Preschool

Our Lady of the Wayside School offers a preschool environment in which each child learns and grows in a caring, supportive educational atmosphere. OLW is a Blue Ribbon Catholic elementary school in Arlington Heights, IL. We offer full and half day programs for three and four year olds.

We are enrolling new students for our preschool classes, based on availability. You can send an email to dkenney@olwschool.org to set up a school tour for the 2026-27 school year. 
Preschool at OLW
2025-26 Tuition and Fees – Preschool
2025-26 Options for PK and K

It is important to our teachers that every student feels proud of their work every day. They truly care about the growth of each child.
– We use a play-based approach to preschool learning because children learn invaluable lessons just by playing with friends in an unstructured manner. Teachers help them to understand the importance of cooperation, respecting each other and respecting the toys in the classroom. 
– A structured day helps young students feel safe so that they know what to expect, and it helps them build confidence as they move through each part of the day. Clear routines support smoother transitions, encourage independence, and give children more time and energy to focus on learning and positive social interactions.
– Several classroom lessons are taught in small groups, recognizing that each child learns in a different manner. Each child can grow at their own pace and build confidence every day.
– Crafts can reinforce a specific lesson and also give children an opportunity for hand-eye coordination exercises and also allows them to show creativity. Parents will have a collection of special keepsakes from preschool activities.
– Our preschool classrooms include different selections of art mediums, books, building materials, dramatic play supplies and sensory tables.
– Exposure to literature is an important aspect of the early childhood learning experience. Jolly Phonics is used to teach letters and sounds, complemented by Handwriting without Tears to teach how letters are formed. Both of these are widely recognized, highly regarded academic programs for early childhood learning.

Would you like to schedule a tour?  

Full-day, multiage program – 8:20am – 3:00pm*
Students enroll for choose 3, 4, or 5 days a week; parents choose which days

Morning program – 8:20am – 11:00am*
3-year-olds
2 days/ week – Tuesday, Thursday
3 days/ week – Monday, Tuesday, Thursday
3 days/ week – Monday, Wednesday, Friday
Mon-Fri may be an option for some families.

4-year-olds 
3 days/ week – Monday, Tuesday, Thursday
3 days/ week – Monday, Wednesday, Friday
4 days/ week – Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday
4 days/ week – Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday
5 days/ week – Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday

Students may be dropped off as early as 8:00am when the older students are arriving.