Our Preschool Program (3/4/5 years old)
3-Day & 5-Day options
3-Day, T, W, R AM or PM
5-Day,M-F 8:15 AM- 11:15 AM or 12:15 PM-3:15 PM
Meet our Director of Preschool, Mara Lestitian
Mara Lestitian comes to Penn Woods Classical Academy with over 25 years of early childhood
teaching experience in the Pittsburgh area. The last three years were spent in a leadership
position serving as a preschool director. A Pittsburgh native, Mara grew up in a family of Early
Childhood Educators with a passion to learn alongside children, respect their development and
honor their abilities.
She received her Bachelor’s degree from Bethany College, with a concentration in French and
Education. While studying in France at the Sorbonne, Mara was given the unique opportunity to
volunteer her time in a Parisian preschool and present to the French Council speaking on early
learning in America.
Mara continues to participate in professional development and volunteer opportunities in her
community. She is an active member in her church as well as the Christian homeschool
program, A One Room Schoolhouse.
As a mother of six—one daughter and five boys, including my youngest, 8-year-old twin
boys—Mara understands the importance of a classical Christian education that nurtures the
whole child, recognizing their God-given potential.
“I believe every child is capable of great
things and should experience the joy and wonder of God’s creation through hands-on learning,
project based explorations and rich, meaningful experiences. My goal is to foster a love of
learning that lays a strong foundation for both academic and spiritual growth.”
“I am honored to be joining such a wonderful school community where children are valued as
capable collaborators equipped with extraordinary potentials for learning. I am blessed to work
alongside children and to serve families in the community.”
-Mara Lestitian
Penn Woods Classical Academy Preschool is dedicated to nurturing the
whole child through a rich, hands-on learning environment that fosters
wonder, curiosity, and a deep love of learning. Rooted in a Christ-centered
approach, we recognize each child as uniquely created by God, with
individual gifts and capabilities.
Through a thoughtfully prepared environment, we encourage exploration,
discovery, and meaningful engagement with the world around us. Children
are given opportunities to develop habits, forming the foundation of a
lifelong pursuit of truth, goodness, and beauty. We emphasize the
cultivation of virtues, critical thinking, and a sense of order and harmony in
all areas of learning, guiding children to see God’s hand in every aspect of
creation.
We believe children thrive when given both time and space to discover the
natural world. Outdoor exploration and nature study are integral to our
program. Our time outdoors allows children to experience God’s creation
firsthand, nurturing a sense of wonder and stewardship.
Within our carefully curated environment, we also foster both independent
thinking and collaborative work, helping children grow in confidence,
problem-solving, and teamwork as they engage in meaningful learning
experiences and discussions.
With a balance of structured learning and child-led discovery, we provide a
gentle yet robust education that honors the natural development of young
minds and hearts. Our approach integrates the best and most
developmentally appropriate early childhood practices. Our goal is to
inspire children to delight in learning, grow in wisdom, and walk in faith as
they embark on their educational journey.
“Education is an atmosphere, a discipline, a life.”
– Charlotte Mason
A Day in the Life of Our Preschool Classroom
Each day is a journey of discovery, wonder, and growth, carefully
woven together to nurture the whole child—heart, mind, and body. Our
days are thoughtfully structured to encourage curiosity, cultivate virtue,
and establish habits.
Morning Gathering
We begin each day with our Morning meeting. During this time we
gather as a class to set the tone for the day ahead. This time
encourages attentiveness and gratitude as we prepare to engage in
our day. Our focus is on projections of the day, prayer, our Daily Message and thoughtful discussion.
Mathematical Thinking & Scientific Exploration
Mathematical reasoning is introduced through hands-on, small group
learning experiences. Early math skills include patterns, shapes,
number relationships, and counting.
Scientific exploration is sparked by asking thoughtful questions,
engaging in group experiments, and closely observing the world
around us. These activities encourage children to marvel in creation
while building a strong foundation in logical thinking.
Nature Study
Children thrive when immersed in God’s creation. Our time outdoors
is an essential part of our rhythm. Whether through nature walks,
seasonal observations, or hands-on exploration, we cultivate wonder
and deepen our understanding of the natural world. We document our
discoveries in nature journals, developing early scientific thinking and
the habit of careful observation.
