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 2025-26

Half-Day Program, September through June

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.

Staff Bios 

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, a teacher in Thorne School's older class, is a graduate of Yale University and has been teaching at Thorne School since 2011. She is also the lead teacher for our Afternoon program. jcarlson@brynmawr.edu ​​​​​​• 610-526-7913

Carolyn Klinghoffer, a teacher in the Older Preschool class has her BS in Early Childhood from West Chester University and has done graduate work in elementary education at Villanova University. A Thorne parent since 2014, Carolyn has been working with Thorne students since 2021. cklinghoffer@brynmawr.edu ​​​​• 610-526-7913

Abby Krauss, an assistant teacher in our afternoon program is a recent graduate of Bryn Mawr College. As an undergrad, Abby was a classroom aide in both the Younger and Older Preschool Classrooms. Abby is currently working towards her Masters in Psychology at Immaculata University. akrauss@brynmawr.edu • 610-526-7913

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

Alison Preisser, a teacher in the Younger Preschool class has her B.A. from Hamilton College and her M.S.Ed. in Education from Bank Street College of Education. A Thorne parent since 2010, Alison has been working with Thorne students since 2021. apreisser@brynmawr.edu
 

Alexis Elkins, an assistant in our afternoon program, has a degree from Villanova University and has worked as a school support professional in both preschool and kindergarten settings. aelkins@brynmawr.edu

Jan Linowitz (Ed.D., Harvard University) serves as the psychoeducational consultant to the toddler, preschool, and kindergarten programs. She observes in the classroom, consults with teachers, and attends staff meetings regularly. She is available to parents for private consultations about typical preschool issues such as separation anxiety. She also facilitates structured "playdates" in which children have the opportunity to play with a peer from their class. Teachers can then support the same kind of play in the classroom.  jlinowitz@brynmawr.edu 

Calendars

2025-2026

Thorne Summer Camp TBA