From the First Day Forward, Children Flourish
Every stage of early education is a building block for the future. Guided by our Whole Start™ Approach, we meet children where they are and inspire growth in academics (mind), well-being (body), and faith (spirit) at every step.
Preschool (Age 3)
Our Preschool program for 3-year-olds offers a gentle, joyful introduction to school, where learning happens through purposeful play. Early literacy and numeracy skills are nurtured in engaging ways, while social-emotional learning helps children grow in confidence, cooperation, and kindness. A consistent daily rhythm includes stories, learning centers, and outdoor play, giving children both structure and freedom to explore. Faith is woven throughout the day with songs, prayer, and age-appropriate Jesus Time, helping little ones experience God’s love in meaningful and joyful ways.
Whole Start™ in Preschool: Play-based exploration (mind); movement and outdoor play (body); simple worship and prayer (spirit)
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State-Licensed Staff
Toilet-Trained Required
Full Day Only
No Bus Service
Must be age 3 by September 30.
Now accepting applications for 2026-2027 school year.
Contact us for tuition and payment details.
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September 2, 2025 - May 22, 2026
Monday - Friday
8:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. -
Registration Fee ($125.00)
Forms may be submitted in person at the school office or emailed to office@stls.org.
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Mrs. Courtney Cipollo earned a bachelor’s degree in Child Development and Family Relations from Indiana University of Pennsylvania. She has taught preschool for 18 years, and has served at St. Thomas for 11 years.
Mrs. Cipollo’ goal is to partner with families to make a child’s first years of learning full of wonder and excitement. She feels it is truly a gift to be able to share the love of Jesus with her students every day.
Mrs. Cipollo lives in Lakewood with her husband Todd and their daughters, Cassidy, Paige, and Taylor, and their two dogs Mabel and Oakley. She loves reading, running and crocheting.
Pre-K (Age 4)
Our Pre-K program focuses on growing independence and preparing children for Kindergarten. Through engaging activities, students build phonics and pre-reading skills, number sense, problem-solving abilities, and early writing foundations. Hands-on S.T.E.A.M. experiences spark curiosity and encourage creative thinking, while continued faith formation through chapel and daily classroom devotions helps children grow spiritually as well as academically.
Whole Start™ in Pre-K: Skill-building and early academics (mind); fine/gross motor practice (body); regular chapel and Bible stories (spirit)
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State-Licensed Staff
Toilet-Trained Required
Full Day Only
No Bus Service
Must be age 4 by September 30.
Now accepting applications for 2026-2027 school year.
Contact us for tuition and payment details.
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September 2, 2025 - May 22, 2026
Monday - Friday
8:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. -
Registration Fee ($100.00)
Forms may be submitted in person at the school office or emailed to office@stls.org.
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Mrs. Nancy Jo Creutz received her bachelor’s degree from Concordia Teachers College in Seward, Nebraska, and is in her 31st year of teaching.
Mrs. Creutz is teaching our 4-year-old Pre-K class this year, and she has been working hard to get her classroom ready for “little learners.”
She says, “I enjoy setting up and managing my classroom as an invitation for my little learners to play, learn and grow.”
She sees herself not only as a teacher of ABCs and 123s but also as a teacher of social skills and a conduit for Christ’s love.
“I enjoy being a caregiver and the opportunity to teach kindness and cooperation. I enjoy seeing the excitement the little ones have with new experiences and skills. But the best part of teaching is sharing Jesus and watching the little ones express their growing love for Jesus in prayer, worship, and actions.”
Kindergarten, 1st Grade & 2nd Grade (Ages 5-7)
Our Kindergarten, 1st Grade, and 2nd Grade programs combine strong academics, small class sizes, and a faithful community to support each child’s growth. Core subjects—reading, writing, math, science, and social studies—are taught with individual attention, ensuring students build a solid foundation. Beyond the basics, students explore S.T.E.A.M., music, physical education, and Spanish, developing well-rounded skills that prepare them for the future. Throughout every subject, faith is thoughtfully integrated to help children recognize God’s presence in all areas of learning and life.
Whole Start™ in Kindergarten, 1st Grade & 2nd Grade: Foundational literacy, numeracy, and inquiry (mind); PE & healthy routines (body); daily faith integration (spirit)
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State-Licensed Staff
Toilet-Trained Required
Full Day Only
No Bus Service
Must be age 5 (Kindergarten), age 6 (1st Grade), and age 7 (2nd Grade) by September 30.
Now accepting applications for 2026-2027 school year.
Contact us for tuition and payment details.
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August 19, 2025 - May 29, 2026
Monday - Friday
8:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. -
Registration Fee ($100.00)
Education & Book Fee ($175.00)
Forms may be submitted in person at the school office or emailed to office@stls.org.
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Mrs. Martha Ressler has served on the teaching staff at St. Thomas for the past 17 years. She taught Pre-K her first year, spent 15 years in the kindergarten classroom and is excited to be team-teaching the primary grades with Ms. Tusing this year.
Mrs. Ressler earned her bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education from Kent State University. She has many hours of continuing education learning the best practices for teaching young learners. She loves to provide learning opportunities that meet the needs of all learners in her classroom. She loves to share Jesus and let each child know that they are a beloved child of God.
Mrs. Ressler and her husband, Dave Ressler, a teacher at Lutheran West, were high school sweethearts. They live in Fairview Park and attend Messiah Lutheran Church. They have two grown children, Jacob and Mandi.
Ms. Kylie Tusing, a graduate from Bowling Green State University, has earned both her bachelor’s and master’s studying family and education policy. She is excited to teach our primary grades this year!
Ms. Tusing aims to create an environment that is rooted in Christ and grows in kindness. She believes in using play-based learning models to challenge her students to build skills, explore new concepts and challenge themselves.
Ms. Tusing says that her favorite part of teaching is seeing how students learn to care for one another throughout the year.
Ms. Tusing lives in Lakewood, mostly for the coffee shops, library and many pizza options. She enjoys being with friends, volunteering at church, reading and seeing shows on Broadway (Hamilton for Album of the Year).
Music & Spanish Classes
Students at St. Thomas Primary School explore music and Spanish as they develop new skills, discover their interests, and learn to use their God-given gifts. Through music education and performance, students build confidence and creativity while Spanish lessons introduce them to a new language and culture.
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Available for All St. Thomas Primary School Students
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Ms. Katherine Calvey teaches music and Spanish to all students at St. Thomas Primary School and serves as Director of Music Ministry at St. Thomas Lutheran Church. A native of Fairview Park and graduate of Messiah Lutheran School and Lutheran High School West, she earned music degrees from the Peabody Institute of Johns Hopkins University and the University of Michigan.
An accomplished flutist, conductor, and educator, Katherine has performed throughout the United States, Latin America, Europe, and China, including at Carnegie Hall and London’s Royal Albert Hall. She also spent many years teaching music in Mexico and has taught and presented master classes on four continents.
Katherine brings broad experience in performance and education to her work with St. Thomas students, helping them grow in music and Spanish while encouraging them to develop and use their God-given gifts.
Before- & After-School Care
We offer safe, structured before- and after-school care for all enrolled students, providing families with peace of mind and children with a supportive place to grow. Students enjoy a balance of homework help, play, and community time, all within a Christ-centered environment that reinforces the values they learn in school.
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Available for All St. Thomas Primary School Students
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August 19, 2025 - May 29, 2026
Monday - Friday
Before-School: Drop-off after 7:00 a.m.
After-School: Pick-up by 5:30 p.m.