Language & Literacy
Rich language experiences fill our day. Bible stories, Living books,
poetry and singing are woven into our days. We cultivate a love for
words through literature while strengthening comprehension and
communication skills. Each child is encouraged to express thoughts
and ideas through drawing, journaling, and early writing, fostering both
creativity and confidence.
Virtue & Habit Formation
Early character formation is integral in our daily life. Through modeled
behavior, gentle guidance, and purposeful work, children learn the
value of patience, diligence, kindness, and responsibility. Simple
classroom chores, such as setting the table for snack, sweeping, and
caring for materials, provide opportunities to practice these virtues
while fostering a sense of order and stewardship.
Creative Arts
Art and music appreciation are an integral part of our classroom,
allowing children to engage with great works of beauty. We take time
to observe and discuss famous paintings, listen to classical
compositions, and create our own works of art using a variety of
mediums. This creative process nurtures both fine motor skills and an
appreciation for the richness of artistic heritage.
Practical Life & Fine Motor Development
Children build confidence and independence through purposeful
hands-on activities, such as pouring, threading, folding, and cutting.
These tasks develop concentration, dexterity, and coordination while
preparing little hands for writing and other essential skills.
Gross Motor Development & Outdoor Play
Ample time is given for active play, allowing children to run, climb,
balance, and explore. Movement is essential for developing strength,
coordination, and self-regulation. Whether through structured
movement activities, free play, or working in nature, children engage
their whole bodies in meaningful work and joyful movement.
Respecting & Caring for Our Classroom Environment
A well-ordered and beautiful classroom is a gift to both the children
and the learning process. We take time each day to care for our
space, handling materials with respect and returning them to their
proper places. Through this, children develop attentiveness,
responsibility, and an appreciation for order.
Closing Meeting
As our day draws to a close, we reflect on our experiences, share
gratitude, and prepare for our transition home. Our closing Meeting
time is a joyful ending to a busy day.
*Through each carefully chosen activity, we cultivate a love of
learning, an appreciation for beauty, and a heart inclined toward truth
and goodness.
Our classroom is a place where childhood is honored, wonder is
nurtured, and learning is a joyful pursuit. Our classroom is intentionally
designed to foster habits of attention, virtue, and delight in the world
around us—laying a foundation for a lifelong love of learning.
sense of order and harmony in all areas of learning, guiding children to see God’s hand in every
aspect of creation.
With a balance of structured learning and child-led discovery, we provide a gentle yet robust
education that honors the natural development of young minds and hearts. Our goal is to inspire
children to delight in learning, grow in wisdom, and walk in faith as they embark on their
educational journey.
AM Pre-K Schedule (8:15 AM-11:15 AM)
8:15- Arrival (wash hands, sign in, fine motor provocations)
8:30- 8:45- Morning Meeting ( Projections for the day, calendar, prayer, Pledge)
9:15-9:45 – Outdoor Classroom ( Gross Motor)
9:45- 10:00- Snack
10:00-10:30- Project Work- Discovery Exploration
10:30-11:00 – Creative Arts (Famous Artist, Music, Language)
11:00- 11:15- Closing Meeting- Book, Prayer
11:15- Dismissal
11:15- 12:15- Lunch Bunch (optional for half day students)
-Children participate in food prep and cooking activity
*Sign up required.
PM Pre-K Daily Schedule (12:15 PM-3:15 PM)
12:15- Arrival (wash hands, sign in, fine motor provocations)
12:30- 12:45- Morning Meeting ( Projections for the day, calendar, prayer, Pledge)
12:45- 1:15- Small groups: Language/ Literacy, Math, Science & Nature Study
1:15- 1:45 – Outdoor Classroom ( Gross Motor)
1:45- 2:00- Snack
2:00- 2:30- Project Work- Discovery Exploration
2:30-3:00 – Creative Arts (Famous Artist, Music, Language)
3:00- 3:15- Closing Meeting- Book, Prayer
3:15- Dismissal
Avaiable Discounts
-Sibling Discount
-$285 Founding Family Discount per child