The Preschool program at Christ the King School provide exemplary, developmentally appropriate early childhood programs for children ages 2 ½-3½ years. The preschool teaching staff work collaboratively to create a learning environment that models best practices for high quality early education experiences for young children.
Curriculum Overview
Our preschool curriculum introduces young learners to the joy of school through play, exploration, relationships, and predictable routines. Guided by the Archdiocese of Seattle Pre-K Standards and the Washington State Early Learning and Development Guidelines, children build foundational skills at a pace that honors their individual development.
Faith Formation
Children experience God’s love through daily prayer, Bible stories, the Pflaum Seeds curriculum, special liturgies, and monthly Mass beginning with Ash Wednesday.
Beginning Literacy
Songs, stories, rhymes, and playful Letterland activities introduce children to letters, sounds, and early writing.
Early Mathematics
Hands-on activities from McGraw Hill’s My Math! help children explore counting, shapes, patterns, sorting, measurement, and problem-solving. Discovery and Exploration: Children investigate nature, families, communities, cultures, and the world around them through sensory experiences, classroom projects, and Scholastic’s My Big World.
Social-Emotional Growth
Teachers help children name their emotions, practice classroom routines, form friendships, solve problems, and develop self-help skills.
Creative Expression
Music, movement, dramatic play, and open-ended art give children daily opportunities to imagine, create, and express themselves. Students also participate in specialized weekly music instruction.
Physical Development
Daily outdoor play—rain or shine—and weekly gym time help children strengthen coordination, body awareness, confidence, and cooperative play skills.
Physical Development
Outdoor play each day, rain or shine, plus weekly gym time focused on movement, coordination, teamwork, and cooperative play.
Spanish
Weekly lessons introduce children to greetings, colors, numbers, animals, body parts, and other beginning vocabulary through songs and interactive activities.
Faith, Celebration, and Community
Preschool children are welcomed as active members of the Christ the King community. Special traditions help them build friendships, grow in confidence, and experience the joy of belonging to a faith-filled school community.
Highlights
Participating in school assemblies
Celebrating Mass and special liturgies
The All Saints’ Day Parade
Muffins in the Morning
Pedals & Pops
Grandfriends Day
Letterland Celebration Day
Classroom holiday and birthday celebrations
Schoolwide community-building events
Meet Our Staff
Tigist Alemu
Early Childhood Education, Preschool ECE Assistant Teacher
I graduated from Gonzaga University and worked in higher education and marketing before deciding to stay home for several years with my three children. Once they reached school age, I earned certifications in early childhood education, and began substitute teaching, where I fell in love with the joy and magic of being in the classroom. Come visit ECE 2 anytime to see what we’re up to! I promise you’ll leave with a smile on your face and a little glitter on your shoes.
Sherri Higgins
I joined the Christ the King School community in 2022, and I feel truly blessed to be part of such a wonderful and supportive community.
I attended Spokane Falls Community College, where I studied Early Childhood Education. I have been working with children for over 40 years and have loved every step of the journey. Teaching young children is truly my passion, and I especially enjoy helping little learners grow in confidence, independence, and a love of learning.
One of my greatest joys as an educator is creating a warm, loving, and nurturing classroom where every child feels safe, valued, and excited to learn. I feel incredibly fortunate to have the opportunity to be part of each child’s early learning experience and to watch them learn, grow, and discover the world around them.
Sarah Phillips
Hello, from your friendly neighborhood Art Teacher! I live locally, in Shoreline, with my husband, 2 kids, and 2 axolotls. I enjoy the outdoors, travel, live performance painting, and cooking. I feel honored to be helping get the kids at CKS excited about art in a variety of forms. I come with 20 years of art experience and a passion for making the world a more beautiful place for all. Currently, I am following the Art of Education’s Art curriculum for grades K-8. Each grade will go through up to 10 different units, all with a unique focus. My top priorities in the classroom are collaboration, growth, and creativity. Cheers to another wonderful year at CKS!
Jill Weaver
I have always had a love for children and wanted to make it a career, so my journey started in 1994 when I opened a home daycare. In 2004 I opened the first of two childcare centers in Lynnwood and celebrated 18 incredible years of serving my community. In 2014 I became a foster parent, and I am proud to say I have helped raise some of the most amazing children. In 2022, I joined the CKS family. I absolutely love my job and enjoy watching our little ones discover the world around them. I have three daughters and four grandchildren who are my everything. I look forward to meeting your little one.
