Kindergarten

Kindergarten at OLW is a place where your child will grow in confidence, curiosity, knowledge, and friendships – in an encouraging and nurturing environment.

At Our Lady of the Wayside School, your child is known, valued, and encouraged to grow academically, spiritually, and socially each day. Kindergarten is a special year filled with discovery, traditions, and meaningful growth. Our teachers encourage students every day and watch them grow in confidence, development and knowledge throughout the year.

Each child is celebrated and treasured as a child of God, and every day begins with morning prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and daily announcements led by OLW students over the PA system.

Through programs like Handwriting Without Tears and UFLI (University of Florida Literacy Institute), students strengthen early language and literacy skills in ways that are engaging, supportive, and age-appropriate. As they explore math, science, and social studies concepts, children develop a love of learning. Technology is used thoughtfully and sparingly to support reading and math growth. Kindergarten students take iReady assessments, which help teachers understand each child’s progress and are used throughout the Archdiocese of Chicago. All-day kindergarten students also enjoy Art, Library, Music, STEM, and PE, giving them many opportunities to explore new interests, express themselves creatively, and continue growing as confident, well-rounded learners.

Would you like to schedule a tour? Or receive more information? See our Preschool and Kindergarten Video?