal prayers and listen to stories about the Bible. The teachers do a great job of intentionally making faith a part of the classroom and helping children connect to their faith–whether it’s helping a friend, saying thank you, or noticing the beauty of God’s world. STM prekindergarten students also participate in the Montessori based, “Catechesis of the Good Shepherd” program. Scroll down to read more below.

A major benefit of Catholic education is the focus on the whole child development. Every day is filled with opportunities to build friendships, explore nature and grow in independence. We will help students master additional life skills like zipping coats, sharing toys, practicing handwashing and developing both fine and gross motor skills.

Preschool classrooms are always busy! At this age, movement and play are still a big part of how students express themselves and learn new things. You’ll see art and other dramatic activities to develop social skills and imaginative thinking alongside both large and small group lessons on the letters of the alphabet, basic number sense and more.
For children who may be ready for more, teachers will offer additional practice in early phonics, handwriting, math enrichment and other activities to meet each learner where they are. We have many options for preschoolers who want a flexible schedule.

Preschool & Pre-K Class Offerings

St. Thomas More Pawprints Preschool offers Half Day and All Day sessions for both preschool and prekindergarten.

To enroll in preschool, students must be fully toilet trained. Children must be at least 3 years old on or prior to July 31 to enroll in preschool, or 4 years old on or before July 31 to enroll in Pre-K. Capacity for our early childhood classes is limited to 15 for Preschool and 20 for PreKindergarten.

  • Preschool

    St. Thomas More offers multiple choices for PRESCHOOL for 3 year olds.

    Morning classes run from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. Full Day classes run from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

    Preschool students will wear the St. Thomas More school uniform.

    • Monday through Friday (five days) FULL DAY
    • Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays (three days) FULL DAY
    • Tuesday and Thursday (two days) FULL DAY
    • Tuesday & Thursday (two days) MORNINGS ONLY
  • PreKindergarten

    St. Thomas More has multiple offerings for PRE-K for 4-5 year olds. Morning classes run from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. Full Day classes run from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

    Prekindergarten students will wear the St. Thomas More school uniform.

    • Monday through Friday (five days) MORNINGS ONLY
    • Monday, Wednesday, Friday (three days) FULL DAY: **This class is currently full for 2026-2027. Please contact school office so we can stay in touch.
    • Monday through Friday (five days) FULL DAYS
  • Before and After School Extended Care

    Before school and after school care is available for preschool and pre-K students between the hours of 6:45 a.m.-7:40 a.m. and after school between 3:00 -5:10 p.m. Courage Club (extended care) is not available when preschool is not in session. A separate registration form and deposit should be submitted.

Transitional Kindergarten

St. Thomas More is one of the few schools in the Omaha area to offer a program like Transitional Kindergarten (TK). TK is a unique way to support students who are eligible for Kindergarten (5 years old by July 31) and/or those who have just missed that age guideline for entering kindergarten (typically those who turn 5 between August 1-October 15). Transitional kindergarten is great for children who could benefit from additional academic and/or social preparation prior to entering kindergarten.

Our TK program blends the preschool environment with the structure and skill-building of a kindergarten classroom. Whether your child is ready for more than preschool or if they need extra support before kindergarten, TK at STM offers the ideal stepping stone, rooted in faith, focused on growth and tailored to your child’s needs. Prior to enrolling, families wishing to enroll will have a conversation with the TK teacher and Pre-K program director.

 

Cost of Preschool and Pre-K

St. Thomas More offers an exceptional and affordable preschool program. Tuition rates vary depending on the number of days you enroll.

Grade LevelClassTuitionRegistration Fee (per student)*Tuition Total (with fees)Monthly Rate (10 months)
Preschool2 Day, 1/2 Day$1,735$150$1,885$189
Preschool2 Day, All Day$2,695$150$2,845$285
Pre-K5 Day, 1/2 Day$3,145$150$3,295$330
Preschool/Pre-K3 Day, All Day$3,780$150$3,930$393
Preschool/Pre-K5 Day, All Day$5,950$150$6,100$610

* Each family is required to pay the $150 non-refundable registration fee for at least one student per family at the time of registration to reserve space for all students. The remaining registration fees need to be paid by the 1st day of school and if not paid, it will be applied to the first tuition payment.
Note:
• Funds are available for Preschool and Pre-K tuition assistance. Please contact the Consortium office at 402-590-2810 to discuss options.
• Outstanding student account balances (including tuition, lunch and extended care) from prior school year(s) must be paid in order to enroll for the 2026-2027 school year; re-enrollment records will be blocked until balance has been paid.rn.

Pawprints preschool was simply the best experience we could have hoped for in transitioning to a learning environment. Our kids received the love and friendship that we were so eager for them to experience at school but we were blown away at the level of education they received. Our kids graduated Pawprints with skills that made them very successful in Kindergarten and with their own growing sense of love for God. Truly a welcoming community and school!

Rafael & Cassie
Pawprints Parents

On our drive to St. Thomas More, we pass many schools that our children could attend, however we happily make the drive to STM because of the wonderful community. I am alumni of STM and have always felt the staff here have been exceptional. You trust the people teaching your children and get to know the families of the students your kids are surrounded by. You feel safe leaving your children with the staff and know they have your child's best interest at heart. We know our children are getting the love, support, and spiritual guidance they need day in and day out. We are family raising our families, together in love and Christ.

Nikki W.
Current Parent

This program has been a blessing to our family! The teachers really worked with my children on their specific needs. I love how much they engage in our faith now too.

Andrea C.
Pawprints Parent

I sent my son to Pawprints Preschool not really knowing what to expect. The staff exceeded my expectations with their excellent communication and caring for their students. My son enjoyed learning and loved attending class! We were amazed at the progress he made in his work in such a short time! Completely satisfied and highly recommend Pawprints to everyone!

Theresa B.
Pawprints Parent

We have been so impressed with everything Saint Thomas More has to offer, especially the exceptional preschool program. Our kids absolutely love it! They’re learning so much while also developing great routines.

Anna D.
Current Parent:

We were very pleased with our experiences with the STM Pawprints preschool program. Each of our daughters strengthened their faith, learned the lifelong values of friendship and kindness, and were also well prepared for Kindergarten.

Sean & Carmin F.
Pawprints Parents

What truly sets Saint Thomas More apart from other Consortium schools is the unique learning garden, which provides students with meaningful, hands-on learning experiences. The teachers are wonderful, and the family-like community creates such a warm and welcoming atmosphere. We couldn’t be happier to be part of the STM family!

Current Parent

Catechesis of the Good Shepherd

Starting in Pre-K, students participate in the Montessori-based Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (CGS) program. St. Thomas More is one of a small number of Catholic schools in Omaha who offer this unique opportunity for students. Rather than a traditional classroom setting, CGS takes place in a peaceful, child-sized space called the Atrium, where children are invited to encounter God through hands-on materials, quiet reflection, joyful songs and meaningful activities. Students explore Scripture and the liturgy in ways that feel natural and personal to them. It’s a gentle, sacred space where faith grows through wonder, discovery and heartfelt prayer!

Learn More About CGS

TAKE THE
NEXT STEP

Come see our littlest learners in action! Schedule a tour of our Preschool and/or Pre-K classrooms. The first step is to complete the form below

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