Preschool children at St. Victor Little Chargers gathered around a table, working on a craft project with their teacher, using paper, glue, and other materials.

KINDERGARTEN

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Empowering Lifelong Learners in Kindergarten

Kindergarten at St. Victor School is where students begin building the habits and curiosity that support lifelong learning. In our nurturing Catholic school environment, students explore new ideas through hands-on activities, collaborative learning, and technology-supported lessons that introduce them to academic discovery.

As part of our vertically aligned curriculum, kindergarten students develop early literacy through phonics, storytelling, and classroom discussion while building number sense through counting, patterns, and problem-solving activities. Science is introduced through observation and experimentation, and kindergarten students complete their own science project for the schoolwide Science Fair.

Faith formation is woven throughout the school day as students learn about God through prayer, Bible stories, and participation in school Mass. These experiences help students begin their academic journey within a community rooted in Gospel values.

Empowering Lifelong Learners

Meet Your Kindergarten Teacher

Ms. Gabby Fincutter

I became a teacher because I love children and education. I love being able to share my knowledge with students and watch the click in their brain when they learn something new. I have a Bachelors from University of California, Los Angeles in Sociology. I have a Masters in Creative Writing & Publishing from City University of London and a Masters in Curriculum and Instructions from San Jose State University. In my free time I am a reader, writer and traveler.

Kindergarten Highlights

Father Mark, pastor of St. Victor School, administering communion to a young girl in a white dress during a church service. Other children in white attire are kneeling in the pews, with stained glass windows in the background.

Religion

Students learn to identify God as the Creator, Jesus as God’s son, and the Holy Spirit. They learn prayers and Mass responses. They participate in classroom worship and school worship through monthly prayer services or liturgies. The students also attend one morning Mass each week. They also listen to and retell familiar Bible stories.

Three young girls at St. Victor School lying on a soft surface, intently reading a colorful book together in a cozy classroom setting.

Language Arts

We teach California Common Core Standards, including Language, Writing, Speaking, and Reading. Students learn to read, write, and participate in group activities. They also learn to recognize letters, words, and rhyming words. Students participate in research and writing projects, including the Young Authors Fair. They practice speaking and listening skills during "Sharing" and "chat time".

Young students at St. Victor School working with colorful Play-Doh at their desks in a bright classroom, wearing school uniforms and focused on their creative activity.

Math

We teach Math using California Common Core Standards, covering Counting, Operations, Measurement, Geometry, and Number Operations. Students learn to count to 100, add and subtract within 5, classify objects, and identify shapes. They also compose and decompose numbers from 11 to 19.

Group of St. Victor School students collaborating on a hands-on STEAM project, constructing a structure with cardboard and blue tape in a classroom setting.

Science

Kindergarten students learn physical, life, and earth science through teacher-generated investigations and experiments. They collaborate with junior high students and participate in the Science Fair.

A focused St. Victor School student using a tablet at her desk, wearing glasses and a school uniform, with notebooks and a pencil beside her in a classroom setting.

Social Studies

The students demonstrate a beginning understanding of geography, citizenship and the influence of people and events now and long ago, such as Johnny Appleseed. The students also learn about American and Californian symbols and historical people who contributed to the progress of the United States.

St. Victor School students seated in a music class, playing ukuleles. A girl in the foreground wears a red beret and plaid uniform, concentrating on her instrument.

STEAM

The teacher employs diverse media to produce projects that enrich the curriculum and commemorate holidays, enabling students to cultivate their abilities. We offer weekly music classes to further cultivate their creativity.

There are 2 weekly classes using iPads and laptops. Websites and Apps reinforcing curricula concepts are used.

Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ

What do students learn in kindergarten?

Kindergarten students build early literacy, math, science, and social-emotional skills through hands-on learning and guided instruction. The Kindergarten Curriculum section above explains how students develop letter recognition, phonics, number sense, and early problem-solving skills.

Do kindergarten students participate in the Science Fair?

Yes. Kindergarten students complete their own science project for the schoolwide Science Fair, giving them an early opportunity to ask questions, explore ideas, and present their discoveries.

Do kindergarten students attend Mass?

Yes. Kindergarten students learn about faith through prayer, Bible stories, songs, and participation in school Mass as they grow as Children of Faith.

Do kindergarten students use technology in class?

Students are introduced to technology through classroom iPads that support learning while teaching responsible and safe digital use.

How does St. Victor School prepare kindergarten students for elementary school?

Kindergarten helps students develop foundational academic skills, classroom routines, and curiosity that support success throughout elementary school.

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