preschool students smile at the picture at a top-rated preschool in Mahtomedi

St. Jude Discovery Center Admissions & Tuition

About St. Jude Discovery Center

SJDC, is a faith-based, Nationally Accredited, (NAEYC) and 4 Star Parent Aware Rated Early Childhood Program for children 16 months through 5 years of age
SJDC is a Lake Area Discovery Center, LADC, certified school that strives to provide a stimulating environment which helps each child reach their full potential while growing in God’s love.

Daily Learning Centers incorporate skill building, creative arts, science, math, dramatic play, sensory, literature, writing, individualized cooking and music.  A strong emphasis is placed on developing social skills along with kindergarten readiness.

Now Enrolling New Preschool Families for the Current and 2024-2025 School Years!
 Discover firsthand why families have been choosing our nationally-accredited Early Childhood Education partner, Lake Area Discovery Center, for 25 years, and enroll today!

 

Tuition & Schedule

Class schedule days and times are very flexible and personalized for your child and family. Cost varies depending on the schedule that is personalized for you. Contact Ms. Shannon Buncher, site director for more information.

Scholarship Program

 We have a scholarship program for all students who will be in their last year of preschool. 

 What Makes St. Jude’s Discovery Center Unique?

1. Highly Qualified, Caring Staff:  STDC hires four year degreed/licensed, early-childhood specialists/Kindergarten certified teachers as the Lead Teachers.

2. Full Day and Part-day Programming:  The daily schedule includes 6.5 hours of core-curriculum experiences with the licensed-teachers.

3. National Accreditation and 4 Star Parent Aware Rating: St. Jude’s Discovery Center is proud to have earned NAEYC Accreditation, the mark of quality and excellence for early childhood education and a 4 Star Parent Aware Rating which is the highest rating in the state.

4. Flexible, Customized Schedules: Full and part-time options are available.  The day is divided into half-day blocks with extended hours on each end of the day to meet the needs of busy families.

5. Faith-Based: In addition to our weekly spiritual emphasis and daily prayer, lessons built on our Catholic faith are written into the curriculum and children participate in singing and worship.

6. Parent Education Program:  Speakers and social events are also provided throughout the school year, at no additional cost.

7. Teaching to the Whole Child:  The Discovery Center classrooms, curriculum and teaching approach is designed to help children succeed and reach their full potential.

8. Community/Family Events:  SJDC partners with St. Jude of the Lake Faith Formation and Elementary School to  host Family Events throughout the year.  Families often form strong relationships and continue friendships for many years.