Early Years (ages 2-4)
Preschool Where Learning Begins—and Possibilities Grow
The early years shape a child's future, and at Holy Family Catholic Academy, we've designed a preschool experience that inspires curiosity, builds confidence, and lays the foundation for lifelong success.
As one of the largest private preschool programs in the northwest suburbs, HFCA welcomes children beginning at age two into a warm, nurturing community where they are known, loved, and encouraged to grow. Beginning at age three, our Early Years program incorporates the International Baccalaureate (IB) Primary Years Programme approaches to teaching and learning, alongside the Illinois Early Learning and Development Standards (IELDS) and Catholic values, to create an educational experience unlike any other in the area.
Whether your family is looking for an exceptional preschool experience or exploring a long-term educational home, HFCA provides a strong academic and developmental foundation that prepares children for success wherever their educational journey leads.
HFCA's Preschool Experience Stands Apart
International Baccalaureate Learning Begins Here
At HFCA, IB learning begins with our 3-year-old learners. Through the International Baccalaureate Early Years approach, even our youngest students are encouraged to ask questions, explore their surroundings, make connections, and develop the confidence to think independently. Inquiry, discovery, and student voice are woven into everyday learning experiences, helping children become curious, creative, and compassionate learners from the very beginning.
Faith at the Heart of Everything We Do
Children of all faiths discover God's love through daily prayer, acts of kindness, and lessons that nurture compassion, gratitude, and respect for others.
Learning Beyond the Classroom
At HFCA, preschool students experience more than just their classroom environment. Our 3- and 4-year-old learners participate in weekly special classes that expand their learning experiences and introduce them to a variety of dedicated, trained educators.
Students are introduced to:
- Spanish, developing early language skills and an appreciation for other cultures.
- Music, encouraging creativity, self-expression, listening skills, and a love of the arts.
- Physical Education, building coordination, confidence, teamwork, and healthy habits.
- Library visits, where students develop a love of books, strengthen early literacy skills, and learn how to navigate a library setting.
- STEM, monthly, authentic and hands-on experiences in our fully equipped preschool-5th grade science lab.
- Learning from Experts, interacting with specialized educators who bring real-world knowledge, passion, and expertise to each area of learning.
A Strong Academic Foundation
Our curriculum develops language, literacy, mathematics, problem-solving, and social-emotional skills through purposeful play, guided discovery, and engaging instruction. Children leave preschool prepared for kindergarten with the confidence, independence, and love of learning that help them thrive in any school setting.
Growing the Whole Child--Our preschool program intentionally supports every aspect of a child's development.
- Language & Literacy
Children build vocabulary, strengthen communication skills, develop early reading and writing readiness, and grow into confident communicators through stories, conversation, music, and play. - Curiosity & Critical Thinking
Hands-on investigations, STEM experiences, and inquiry-based learning encourage children to ask questions, solve problems, make discoveries, and develop a lifelong love of learning. - Social-Emotional Growth
Inspired by Catholic values and the IB Learner Profile, children learn empathy, resilience, independence, collaboration, and confidence while building lasting friendships. - Physical Development
Outdoor exploration, physical education, movement activities, and fine motor experiences help children develop coordination, healthy habits, and the skills needed for future academic success.
Parents are a child's first teachers, and we believe the strongest learning happens when school and home work together. Our teachers build meaningful relationships with every family, celebrating each child's unique strengths while providing individualized support to help them thrive.
Many families choose HFCA for the exceptional preschool experience alone, while others continue with us through elementary and middle school. Whatever path your family chooses, our goal is the same: to help every child develop a strong academic foundation, a compassionate heart, and a lifelong love of learning.
We invite you to visit our campus, meet our teachers, and experience firsthand why so many families choose HFCA as the place where their children's educational journey begins.
