Preschool
& Pre-K
A real classroom with a degreed teacher, a sequenced curriculum, and plenty of mess. Kindergarten is just down the hall.
We'd still like to hear from you
Join the interest list for 2027–2028 and we'll contact you when registration opens in February. If a spot opens sooner, families on the list hear first.
A real classroom, and plenty of play
St. Francis Preschool has a degreed teacher, a curriculum with a sequence, and a reason behind every activity.
Children learn letters and sounds, numbers and patterns, how to take turns and line up and put their own coat on, and how to pray. They also get messy, play outside, and spend part of every morning choosing where they want to be.
Both things are the point.
Half-day and full-day options run Monday through Friday, and families may attend anywhere from one to five days a week. Children of every faith background are welcome, and many of our preschool families aren't parishioners.
Two ways to start
Children must be three or four years old by September 1. Either program can be one to five days a week.
- Monday through Friday, 8:10 to 11:00 a.m.
- One to five days a week
- $300 resource fee
- Monday through Friday, 8:10 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
- One to five days a week
- $300 resource fee
Most school supplies are included in the resource fee, which isn't always the case elsewhere. Before and after school care is available at a reasonable rate with staff your child already knows, and tuition can be spread across monthly payments through FACTS.
Tuition & financial aid →Be first to hear when registration opens
The preschool class has filled in recent years. The interest list is the easiest way to make sure your family doesn't miss the window.
Current preschool families, registered St. Francis parishioners, and siblings of current students register first. Public registration follows shortly after.
Join the interest list
Fields marked with an asterisk are required.
Thank you, friend. You're on the list.
We'll reach out before preschool registration opens in February, and right away if a spot opens sooner. A copy of your information is on its way to your inbox.
A visit takes about 45 minutes on a normal school day, and your little one is welcome to come along.
Schedule a visit →Sent this by mistake?
Miss Jen
Jennifer Mast has taught for 23 years and holds a B.S. in Elementary Education from Quincy University, right across the street.
She's been at St. Francis for three years, and by October she'll know which child needs a minute before joining the circle and which one wants to tell you about their weekend before they take their coat off.
Faith in her room is daily and concrete. Children pray every morning, learning the prayers line by line. They learn the Sign of the Cross, which saint the Church is celebrating, and the ASL sign that goes with each one.
Her favorite part of the day is centers, when children choose where to go and learn through play alongside their friends. Her patron is St. Joseph Calasanz, the patron saint of Christian schools and early childhood education.
"I hope every student remembers that they are loved from the moment they enter my room."Jennifer Mast
She's joined by Marissa Knight and Alyssa Collins, who know every child's name and routine.
Read Miss Jen's full bio →
One classroom, small groups, individual goals
Our threes and fours learn together in one multi-age classroom. A three-year-old and a four-year-old in the same room work toward different goals, with a teacher who has taught this way for years.
Instruction meets each child where they are, not where the group average is.
Children entering kindergarten the following fall work toward a distinct set of readiness skills.
Children choose where to go and learn through play, with peers and teachers alongside them.
Prayers learned line by line, and the saint the Church is celebrating that day.
Multi-age classrooms are long-established practice in early childhood education, and there's a reason the model persists. Younger children reach toward what the older ones are doing, older children consolidate what they know by helping, and everyone's expectations are set by where they actually are rather than by their birthday.
Your child's next teacher is already down the hall
This is the part a standalone preschool can't offer. When your child finishes here, kindergarten isn't a new building, a new drop-off routine, or a stranger at the door. It's the same hallway, the same office, and many of the same faces.
It's also a specific classroom. Kindergarten at St. Francis is taught by Mrs. Hull and Mrs. Felker. Mrs. Hull is one of three teachers here who completed LETRS, a two-year program in the science of reading, and structured literacy is how reading is taught in both kindergarten rooms from the first week.
So the question isn't only whether your child will be ready for kindergarten. It's what kindergarten they'll be ready for.
How we teach reading →
The practical part
What to wear, what to pack, and where to park.
- What they wearPlay clothes, every day. Preschoolers get messy, and that's expected. Elastic waist bottoms are ideal so children can manage the restroom independently. Athletic shoes with socks, no sandals.
- What to bringA full-size backpack, a small water bottle with a sip lid (around 13 oz.), and a complete change of clothes, including socks and underwear, in a labeled gallon bag. Most other supplies are included in the resource fee.
- Flexible attendanceOne to five days a week in either program. Tell us what your family needs.
- Before and after careOn site, at a reasonable rate, with staff your child already knows. Extended care details.
- Registration opens in FebruaryCurrent preschool families, registered St. Francis parishioners, and siblings of current students register first. Public registration follows shortly after.
- Parent orientationHeld before school starts each August, for parents and caregivers only. We'll walk through supplies, routines, and nap items.
- Where to parkUse the lot west of the school off 17th Street and come in through the west double doors.
Preschool questions, answered
Not sure your child is ready? Call the school office. We'd rather talk it through than have you rule us out.
