Play is the cornerstone of children's work. 


It is their primary way of understanding the world. 

Through play, children explore their surroundings

and cultivate essential skills for learning and growth.


Year-round care with a focus on love, and learning for Toddlers to 4K.


Our loving and experienced teachers provide engaging and enriching learning experiences for your little ones, year round. We have spaces available for Morning School (8:45am to 12:00), School Day (8am to 3), and Full Day (7:30am to 5) for all ages toddler to K4. Three and five days a week.


We are a SC Licensed Childcare Program participating in the Spartanburg Quality Counts rating system, and the First Steps 4K program, to provide the highest quality preschool environment to all Spartanburg residents.


Lisa Fowler, Preschool Director

St. Matthew's Episcopal Church and Preschool

license: 22808

lfowler@stmatthewsepiscopal.org

864-576-0424

St. Matthew's Preschool - A Special Gem

Nestled within the peaceful grounds of St. Matthew's Episcopal Church, our preschool offers a serene and nurturing environment for young learners. Shaded by trees and beside the church, the Preschool has been a childhood home to over fifty years of play and growth. Situated near Dorman Shopping Center and Westgate Mall, and easy to access, its a gem just off the main road where children can explore, learn, and grow surrounded by the beauty of nature and the warmth of our church family.

  • Awarded Five Stars for High Quality Learning Environment with a Continuous Improvement Process

    St. Matthew's has been awarded 5 Stars year after year by Quality Counts, a Spartanburg County initiative dedicated to enhancing early care and education programs, ensuring that every child is prepared for success in kindergarten and beyond. By fostering high-quality learning environments, promoting best practices for teachers, and offering targeted professional development and support, Quality Counts establishes a solid foundation for continuous improvement and lifelong achievement.

  • We are open for Full Year and Part Day schedules for children aged Toddler to 4K

    Parents may register for the school year (mid-August through May) or a full calendar year (August to August). This extended care option provides families with the convenience and peace of mind of year-round support for their child's development and growth. Whether parents require consistent care due to work obligations or simply prefer the continuity of care, our full-year program is designed to accommodate their needs while maintaining the same high standards of education and nurturing environment.

  • Announcing Our Exciting Outdoor Adventure Zone for Little Explorers!

    We're thrilled to unveil our expanded outdoor play area, under development, specially designed to spark imagination and delight for our preschool kiddos! With a focus on science, S.T.E.M. exploration, and creative play, this outdoor wonderland is bursting with endless possibilities for fun and learning. The play area includes covered music and theater stage, pitch tubes, gathering space/outdoor classroom, sitting stumps, swings, balance logs, natural areas, shade, bird blind, climbing area, mud kitchen, water play, trike path, music wall, sand play, raised bed vegetable gardens, security fencing and sound shielding.

  • Small class sizes for ample love and attention

    In our low-ratio classrooms, each child receives ample attention, love, and guidance tailored to their needs and developmental stage. With a focus on age-appropriate activities and learning objectives, we ensure every child receives personalized care and support. Our dedicated teachers engage in direct conversation and provide nurturing guidance to foster growth and learning in a warm, welcoming environment. It's our commitment to creating a nurturing space where every child feels valued, supported, and ready to thrive.

For Parents: 

School Documents

& Secure Payment Portal


ENROLLMENT INFO, SCHEDULES, LUNCHES, ETC!

AND (NEW) PAY TUITION CONVENIENTLY AND SAFELY HERE.

If you don't see what you need here, we would be happy to hear from you. Reach out to Lisa Fowler, lfowler@stmatthewsepiscopal.org.

  • AGES 3 & 4

    Space is available for children who are 3 - 4 years old on/or before September 1st.  Space is also available for qualifying families in First Steps 4K.   


    TODDLERS AND 2 YEAR OLDS

    This class is full.  To be contacted if a space opens, please email Barbara Coleman, bcoleman@stmatthewsepiscopal.org, with your child's name, date of birth, and program time of interest.


    Click here to find out more about First Steps 4K eligibility.

    Use the QR code to find us in the First Steps website.


    Enroll for Pre-K Today! St Matthew’s Episcopal Church Preschool is a part of Palmetto Pre-K, a statewide network of publicly funded preschool programs in South Carolina. We proudly partner with First Steps 4K to get children ready for school, work and life by offering FREE, curriculum-based, quality preschool to families.


