St Matthew's School

Welcome to St. Matthew's Preschool (SMP), a vibrant and developmentally appropriate early childhood program that addresses all areas of learning in a nurturing and supportive environment. Established in 2010, our preschool is located on the grounds of the historic St. Matthew's Episcopal Church in Bedford, NY. With a dedicated team of teachers, our program stimulates curiosity and discovery, generates enthusiasm, and prepares students for success in kindergarten and beyond.

Our Philosophy

At SMP, we believe in educating the whole child, recognizing that all learning is interdependent. Our curriculum has been designed to build skills in all areas of development, including social, intellectual, spiritual, and physical development. We are committed to a child-centered program of education, meeting each individual student at his or her own level, and assisting each in reaching his or her fullest potential. Our goal is to ensure that the children develop the skills and self-confidence necessary to flourish and thrive.

Our School

St. Matthew's Preschool provides a developmentally appropriate preschool program for children ages 2-5. Our dedicated teachers are nurturing and supportive and provide a dynamic, thematic-based program that engages students in learning. Our program offerings include classes for two, three, four, and five-year-olds, as well as a enrichment program for students who will be attending kindergarten the following year.

Our Campus

Our preschool is located on the grounds of St. Matthew's Episcopal Church in Bedford, NY, which is a historic building built in 1810. St. Matthew's property, covering approximately 65 acres, includes the Ketchum Sanctuary and the Glebe lands. Our campus features hiking trails, a small river, and a lovely, naturalistic chapel in the woods. This scenic setting provides a unique and enriching learning environment for our students.

Our Teachers

At SMP, we believe that students don't care how much you know until they know how much you care. Our teachers are nurturing and supportive, and they take the time to get to know each student and understand their individual learning needs. Our teachers are dedicated to providing a dynamic and engaging learning environment, and they are committed to meeting each student at their own level and helping them reach their fullest potential.

Admissions

As a family school and a ministry of St. Matthew's Church, we have a strong interest in enrolling all siblings from a family and children of parishioners if we have the appropriate program openings. Therefore, admissions decisions are made offering positions to our applicants using the following priority guidelines:

1. Siblings of SMPS Students

2. Children of Members in good standing of St. Matthew's Church

3. All other applicants, with consideration to the date a complete application is received.

Our Curriculum

Our curriculum has been designed to educate the whole child, building skills in all areas of development. Our thematic-based program includes a variety of engaging and hands-on activities, including art, music, science, and literature. Our program is also designed to support students in developing social skills and emotional intelligence, as well as promoting physical development and spiritual growth.

Inclusion and Diversity

St. Matthew's Preschool warmly welcomes children without regard for race, ethnic background, or religious beliefs. We believe that diversity enriches the learning environment, and we are committed to creating an inclusive and welcoming community for all students and families.