(217) 222-4077How much is preschool at St. Francis Solanus School?
For 2026–2027, half-day morning preschool is $2,011 per year and full-day Pre-K is $4,022 per year, each with a $300 resource fee that covers most school supplies. Tuition can be spread across monthly payments through FACTS, and financial assistance is available.
What are the preschool hours?
Half-day preschool runs 8:10 to 11:00 a.m., Monday through Friday. Full-day Pre-K runs 8:10 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Families may choose one to five days per week in either program.
How old does my child need to be?
Children must be three or four years old by September 1 of the school year they're entering.
Are three-year-olds and four-year-olds in the same class?
Yes. Our threes and fours learn together in one multi-age classroom, with small-group and individual instruction so each child works toward goals appropriate to their age and readiness. Children entering kindergarten the following fall work toward a separate set of readiness skills. Our teacher has taught this model for years.
Do we have to be Catholic to enroll?
No. Children of every faith background are welcome, and many of our preschool families are not Catholic or not parishioners. Your child will take part in morning prayer and learn about the saints alongside classmates.
Does my child need to be potty trained?
Children need to be able to use the restroom independently, which is why we recommend elastic-waist clothing. If you're unsure whether your child is ready, call the school office at (217) 222-4077. We'd rather talk it through than have you rule us out.
What should my child wear?
Play clothes and athletic shoes with socks, no sandals. Preschoolers paint, dig, and play outside, so clothes should be ones you don't mind getting dirty. Every child keeps a full change of clothes at school.
Is before and after school care available?
Yes, at a reasonable rate, on site, with staff your child already knows from the school day.
How is this different from a daycare preschool?
St. Francis Preschool is taught by an educator with a degree in elementary education and 23 years of classroom experience, follows a sequenced curriculum in literacy, math, and social-emotional learning, and is built specifically to prepare children for kindergarten. Daycare programs are often excellent at care. This is a classroom.
When does registration open?
February. Current preschool families, registered St. Francis Solanus parishioners, and siblings of current students register first, with public registration opening shortly after. Spots are limited and the class has filled in recent years, so join the interest list to hear when it opens.
What happens after preschool?
Your child moves into kindergarten in the same building, with teachers who already know them. Kindergarten reading instruction uses structured literacy, taught by a LETRS-trained teacher.
What our families say
Faith & Tradition
Our family's love for St. Francis Solanus School is deeply rooted in faith and tradition. With Joe's family having attended for generations, it is incredibly meaningful to now watch our children walk the same halls and grow in the same values-rich, faith-centered environment.
Joe & Alexis Darnell FamilyKnown at every stage
St. Francis Solanus meets the individual academic needs of all our children at every stage of development. Our older kids recognized the "St. Francis Solanus difference" during an initial school visit and were ready to start the next day! The parent-teacher partnership is collaborative and focused on helping students do their best, and the Catholic influence of the priests, deacons, DRE, and staff is focused on fostering a true and lasting relationship with Jesus Christ.
Aaron & Karen Weiman FamilyTo be Jesus to others
St. Francis provides a quality Catholic experience. They learn not only how to add and subtract but to know Jesus, love Jesus, and to be Jesus to others. We are proud of our choice to have provided a faith-based education for our children and that our children have continued to choose St. Francis for their children. It is important to celebrate the privilege of a Catholic education and we have been blessed to have been supportive of continuing this legacy.
Deacon Dennis and Pat HolbrookAccountability with grace
The culture is one of partnership. Students are truly known by their teachers and staff. There is accountability paired with grace. Leadership is present and engaged.
The Friye Mamdani FamilyEnthusiasm and dedication
The teachers of St. Francis are observing and always seeking ways to improve the abilities of our students. The enthusiasm and dedication from the teachers has helped our children gain confidence and excel in multiple areas.
Brad & Makenzie Holtmeyer FamilyLessons come to life
The teachers at St. Francis bring lessons to life, creating engaging classrooms where students feel excited about learning. What stands out most is their strong training in literacy instruction, ensuring that every student grows as a confident, capable reader and communicator.
John & Lindsey Kelly FamilyAcademic excellence
St. Francis School offers a welcoming and nurturing environment where academic excellence is paired with strong values rooted in the Catholic tradition.
Dr. Samuel & Danielle Healy FamilyInviting family-feel
The school is small which gives it a warm, inviting family-feel. Staff and students alike begin to know everyone within the building. This brings a sense of comfort knowing our children are being well taken care of while growing in academics and in faith.
James & Tera Terwelp FamilyLoved and cared for.
We find comfort in the fact that our girls are loved and cared for from the moment the door opens and they are welcomed into school each morning until the staff wave goodbye at the end of the day. Everyone they encounter throughout the day at St. Francis is Jesus to them - just what a true Catholic school should be!
Come see the classroom.
Bring your three-year-old along. Watching your child in the room tells you more than anything we could write, and there's no obligation at all.