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 2024-25

Half-Day Program, September through June

5 mornings per week: 9 a.m. to Noon $9,940
5 mornings per week plus 2 afternoons (T,Th)  $13,410
5 mornings per week plus 3 afternoons (M,W,F)  $15,172
5 mornings per week plus 5 afternoons $18,678
(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. 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

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
 

Calendars

2023-2024

July 2023
1 Tuition Due 1st Semester
28-30 Teacher classroom preparation as needed
August 2023
1-31 Teacher classroom preparation as needed
September 2023
4 School Closed - Labor Day
5,6,7 Visiting days
8 First day of school (morning only)
11 First full day of school
11 Parent Orientation 7 p.m.
15 School Closed - Rosh Hashanah (sundown)
17 Opening Family Picnic 5-6:30 p.m.
25 School Closed - Yom Kippur
October 2023
6 Parent Coffee 9-10 a.m. 
9 School Closed - Teacher in-service
TBA Fall Festival
24 Kindergarten Open House 
November 2023
13-24 Book Fair (Children's Book World)
20-22 School Closed - Parent Conferences Older and Younger Preschool Classes
23-24 School Closed - Thanksgiving Break
December 2023
15 Last day of school before Winter Break - noon dismissal
16 Preschool Festive Event - details TBA
17-31 School Closed - Winter Break
January 2024
1-2 School Closed - Winter Break
3 School Resumes
15 School Closed - Martin Luther King Jr. Day
22 Tuition Due - 2nd Semester
February 2024
TBA Winter Community Event
16, 19 School Closed - Presidents Weekend
March 2024
22 Last day of school before Spring Break - noon dismissal
25-31 School Closed - Spring Break
April 2024
1 School Closed - Spring Break
2 School Resumes
26 School Closed - Professional Development Day
TBA Spring Community Event
May 2024
27 School Closed - Memorial Day
June 2024
4 Closing Picnic, 5-6:30 p.m.
5 Last Day of School - school closes at noon

Thorne Summer Camp TBA