Day School Program

Two children, a girl and a boy, at a playground. The girl is holding a stuffed elephant and wearing a light pink sweatshirt. The boy is wearing an orange shirt. They are smiling and standing on a red playground structure with a background of trees and a fence.

At St. Mark’s Day School, we proudly embrace a play-based approach to preschool education. We firmly believe that children thrive when given the opportunity to explore and engage in hands-on activities that are tailored to their age and developmental stage. Through play, children not only acquire knowledge but also develop essential social, emotional, physical, and academic skills.

Our dedicated teachers provide gentle guidance and encouragement, allowing children to actively participate in their own learning experiences. By "doing" and "experiencing" under the guidance of our experienced staff, children construct foundational blocks for personal growth and lifelong learning. We understand that the integration of body and mind is essential for optimal development, and our play-based curriculum facilitates this holistic approach.

A cornerstone of our program is our commitment to maintaining small classroom sizes to ensure the success of our students and the effectiveness of our staff. Our low student-teacher ratios of 10 students to 2 teachers for our two’s classrooms, 12 students to 2 teachers for our three’s classrooms, and 15 students to 2 teachers for our pre-kindergarten classrooms allow for individualized attention and personalized support.**

Toddler Program


Our two’s program offers a few attendance options:

  • MWF from 8:30-12:30

  • T/TH from 8:30-12:30

  • 5 day from 8:30-12:30

    Our toddler preschool program in Austin immerses children in a supportive, play-based learning environment at an early age. At the age of 18months- 2 years, everything is exciting. Children need opportunities to touch, explore, and closely examine objects to understand how they work. Songs begin to carry meaning, communication expands, and every moment becomes an adventure.

    At St. Mark’s Episcopal Day School in South Austin, we believe this stage of growth is truly remarkable. Our toddler classrooms provide a safe, nurturing space for children to flourish. With small class sizes, experienced teachers, and a focus on faith, community, and creativity, we encourage little ones to explore, build positive learning habits, and thrive in a caring environment.

Children painting with bright colors on a long table outdoors, with trees and a playhouse in the background.

3’s Program

Children playing with LEGO bricks and toys outdoors at a table.

Our three’s program hours:

  • Monday-Friday, 8:30-12:30

    In our 3’s preschool program in Austin, we nurture each child’s growing curiosity and love for learning. At age three, children embark on an exciting stage of skill development, especially in problem-solving. Their creativity shines as they explore new tasks, begin to understand logical thinking, and learn to distinguish between singular and group objects.

    At St. Mark’s Episcopal Day School in Barton Hills near Zilker, your 3-year-old will thrive in a supportive, play-based environment with small class sizes and caring teachers. Our faith-based preschool program encourages exploration, builds confidence, and develops strategies children will carry into PreK and beyond.

Pre-K Program

Three children playing on a tire swing in a playground, surrounded by trees and a chain-link fence.

Our Pre-K program hours:

  • Monday- Friday, 8:30-12:30

    In Pre-K, children learn the basic functions of the classroom, giving them a strong foundation for the elementary years. This includes academic concepts of literacy and math, such as counting, coloring, and letter recognition and developing large and fine motor skills, such as walking in a line and using a pencil. It also includes social and school-readiness skills, such as making friends, sharing, and taking turns.

    At St. Mark’s Episcopal Day School, our dedicated preschool teachers implement the highly effective Heggerty method, a research-based approach designed to cultivate phonemic awareness in young learners. By incorporating this method into our curriculum, we ensure that our students receive ample practice and exposure to essential phonological concepts, thus equipping them with the necessary skills for a smooth transition to Kindergarten.

**At our preschool, we are committed to providing a nurturing and enriching environment for every child. While we prioritize maintaining the ratios listed above to ensure individualized attention and quality care, there may be occasions where we have the opportunity to welcome additional children into a class.

These moments present us with the chance to extend our warm and welcoming community to more families, fostering new friendships and creating even more learning opportunities for all children involved. Rest assured that any adjustments to class sizes will be made thoughtfully and with the well-being of each child in mind.

We appreciate your understanding and support as we continue to strive for excellence in early childhood education. Together, we create a vibrant and inclusive environment where every child can thrive.