Testimonials
St. John’s Preschool is a place near to my family's heart. After a great experience by my older brother, at the age of four, my parents made the decision to enroll me. It was the best decision they could have made for me. My time at St. John’s was so memorable that I continue to speak about it to this day. I remember being welcomed each morning by Ms. Marilyn and my nurturing teachers Shiloh and Juana in the Yellow and Red rooms. I have specific memories of playing with the kitchen set in the red room, and reminiscing on how much I loved all the toys. I also remember being Mary in the Christmas performance and our graduation ceremony. Additionally, St. John’s gave me friendships that carried on from elementary school through high school. Those friendships left an everlasting impression on the care and instruction I was provided during my time as a student.
Last year, I reached out to St. John’s to apply for a summer position. I was beyond excited when offered a job, knowing that this place left a mark on me, and hoping I could be a part of a place that I loved going to, even if that was only for a few years. Being on the teacher side as opposed to the student side was a big leap for me. I quickly learned, under the supervision of my fellow teachers, the daily routines and helped wherever I could. I have always wanted to work with children and this job allowed me to build relationships with current students. I was grateful to be welcomed back to work for my second summer. I naturally transitioned back into my “teacher role” as if I had not been away during the school year. It is truly heartwarming to come back after a year and have students recognizing you.
Knowing that I have been able to make an impact on students' lives is a wonderful feeling. As I pursue my dream to become a registered nurse, I am beyond grateful for the time I've spent as a student and teacher here at St. John’s Preschool which always remain close to my heart.
Thank you so much again for this opportunity!
Gratefully,
Kamryn '08
St. John’s Preschool is such a special place to our family. Our oldest son, now 13, started at the age of two and was followed by his sister two years later. We were so happy and grateful for the love and care our children received while at St. John’s. When we found out that we were having a third child many years later, we called immediately to get on the waiting list!! Our children have such fond memories of their days at St. John’s and still, to this day, remain friends with many children they met during their years there. Thank you for fostering such a wonderful environment for children to grow and learn.
-The Wallace Family
Jake ’16, Quinn ’18, Blair ‘23
We were lucky enough to find St. John’s as a new family to Woodland and needing childcare for our oldest, 18 months at the time. We immediately felt welcome and from the first day, our children thrived in an environment surrounded by new friends and loving caretakers. Our youngest started as young as 3 months old and we spent a total of 7 years at St. John’s. We are so grateful for the wonderful memories - often revisiting them as we flip through photo books that the teachers made for our boys! Not only did they enjoy the many activities, field trips and traditions (trike-a-thon!), but our boys were more than prepared for Kindergarten and TK. Their teachers instilled in them a love for reading and learning that they have carried with them, and I have no doubt that they are excelling in school today because of the foundation that was formed in preschool. We love to reconnect with past teachers and friends from preschool and have formed lifelong friendships with those we met at St. John’s.
-The Reed Family
Enzo’ 17& Matteo ‘19
It is extremely difficult to choose and enroll in a preschool. There are so many considerations and so many questions, but when we look back at our time with this school, we feel immensely blessed that our daughters were able to spend their formative years here.
St. John’s preschool was a wonderful place for our three daughters. Each child benefited from the love, attention, patience, and compassion of their teachers. They all thrived from the predictable routine of the day and the academic instruction in the year leading up to kindergarten. When one of our children needed speech therapy, for example, the speech therapist happily came to St. John’s and was willing to work with our daughter during the preschool day. That essential enrichment made all the difference in her ability to succeed in kindergarten.
We know that our girls were safe and challenged to learn and grow amongst a small group of peers at St John’s. They all entered kindergarten with a confidence and presence that empowered them in the classroom.
We know that Shiloh, Marilyn, and the entire St John’s board was constantly finding ways to care for the needs of the children at the preschool and for their families. We will be forever grateful for the people who lead and teach at St John’s preschool.
The Monley Family
Lucia’20 , Ruth’22 and Claire’24
As parents of twin boys, Michael, and Joseph, we couldn’t be more pleased with our experience at St. John’s Preschool. Our boys are now 11 years old, and we continue to see the impact of their time at St. John’s.
