Early Childhood (PK-3, PK-4 & Early Kindergarten) at St. Gregory the Great School

Why Choose St. Greg's Early Childhood Program?

At St. Gregory the Great School in Williamsville, NY, our Early Childhood Program offers a joyful and faith-filled introduction to education. As a leading Catholic school in Williamsville, NY we provide a nurturing, faith-based environment that fosters the spiritual, academic, social, and emotional growth of each child. Our mission is to integrate faith and learning so children develop a strong Catholic identity while building a love of learning that lasts a lifetime.

Families of all faiths are welcomed to join our community, where parents and teachers work together to guide each child’s journey. We value open communication, parent involvement, and a loving, positive atmosphere that fosters a true sense of belonging.

Our Early Childhood Programs Include:

Pre-K 3
Pre-K 4
Early Kindergarten (EK)
Kindergarten (K)

Experience the Difference at St. Greg’s

Our Early Childhood Program is more than academics—it’s a foundation in faith, values, and joyful learning. Parents choose St. Gregory the Great School for its dedication to faith-based early childhood education in Williamsville and its commitment to forming compassionate, confident learners who thrive in school and life.

While each program offers a unique, age-appropriate curriculum, all share consistent foundational themes:

Faith Formation: Developing a Catholic identity to help students learn, live, and lead as Disciples of Christ
Academic Excellence: Providing a developmentally appropriate curriculum that prepares children for success
Whole Child Development: Nurturing spiritual, academic, social, and emotional growth
Community: Encouraging partnership between parents and teachers in a welcoming environment

Pre-K3 Program

St. Gregory the Great’s Pre-K3 program provides a nurturing first step in early childhood education for children who are 3 years old by December 1. This preschool program is designed to help young learners grow socially, emotionally, and academically in a faith-filled Catholic school environment.

Children must be potty-trained to enroll in Pre-K3.
We offer flexible scheduling options:
- Half-Day Pre-K3: Tuesday/Thursday 9:00–11:30am, Monday/Wednesday/Friday 9:00–11:30am, Monday-Friday 9:00-11:30am
- Full-Day Pre-K3: Monday–Friday 9:00am–2:00pm. Early Drop-off beginning at 7:30am (included in the cost of tuition).
Small class size: limited to 14 students for individual attention and growth.

Pre-K4 Program

Our Pre-K 4 program builds on preschool readiness by preparing children for kindergarten success. Designed for students who are 4 years old by December 1, this program nurtures confidence, independence, and academic readiness in a caring Catholic preschool community.

Children must be potty-trained to enter Pre-K4.
Program runs Monday–Friday, 9:00am–2:00pm.
Before-school care available starting at 7:30am (included in the cost of tuition).
Students experience daily specials in gym, music, and art.
Class size limited to 18 students for a supportive, engaging learning environment.

Early Kindergarten (EK) / Kindergarten Readiness Program

The Early Kindergarten program at St. Greg’s is designed for children ages 4–5 who would benefit from extra enrichment or additional time before entering traditional kindergarten. This unique multi-age classroom offers a blended Pre-K and Kindergarten curriculum within a supportive Catholic school setting.

Enrichment Track: For 4/5-year-olds not yet kindergarten eligible but ready for academic challenge beyond Pre-K4.
Time Track: For 4/5-year-olds who are kindergarten eligible but may benefit from an additional year to grow socially, emotionally, and academically.

Program details:

Full-time teacher and full-time teaching assistant.
Runs Monday–Friday, 8:00am–2:00pm.
Before-school care available starting at 7:30am.
After-school program available from 2:00-5:30pm.
Daily specials include gym, music, and art.
Bus transportation available for eligible 5-year-olds. See our transportation page for more information.

Kindergarten

Our Kindergarten program provides a strong academic foundation rooted in Catholic values. With a full-time teacher and teacher assistant, students benefit from small group instruction, hands-on learning, and faith-centered growth.

Program runs Monday–Friday, 7:40am–2:00pm.
After-school program available from 2:00-5:30pm.
Athletic and academic after-school programming including LEGO club, chess club, soccer, swimming, and ceramics.
Daily specials: gym, music, art, and computer.
Students thrive in a Catholic faith-based kindergarten environment that prepares them for lifelong learning.

Which Program is Best for your child?	PK 3 (M/W/F) (T/Th) (M-F) 9-11:30AM	PK 3 (M-F) 9AM-2PM	PK 4 (M-F ) 9AM-2PM	EK (M-F) 7:40AM-2PM	K (M-F) 7:40AM-2PM
Before Care Eligible		X	X
After School Care Eligible		X	X	X	X
Bus Eligible				X	X
Daily Specials		X	X	X	X
Field Trips	X		X	X	X
Full-Time Teacher	X	X	X	X	X
Full-Time Teacher Assistant	X	X	X	X	X
Lunch in Cafeteria		X	X	X	X
Catholic Faith Based Learning	X	X	X	X	X

Field Trip Opportunities at St. Gregory the Great School

At St. Gregory the Great School, we believe that hands-on learning experiences bring education to life. Our early childhood programs (Pre-K 3, Pre-K 4, Early Kindergarten, and Kindergarten) include meaningful field trips and enrichment activities that foster curiosity, joy, and lasting memories. These opportunities extend classroom learning while helping children connect with the world around them.

In addition to special on-campus programs, our students participate in community-based educational experiences across Western New York, including:

Kelkenberg Farm – hands-on farm and agriculture learning
Theatre of Youth – live performances designed for young audiences
Shea’s Performing Arts Center – exposure to professional theater and the arts
Buffalo Zoo – learning about animals, habitats, and conservation
Aquarium of Niagara – exploring marine life and ecosystems
Buffalo Audubon Society – nature programs that encourage environmental awareness
Buffalo Museum of Science – interactive exhibits in science and discovery
Reinstein Woods – outdoor education and environmental exploration
Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra – inspiring students with live symphonic music

These field trip experiences give children the chance to explore, imagine, and grow, making St. Greg’s Catholic school programs both academically rich and joyfully memorable.