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 2022-2023
Preschool registration is open! We are accepting applications for our 3s, 4s, and Pre-K classes. Children must be 3 or 4 by September 1, 2022. If you have questions or would like to schedule a tour, please contact the director at (630) 668-3100 or by email at .
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.
$135/month
$1,215/year
A 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.
$170/month
$1,530/year
A non-refundable deposit of $100 is required at the time of registration.
Pre-Kindergarten
Monday, Wednesday and Friday, 12:30 - 3:00 p.m.
Maximum of 15 children in the class, two teachers/class.
$170/month
$1,530/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.
Meet Our Staff
Kirsten McCluskey
Preschool Director, Teacher
“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.
Gary Preschool
We are committed to the development of the Whole Child.
