Gary United Methodist Preschool: 50+ Years of Learning and Growing!

Gary United Methodist Preschool in Wheaton, IL, has been providing classes for 3, 4 and 5 year-olds and pre-K children since 1969. Classes run September through May. The school complies with all DCFS regulations and the staff is approved by the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services. The School is governed by the Preschool Board and is responsible to the Church Council of Gary Church.

Preschool Registration 2024-2025

Registration is now open. If you have questions or would like to schedule a tour, please contact the director at (630) 668-3100 or by email at preschool@garychurch.org.


Preschool Open House
Wednesday, April 17, 6-7 p.m. 

Families are invited to attend the open house to meet the teachers and explore the classrooms. 



Our Purpose: We are committed to the development of the Whole Child


OUR GOALS FOR EACH CHILD IN OUR PRESCHOOL ARE: 
  • develop independence and self-confidence
  • learn appropriate social skills and school routine
  • accomplish cognitive and motor tasks at appropriate developmental level
  • experience wonder and awe about God’s world

Our Curriculum    

  • Weekly themes that promote dramatic play centered around life experiences
    (Camping, Grocery Store, Post Office, Transportation, Restaurant, Pet Week)
  • Weekly themes that encourage understanding of our world
    (School, Community, Senses, Colors and Shapes, Recycling/Earth Day)
  • Structured and unstructured activities that encompass math, language, science and nature, art, music, and large motor activity
  • Small group activities that focus on a letter of the alphabet each week
  • Circle time with songs, finger plays and stories related to the week’s theme
  • Snack and prayer
  • Outdoor play in enclosed playground with a climber, large sandbox, playhouse, and tricycles
    (Full sized gym available for inclement weather or cold days)


Class Offerings

Three Year Old Preschool

Tuesday and Thursday, 9:00 - 11:30 a.m. Maximum of 18 children in a class, two teachers/class.$160/month$1,440/yearA non-refundable deposit of $100 is required at the time of registration.

Four Year Old Preschool

Monday, Wednesday and Friday, 9:00 - 11:30 a.m. 

Maximum of 18 children in the class, two teachers/class. $215/month$1,935/year

A non-refundable deposit of $100 is required at the time of registration.

The school calendar closely follows that of Wheaton Warrenville District 200.

Gary United Methodist Preschool's Parents' Morning Out

Gary United Methodist Preschool in Wheaton, IL, offers a Parents’ Morning Out program Monday through Friday. PMO serves children 18 months to 3 years old. Class size is limited to ten children with two teachers. Families may register for one, two, or three days/week for the school year. Each session includes free play, story time, snack, large motor activities, and a weekly theme. For more information about the PMO program, please contact Kirsten McCluskey at 630-668-3100 or by email at preschool@garychurch.org.

Parents' Morning Out

One day/week: $90/month

Two days/week: $150/month

Three days/week: $185/month


Kirsten McCluskey

PRESCHOOL DIRECTOR, TEACHER

Office: 630-668-3100

Email: preschool@garychurch.org

“My favorite thing about Gary Church is our dedication to serving others in the community and beyond. Gary Church is a wonderful and supportive place for families to grow in their service to God, to each other, and others.”


Kirsten teaches at Gary Preschool, which serves children 18 months to six years of age, and became the Preschool Director in 2018. She joined Gary Church in 2014 with her husband, Patrick, and their son, Andrew. Kirsten enjoys canoeing and visiting the Boundary Waters in Minnesota every summer, as well as studying architecture and collecting vintage maps.