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. Margie Hackett holds a B.S. Ed degree in Elementary Education from Baldwin-Wallace University. She is a licensed teacher (K-8 Elementary and K-12 Mild to Moderate Disabilities) and has taught a wide range of ages throughout her career. Early in her career, she taught in the Rocky River City Schools for nine years before stepping away to stay home with her children. During her time in RRCSD, she taught 4th grade for many years and later worked with gifted and enrichment classes across multiple grades and buildings, K-8, depending on the year.
Once her children were older, Mrs. Hackett joined Rocky River Presbyterian Preschool, where she served as an assistant teacher for Pre-K and Young 3’s and as the Lead Young 3’s teacher. She is now in her fifth year teaching Pre-K at St. Thomas.
Mrs. Hackett is passionate about early literacy and differentiated instruction. She believes that the foundations of reading begin on the Pre-K carpet—through sound manipulation, playful interaction with language, and a love of literature. She emphasizes meeting children where they are and setting individualized goals that challenge them to grow. By exposing young learners to appropriately challenging ideas, she encourages them to develop a growth mindset, resilience, and grit—skills that benefit them far beyond her classroom. Her teaching approach blends play-based activities, individualized instruction, group learning, and thematic lessons, all tied together by her classroom motto: “We can do hard things!”
Outside the classroom, Mrs. Hackett lives in Rocky River with her husband, Jeremy, and their Jack Russell Terrier, Bogey. They have three children: Adam, a 2023 Kent State graduate in finance and economics who lives in Ohio City; Andy, a senior at Kent State majoring in Visual Communication Design; and Cate, a 2025 graduate of Rocky River High School and a freshman at Bowling Green majoring in Forensic Science: Forensic Examination. Mrs. Hackett is also active in her church, where she teaches Sunday School and assists with the annual church musical.
Kindergarten & 1st Grade
Our Kindergarten and 1st Grade program combines 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 and 1st 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) and age 6 (1st 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 teaching a K/1 split this school 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.
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.