Early Childhood

Blossoming Years: Fostering Young Learners.

Curriculum Overview

Pilgrim offers dynamic Pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten programs that align with Early Childhood academic standards, and are designed to help children feel safe and loved. Children ages three through six are encouraged to explore their world and develop a love of learning – in a nurturing classroom environment, where their interests are affirmed. Low student-teacher ratios mean that each child receives the personal attention they need to grow and thrive.

Students are supported in achieving their individual goals, while developing strong foundational math and literacy skills through hands-on activities and intentional play. Curiosity and creativity are stimulated, and an developmentally-appropriate academic curriculum ensures that students are ready to take the next step in their educational journey.

Pre-Kindergarten Morning Program

Pilgrim offers five day Pre-K from 8:45-11:45 a.m. Morning Pre-K families have the option for extended learning through lunch and into the afternoon until 2:45 p.m.

Pre-Kindergarten Afternoon Program

Pilgrim offers three day and five day Pre-K from 12:30-2:45 p.m.

Kindergarten Program

Pilgrim offers five day Kindergarten from 8:45-11:45 a.m. Morning Kindergarten families have the option for extended learning through lunch and into the afternoon until 2:45 p.m.

Engaging Each Child in Early Childhood

Our Aspirations

Through engaging activities, nurturing guidance, and a focus on holistic development, we set the stage for a lifelong journey of exploration and achievement. Join us as we lay the foundation for a bright educational future for your child.

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1:1 iPads for students in Kindergarten

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Spanish language instruction in both Pre-K and Kindergarten

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Educational field trips that include visits to CSO concerts, zoos, museums, and nature centers

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Extracurricular activities, such as yoga and soccer, that vary from year to year

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“Reading Buddies” between upper grades and Kindergarten students that allow students to grow meaningful relationships between various ages

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Fresh and healthy school lunches catered through Gourmet Gorilla for students who stay through the afternoon

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Music and art lessons

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Community service projects and weekly chapel services

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Social Emotional Learning that focuses on forming positive relationships and self-regulation strategies

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Before and after school care that provides a nurturing and fun space for children to relax and play

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Kindergarten program that incorporates Everyday Math curriculum, Orton Gillingham literacy instruction, Mystery Science, and theme-based social studies lessons

Guiding Stars: Our Dedicated Early Education Facilitators

Early Childhood Teachers

Meet the compassionate and skilled educators who form the heart of our early childhood program. With a deep understanding of young minds, our teachers create a nurturing environment that sparks curiosity and fosters growth. Through engaging activities and personalized guidance, they inspire a love for learning that lasts a lifetime.

Joanne Conway

Preschool Teacher

Polly Smith

Kindergarten Teacher

Joanne Conway

Preschool Teacher

The 2021/22 school year was Mrs. Conway’s first year as Pilgrim’s preschool teacher and she is happy to be part of the Pilgrim teaching staff!

Mrs. Conway holds a BA and a MA in Education, plus 11 years of teaching experience. She is licensed to teach special education and early childhood. During the 2020/21 school year she worked as a behavioral therapist, providing therapy and other services to diverse learners. From 2011-2020, she was a lead teacher, assistant director, and interim director of Total Child Preschool in Evanston, IL, where she worked with former Pilgrim principal and PreK teacher, Beth Ruppe.

Mrs. Conway lives in Evanston with her husband Chris, their kids, Atticus and Corinne, and their two dogs. In her free time, she enjoys hiking and having dance parties while cooking dinner with her family.

Polly Smith

Kindergarten Teacher

Mrs. Smith loves serving as Pilgrim Lutheran School’s Kindergarten teacher in the mornings as well as working with Extended Learning in both pre-k and kindergarten in the afternoons.

Mrs. Smith received her B.A. in Youth Ministry from Moody Bible Institute and her M.A. in Education from North Park University. Since graduating, she has been involved in early childhood education for over ten years. Before arriving at Pilgrim, she taught pre-k at Salem Christian School in Humboldt Park/Logan Square for seven years. She is excited to be a part of Pilgrim’s play-based program and to see students grow and explore while having fun in the classroom. She especially has a passion for teaching young students and inspiring a life-long love of learning.

When not serving as Pilgrim’s Kindergarten teacher, Mrs. Smith enjoys cooking, reading, and spending time with friends and her husband, Tom.