    Check your family's eligibility to attend for FREE and enroll today at Free4KSC.org.
    #palmettoprek #kindergartenready     #firststeps4K

  • Enrollment Form - Please print, complete and return.

    Child's Health Form 2900 - Please print, complete and return.

    Tuition

    Waiting List for Enrollment - Please contact Lisa Fowler.

  • June_4K_breakfast_menu_-_Copy.docx



  • Monthly_Themes_and_Character_Traits_2023-2024.pdf

    Click here to download or VIEW the Monthly Themes & Character Traits

    Monthly Themes and Character Traits 

    2022-2023


    August 15 – Character Trait: respect

    Welcome Week

    Week -22 Me and My Family

    September–Friendship color–yellow Character trait–respect and friendship

    Week -8/29 Five Senses

    Week - 6 Apples

    Week - 12Fall

    Week - 19 Leaves

    October-Harvest color-orange Character trait- cooperation

    Week – 9/26 Pumpkins

    Week – 3 Community Helpers/Fire Safety

    Week - 10 Transportation

    Week - 17 Book Character Days

    Week – 10/24 Sharing and Harvest

    November-Thanksgiving color-brown Character trait- gratitude

    Week – 10/31 Nocturnal Animals

    Week – 7 “Horn of Plenty” (abundance and nourishment)

    Week - 14 Giving Thanks, Thanksgiving

    Week – 21 Thanksgiving  

    December-Holidays color-red Character trait- caring

    Week – 11/28 Gifts of All Kinds/ Holidays Around the World 

    Week - 5 Christmas Songs

    Week – 12 Christmas

    Week - OFF Dec 19-Jan 2

    January-Winter color-white Character trait- perseverance 

    Week – 3 Winter

    Week - 9 Winter Animals

    Week – 17 Dinosaurs

    Week – 23 Construction

    February-Love color-pink Character trait- honesty/trustworthiness 

    Week- 1/30 Presidents, Dental Health Month

    Week- 6 Favorite Books/Literacy Unit

    Week- 13 Love/Valentines

    Week- 20 Rhymes

    March-Spring color-green Character trait- responsibility

    Week- 2/27 Dr. Seuss

    Week- 6 Weather

    Week- 13 Spring

    Week- 20 Insects, Bees and Butterflies  

    Week- 27 Flowers and Plants

    April-Animals color-purple Character trait- fairness

    Week- 3 - 7 Spring Break Week  

    Week- 10 Pets and Animals

    Week- 17 Farm/Zoo

    Week- 24 Animal Habitats

    May- Graduation color-blue Character trait- courage

    Week- 1 Mothers

    Week- 8 Games

    Week- 15 Gardening

    Week- 22 End of the Preschool Year


    Week -May 31 OFF Summer Program begins on June 7th.  Enroll for June and July Summer Sessions.


  • December_news_2023.pdfClick here to download the Family Preschool Newsletter



  • Community and Family Resources and Links 


    LOCAL RESOURCES


    www.wspa.com  

    This is the local news station where you will find updated information on their station runner in the cases of inclement weather or school delays/closings.


    www.upstateforever.org 

    Find out about things to do in the Upstate and more about this area from Upstate Forever. 


    www.active-living.org 

    At Partners for Active Living you can learn more about healthy options and active programs and partnerships with communities in the Upstate. 


    FAMILY AND CHILD RESOURCES AND SERVICES 


    www.spartanburgqualitycounts.org 

    We partner with Quality Counts and are guided to follow higher standards in early childhood education. The focus is to create an environment that strives to engage the children and families and better equip them for a successful future in education. 


    www.1steps.org 

    First Steps focuses on children ages birth to 5, with programs to help parents and caregivers. Some programs include: Early Headstart, Imagination Library free book program, Quality Counts, and Family Health.  


    www.scpitc.org 

    This is the South Carolina Program for Infant/Toddler Care. You will find good information about care, development, health and safety in their “Families” section.  


    www.scchildcare.org 

    This is the Department of Social Services website, providing helpful information and resources for families. 


    www.sc-ccrr.org 

    This is the South Carolina Child Resource and Referral network. They support families to raise healthy children and provide important information and tips about child development. 


    www.cacsp.org This is the Children’s Advocacy Center. They provide services to children who have been sexually or physically abused. Resources are available to parents, caregivers and educators. 


