The Preschool Program

The Thorne School offers two morning preschool programs, one for 3-year-olds and one for 4-year-olds. Although the Thorne Preschool is designed for typically developing children, children with special needs can be considered for admission if their needs can be met in the regular classroom.

The morning program begins at 9 a.m. and concludes by noon. Children may arrive as early as 8:30 a.m. and must be picked up by noon. Morning programs are five days per week.

"At each stage of Thorne school I have watched my daughter become more skilled at navigating social situations. She knows how to share, she knows how to stand up for herself, she knows how to play with old and new friends." —Preschool Parent

Thorne School also offers an afternoon program for children from both the younger and older morning classes. This mixed-age group class is similar in structure to the morning program but includes a lunch, rest time, and a special activity (music, science, art, movement). The afternoon program concludes at 3:15 p.m. and is offered two, three, or five days per week. Children staying for the afternoon must provide their own lunch.

Fees for 2023-24

Half-Day Program, September through June

5 mornings $9,700
5 mornings plus 2 afternoons $13,085
5 mornings plus 3 afternoons $14,805
5 mornings plus 5 afternoons $18,225
(dates/rates tentative and subject to change)  

Extended care until 5:45 p.m. can be arranged through Shipley's afterschool program.

Parents interested in the traditional preschool program should contact Amanda Ulrich by email (aulrich@brynmawr.edu) or at 610-526-7913.

Teachers

 

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Jodie A. Baird, the teacher of Thorne School's younger preschool class, is a graduate of Stanford University (B.A.) and the University of Oregon (Ph.D.) and has been teaching at Thorne School since 2012. Her two children are both Thorne graduates. jabaird@brynmawr.edu • 610-526-7913


 

Julie Carlson

Julie Carlson, a teacher in Thorne School's older class, is a graduate of Yale University and has been teaching at Thorne School since 2011. jcarlson@brynmawr.edu ​​​​​​ 610-526-7913


 

Jillian Lomas

Jillian Lomas​, a teacher in Thorne School's younger preschool class, is a graduate of West Chester University (B.S. in Elementary Education) and has a Special Education Certification. Prior to coming to Thorne in 2017, Jill taught prekindergarten, kindergarten, and first grade at the Shipley School in Bryn Mawr. Jill is also the lead teacher in Thorne School's afternoon program. jlomas@brynmawr.edu • 610-526-7913


 

Kirsten Mudd

Kirsten Mudd, the lead teacher of Thorne School's older preschool class, is a graduate of Hampshire College and has been teaching at Thorne School since 1992. She also serves as the assistant director of the Thorne School. Her two children are both Thorne graduates.​kmudd@brynmawr.edu • 610-526-7913

Calendars

2022

August 2022
1 Tuition due 1st Semester
29-Sept. 1 Teacher classroom preparation as needed
September 2022
5 School closed - Labor Day
6,7,8 Visiting Days
9 First day of school (morning only)
12 First full day of school
12 Parent Orientation 7 p.m.
18 Opening Family Picnic 5-6:30 p.m.
26 School closed – Rosh Hashanah
October 2022
5 School closed – Yom Kippur
7 Parent Coffee 9-10 a.m.
10 School closed – Teacher In-Service
TBA Fall Festival
TBA Lower Merion Bonfire Event/Alumni Reunion
24 Kindergarten Open House
November 2022
TBA Parent Coffee
14-25 Book Fair (Children's Book World)
21-22 School closed – Parent Conferences Older and Younger Preschool Classes
23-25 School closed – Thanksgiving Break
December 2022
TBA Parent Coffee
16 Last day of school before Winter Break
16 Preschool Festive Event - Details TBA
19-Jan. 3 School closed – Winter Break

2023

January 2023
4 School resumes
TBA Parent Coffee
16 School closed – Martin Luther King Jr. Day
22 Tuition due - 2nd Semester
February 2023
TBA Parent Coffee
TBA Winter Community Event 
17 and 20 School closed – President's Weekend
March 2023
TBA Parent Coffee
24 School closed – Teacher Professional Development Day
April 2023
3-10 School closed – Spring Break
11 School resumes
TBA Spring Community Event
May 2023
TBA Parent Coffee
29 School closed – Memorial Day
June 2023
6 Closing Picnic 5-6:30 p.m.
7 Last day of school – school closes at noon
   

Thorne Summer Camp - TBA