The teachers at St. John’s are truly exceptional. Their dedication, patience, and enthusiasm made a significant difference in Michael and Joseph’s growth. The boys flourished under their care, developing not only academically but also socially and emotionally.
St. John’s Preschool did a remarkable job preparing the boys for kindergarten. Their curriculum, and hands-on activities, provided them with a strong foundation. The boys have excelled throughout elementary school, and we truly believe it is because of the early education they started with from St. John’s.
It’s wonderful to return to the school now to watch our nieces, who also attend St. John’s, participate in their events. Seeing the same nurturing environment and outstanding teaching staff continue to inspire and educate our family is truly heartwarming.
Thank you, St. John’s, for being such a wonderful part of Michael and Joseph’s early education. We always recommend St. John’s Preschool to any parent seeking a nurturing and academically stimulating environment for their children.
The Ruiz Family
Michael and Joseph ‘18
St. John's was the perfect beginning for our family. We were new to Woodland and ended up meeting friends we keep playing with at school, at the theater, and in youth sports! My husband and I could focus on our work because we trusted so completely the safety, care, instruction, and engagement they had in every one of their colorful classrooms. Both kids are great students and excel in school academically and socially. Their teachers are still in our lives, and we cherish the sense of family we have because of this start. Congrats on 30 years St. John's!
~The Nichols Family
Michael ‘16 and Abbey ‘19
Dear St. John’s, Preschool Prospective Parent,
It is with heavy heart that e leaves this fine school after close to two years of my son attending preschool, however, commuting woes forced us to move him to a preschool closer to our jobs. When we enrolled Wiley in November 2003 on his second birthday, I was so nervous to put him in an “institution” as compared to a home daycare setting, he was used to, but I wanted him to learn so much more. So, my husband and I set off to compare pre-school in Woodland and after the fourth try, we viewed St. John’s, and we were both sold. I like the way the children of discrete ages were combined and had separate rooms to decrease the noise and have a quiet nap setting. I love the curriculum and the tiny tables and potties but the play area we both fell in love with as it was shaded, cool and large enough for kids to really go wild.
I was also looking for a safe and nurturing environment to support Wiley’s emotional needs when Mommy wasn’t around. Wiley was upset at first, but Teacher Angela soothed him and soon became his treasured friend and comfort zone.
He Learned so many things in the two years- words, songs, the alphabet numbers enjoying art, cooperating, and playing with others, sitting at circle time, listening to the teachers, making friends with Matthew, Sophia, Lili, and many other children. He had his share of Ouch and Incident reports (behavior problems) like most 2-year-olds, but he (and his teachers) survived and built a great bond. Wiley even was potty trained in about 2 weeks this past spring due to the diligent teacher support and watching his peers.
After two years I have realized that the superior teachers and director are the heart and soul of the preschool. They provide structure, a loving and caring environment and support the children emotionally so the children can grow and mature. Wiley bonded with many of the teachers and asked if he could bring two to the next school. His teachers have given me invaluable support and parental advice over the two years and calmed my fears and worries of him ever passing beyond the terrible twos. He has blossomed at this school, and we will sorely miss it.
Sincerely,
Pat, Russ, and Wiley Vellines 2005
We have been a St. John's family off and on since 2008 and have felt cared for, excited, safe, and in amazingly competent and loving hands for all of that time. When our first child was of age to enroll in preschool, we went through the very stressful and emotional process of deciding on where to send him. We ended up at St. John's and are thrilled that we did. Our children's lives were enriched in so many ways during their time here. And we as parents had an incredible amount of stress lifted from ours' knowing that they were in such great hands. Our kiddos met and made great friends (many of which they are still friends with to this day), had the most incredible of teachers, and had such a great start to their educational journey. We will be forever grateful for our time here and will be both sad, and excited for the next chapter, when our last child moves on at the end of this year. Congratulations St. John's to 30 wonderful years.
The Canchola / Green Family
Evan '10, Allie '12, Kate '14, and William '25