The Regan Tinker Lab serves as a maker’s space for our youngest learners to problem solve, innovate, wonder, discover, and tinker with various materials and the world around them. Tinker Lab classes incorporate our METALS curriculum, and will include discovery activities in the disciplines of Math, Engineering, Technology, Art, Logic, and Science.

Each week, boys in grades PK3-2nd grades are presented with tasks or challenges to complete in the lab that are directly connected to current themes and curricula. The lab is equipped with child-sized tools, nails, screws, bolts, pegs, and more. Additionally, the lab amenities include a drafting table, magnetic wall, light discovery table, a cozy think-tank space, art supplies and media, and a Lego wall just to name a few.

The main goals of Preschool Religion are to teach the boys about the great love that Jesus has for them, and that each of them has been uniquely created by God. We do this through telling and acting out Gospel stories, playing fun games that teach meaningful lessons, and providing many related “attention getters” to keep engagement high. We aim to concretize their experience of God as much as possible. Young children have a special connection with the natural world, and we allow them the freedom to explore and wonder about it.

Preschool boys attend chapel weekly on Wednesdays mornings where they focus on the Qualities of the Month.

Preschool physical education concentrates on developing gross motor skills, listening skills, rhythm, and coordination through such activities as running, jumping, skipping, hopping, and sliding. Fundamental movement patterns such as throwing and catching, dribbling, catching and fleeing, and striking are developed. Attention is given to providing the maximum amount of movement per class period and incorporating structured play. Preschool students attend PE four days a week.

The Music program offers a variety of opportunities to suit the talents and abilities of students of all ages. Our Preschool students learn the foundations of music from their first day of class with singing, rhythm,  and movement activities, as well as an introduction to the various families that make up the orchestra. Students can recognize instruments by sight and sound, as well as understand which family they come from. Throughout the entire music curriculum, students continue to sing and perform for special programs. Preschool students will attend music class twice a week.

Weekly library classes begin with PK3 and continue through our boys' time here at Stuart Hall. The goal of these classes is to promote a true love of reading in the boys.  There is a curriculum of library skills that begins in PK3 with basic parts of a book, care of books, and information about who an author and illustrator are. Visiting authors on campus bring the book-writing process to life for the students. Beginning in Kindergarten, the boys are introduced to various sources of information and begin to determine how each resource is best used. The curriculum includes a portion of library class where the boys are read aloud to throughout their time at Stuart Hall.

Art at Stuart Hall encourages student discovery, exploration, and experimentation through an introduction of developmentally appropriate artistic fundamentals, artists, and art experiences. Lessons are designed to help boys develop their cognitive, social, and fine motor skills. Various types of media and techniques are explored in class, such as clay, paint, papier-mâché, pastels, drawing, and printmaking. Throughout the curriculum, students are encouraged to express themselves and to appreciate their own uniqueness.  The Preschool boys will start to go to art class in PK4 and continue throughout their time at Stuart Hall. The PK3 students will have art in their classrooms.

Each month, our school counselor goes to the PS classrooms to further focus on the specific Quality of the Month—a character trait designed to help children grow emotionally and socially. Through engaging stories, creative crafts, and meaningful group discussions, children explore what these qualities look like in everyday life and how they can practice them at school and home.

Our social-emotional learning time supports key developmental goals, including:

• Understanding and managing emotions

• Setting and working toward positive goals

• Developing empathy and compassion for others

• Building and maintaining healthy relationships

• Making thoughtful, responsible decisions

These lessons are woven into daily routines, helping the boys build the foundation for lifelong emotional well-being and positive social interactions.

The technology used in the preschool classrooms is used to enhance the curriculum. iPads and smart boards are used to make lessons and centers interactive and engaging. Stuart Hall follows the recommendations for technology and screentime from the American Academy of Pediatrics.

The French program is designed to foster a love of the French language and an appreciation for French culture.  Starting in PK4, students take classes on a weekly basis. The goals of the French program in Preschool are to expose the children to another language and culture and to increase their awareness and respect for cultural diversity. An emphasis is placed on New Orleans' French past and the widespread presence of French in the city to help students make connections with their lifestyle. The French Program continues through the Fourth Grade.