Frequently Asked Questions

Are tours available?

They are! If you are interested in scheduling one, you can do so here.

When is school in session?

Classes begin in August and run through May. We typically start one week after MCCSC (the local public school system), and end one week earlier. When our school year ends, we host a two weeks of summer bonus days for currently enrolled children. We follow the MCCSC calendar for vacations, closures and weather related late starts. We are also closed on Good Friday. If the public schools are closed, or are implementing a virtual learning day, we will be closed. If MCCSC is on a two-hour delay start, all St. Mark’s classes will begin at 11:15 AM and dismiss at 12:30 PM.

What are the school’s hours?

Nursery school hours are 9:30 am to 12:00 pm. KinderGARDEN has a flexible drop off period from 9:00 to 9:30 and ends at 12:30 pm.

Is potty training required?

Children do NOT have to be potty trained to come to St. Mark’s – we welcome children in all stages. As a child demonstrates readiness, parents and teachers will communicate and work together to support the child’s independence with this skill. Teachers will assist parents with the potty training process by reinforcing at school the efforts made at home.

How are parents expected to participate?

Parents in all classes but Milkweed, Violet and KinderGARDEN are required to join their child’s school day several times per semester, depending on how many days per week the child attends. Families in ALL classes are required to help us care for our indoor and outdoor classrooms by attending one group work day offered several Saturdays and weekday afternoons throughout the year. Parents are expected to attend our annual orientation night and two parent teacher conferences during the year. We invite parents to join or assist our parent committee as they organize community building events and fundraisers throughout the year; however, participation is voluntary.

One of the many strengths of our program is the community we cultivate together, and our in class parent participation requirement is key to this. Providing opportunities for children to have positive interactions with trustworthy adults enhances our classroom experience. Our parents bring unique personalities with skills, talents, knowledge and interests that are shared with the children. Parents value this opportunity as well, and have shared their appreciation for the educational materials they receive in advance, and the chance to experience a school day with their child and their peers. For parents who are unable to participate, please speak with us about alternative ways to contribute to our programming and community.

How much is tuition?

Tuition is based on the number of days your child attends and the age of your child, which determines their classroom placement. Tuition payments are calculated as 10 monthly installments, but may also be paid annually or biannually. With the exception of the first payment due in July, monthly installment payments are due on the first of each month. Additionally, there is a yearly non-refundable registration fee of $150 due at the time of registration. We accept cash or checks made out to “St. Mark’s Nursery School and Kindergarten” or families can choose to be billed through Famly, our billing and communication app. Click here to register now.

How does St. Mark’s provide an inclusive environment?

Our program strives to meet the developmental needs of all children in our care and to support their families. Teachers, parents and administration collaborate to take a proactive approach to ensure we are meeting the needs of every child. Teachers use observation, assessment and parent report to identify needs and implement strategies for each child to engage in our curriculum, communicating openly with families along the way. While it is our wish to be inclusive of all children, we acknowledge that our child led, play based program may not meet the developmental or educational needs of every child. We acknowledge that to continue to do what we do well, we must recognize our abilities and limitations. When it is deemed that we are not providing the least restrictive learning environment for a child, we will assist in directing the child and their family to a program or school that can better support the child's abilities and needs.

Are scholarships available?

We make every effort to provide scholarships to families whenever possible. If you feel that you need financial assistance, please complete a request here.

If you’d like to make a donation to help us ensure St. Mark’s Nursery School and Kindergarten is accessible to all, you may donate here. We appreciate every amount contributed and your intention to join with us in this effort.

Is St. Mark’s a religious school?

St. Mark’s Nursery School and Kindergarten is a not-for-profit community service that was started by St. Mark’s United Methodist Church of Bloomington, IN in 1969. However, at St. Mark’s Nursery School and Kindergarten we do not teach religious doctrine. In keeping with the values of the school’s founders, we focus on developing caring relationships with families, play and sharing in the experience of wonder in the world all around us with children. We welcome children of every race, religion, nationality, and ability.

Who teaches at St. Mark’s?

Our teachers have backgrounds in early childhood education, education, social work, environmental science, speech therapy and beyond. Many of our teachers are former St. Mark’s parents. We value continuing education and reflective teaching, learning from leaders in the field of early childhood, each other and the children and families who belong to our school. You can learn more about our team here.

Is the school accredited?

Since 1990, St. Mark’s Nursery School and Kindergarten has maintained accreditation from the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). As the nation’s leading voice in early childhood education, NAEYC requires that their accreditation be reviewed and renewed every five years. This complex process involves self-study, evaluation and site visits from NAEYC validators. We are excited to report that St. Mark’s has been commended in all 10 standard areas. We are thrilled that what we do for children and their families is recognized as excellent by the most prestigious national early childhood organization. For more information about NAEYC accreditation, please visit their website.