    JUST FOR FUN 


    www.scholastic.com 

    This is not only the place to go for your child’s online book orders, but is also a place to resource fun activities for children of all ages!


    MORE FAMILY RESOURCES


    www.hellofamilyspartanburg.org  

    Hello Family resources + support for families. Hello Family serves parents and caregivers in Spartanburg with children ages 5 and under. We can help answer questions about your child’s development, offer support and connect you to resources and services.


    scParents.org

    Find parenting resources, local free and reduced cost social service programs


    https://scchildren.org/about-us/

    Children's Trust of South Carolina. Providing funding, resources and training to help local program partners build strong families and positive childhoods.



    LOCAL FOOD PANTRIES


    https://totalministries.org/

    St. Matthew’s Food Pantry every Wednesday


  • SCHOLASTIC BOOK ORDERING: school code and info


    Dear Friends,

    With a $25 order, you can pick a FREE $5 Book (use code: READS).

    Class Order Due Date: 12/01/2022


    Shop Our Class Page: https://orders.scholastic.com/MFN6J

    Shop Digital Flyers for Our Grade with Your Child: https://clubs.scholastic.com/prek


    Please share the Class Page link above to extended family and friends. All orders also earn FREE Books for our class.


    Thank you for your support!


    Mrs. Coleman

  • Any of the items you might provide is appreciated. Thank you! 


    Clorox wipes

    Lysol spray

    Bleach, regular liquid

    Paper towels

    Tissues

    5 oz paper cups

    3 oz paper cups

    Gallon size zip lock type bags

    Quart size zip lock type bags

    Sandwich sized zip lock type bags

    Wet wipes

    White out correction tape

    Sharpie markers

    Adult scissors

    Scotch tape

    Masking tape

    Packing tape, clear

    Clear Contact paper rolls

    Sticky notes

    Colored tissue paper

    8.5X11 laminating sheets

    Construction paper (colors) 

    Construction paper (white) 

    Finger paint

    Washable markers

    Play dough

    Glue sticks

    Dry erase markers

    Paper Plates, small, colors

    Paper plates regular white

    Q-Tips

    Old used cell phones

    Dress-up clothes

    Play sand for outdoor sandbox

  • CLOSING DUE TO BAD WEATHER


    Should severe weather or other conditions (snow, storms, floods, tornadoes, hurricanes, loss of power or water) prevent us from opening on time or at all, notification to families will be announced via your class Remind App, our Private Facebook page, Local TV stations and their Apps: WSPA (CBS), WYFF (NBC), WHNS (FOX). 


    1 hour delay: opening at 8:30 am

    2 hour delay: opening at 9:30 am


    If bad weather causes us to close early, we will contact you or your emergency contacts as soon as possible. We will allow your child to leave with only those on your release list or your emergency contacts. We expect your prompt attention to any early dismissal. Thank you:)

Preschool Wish List - Thank you so much!

Any of the items below that you might provide are much appreciated.  To sponsor outside play items, a money donation is most effective so that those items can be ordered from a site that follows preschool guidelines for safety.


Clorox wipes

Lysol spray

Bleach, regular liquid

Paper towels

Tissues

5 oz paper cups

3 oz paper cups

Gallon size zip lock type bags

Quart size zip lock type bags

Sandwich sized zip lock type bags

Wet wipes

White out correction tape

Sharpie markers

Adult scissors

Scotch tape

Masking tape

Packing tape, clear

Clear Contact paper rolls

Sticky notes

Colored tissue paper

8.5X11 laminating sheets

Construction paper (colors) 

Construction paper (white) 

Finger paint

Washable markers

Play dough

Glue sticks

Dry erase markers

Paper Plates, small, colors

Paper plates regular white

Q-Tips

Old used cell phones

Dress-up clothes

Play sand for outdoor sandbox

Employment Opportunities


  • In addition to qualifying as a Preschool Teacher, if you also love helping the Little Ones grow,

    please contact Lisa Fowler, our Preschool Director, if you are seeking employment as a teacher. We require six months or more experience in a DSS licensed childcare program, and high school diploma or equivalent. Prefer 1 year experience, ECD 101 Certificate, plus early care and education course work.