ABOUT US
Welcome to St. Luke's Preschool in Tacoma, WA
Located in the peaceful north end of Tacoma, Washington, St. Luke's Preschool has been nurturing young minds within the welcoming environment of St. Luke's Memorial Episcopal Church for ten years. At St. Luke's Preschool, we believe in providing a balanced approach to early childhood education. Our dedicated teachers offer both individual attention and group learning experiences through a mix of teacher-directed activities and free-choice exploration. This balanced approach helps create an engaging and supportive learning environment where each child can thrive.
Our Commitment
At St. Luke's Preschool, we are committed to creating a nurturing, Christian-based learning environment where children can develop the skills and confidence they need for future success. Our experienced teachers work closely with each child, ensuring they receive the attention and support needed to reach their full potential.
Our Curriculum
Our curriculum is thoughtfully designed to support children's complete development. We focus on nurturing physical abilities, fostering intellectual growth, building emotional well-being, developing social skills, and encouraging spiritual understanding. This holistic approach ensures each child develops as a whole person, ready to embrace future learning opportunities.
Our Educational Programs
Our comprehensive curriculum creates a rich learning environment that integrates socialization skills, creative arts, and music with storytelling and literature. Children engage in hands-on cooking activities and scientific exploration while developing mathematical thinking and language skills. Active listening is emphasized throughout our program, and our Christian foundation is strengthened through regular chapel visits and the integration of Christian concepts and values into daily activities.
Age-Specific Programs
Our carefully structured age groups ensure that each child receives developmentally appropriate instruction and support. Our Junior Preschool program, designed for ages 2-3, provides a gentle introduction to the school environment where children begin their educational journey through age-appropriate activities and guided exploration.
In our Preschool program for ages 3-4, children build on these foundational skills with increased emphasis on social interaction and structured learning activities. Our Pre-Kindergarten program, serving ages 4-5, prepares children for their transition to kindergarten by focusing on essential academic skills including alphabet recognition, reading readiness, and mathematical concepts within a more structured learning environment.
We also offer a Novice class for children 12 months to 2, which introduces children to the exciting world of preschool.
To further enrich our students' experiences, we offer special Friday enrichment classes that complement our regular program, providing additional opportunities for growth and discovery.
The Staff at St. Luke's Preschool
Preschool Director – Melissa Martin
Melissa Martin earned her Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Newman University in 2011. Post-graduation, she has dedicated her career to working with young people in various sectors including education, juvenile corrections, mental health, and coaching. A Kansas native, Melissa, along with her partner Alex and their two children, has called Tacoma home since 2015. Her hobbies include family time, outdoor activities, sports, and arts and crafts. Melissa began her role as the Director of St. Luke's Preschool in January 2023.
Lead Teacher - Deborah Toney
Teacher Deborah started her lead teacher role in September 2024 and instructs the 3/4s Preschool Class. With over 17 years of experience in Early Childhood Education, Deborah brings a wealth of knowledge and passion to our team. As a former military spouse, she has had the unique opportunity to teach in California, Alaska, and various schools in Washington State.
A graduate of Western Washington University, Deborah holds a CDA credential and is an accredited National Geographic Educator. Her teaching philosophy is deeply inspired by the Reggio Emilia approach, emphasizing child-centered learning, creativity, and collaboration. She believes in empowering children to be active participants in their own learning journey.
Outside of the classroom, Deborah enjoys hiking, traveling, scuba diving, and gardening.
Lead Teacher – Terri Atkinson
With over 30 years of experience, Terri has worked with young children and their families across various early childhood programs, such as employer-sponsored childcare, COOP preschools, Head Start, college-affiliated childcare, homeschooling for kindergarten, and licensed family home childcare. She holds a Child Care Specialist certificate and a Child Development Associate Credential, complemented by more than 1000 credit hours in early childhood education from Clover Park and Bates Technical Colleges. Terri is passionate about integrating creative arts, music, dance, science, and storytelling into the preschool curriculum and delights in reading to children, introducing them to quality literature.
Lead Teacher/Teaching Assistant – Jill Larson
Jill has been a valued member of our teaching staff since 2007, primarily serving as the lead teacher for our 2.5-year-old classes while also assisting with other preschool classes. Alongside her husband, she was a licensed therapeutic foster parent for over 30 years. Her dedication to youth extends to being a Girl Scout leader, a volunteer Vacation Bible School teacher, and a supporter of various children's activities. Jill's passion for working with children is evident, and they adore her in return. She resides in Tacoma with her husband Bill, one pampered dog, and four cats.
Fran Fortner - Assistant
Fran holds a degree in Sociology/Psychology from Western Washington University and retired as a Special Education Paraeducator within the Tacoma School District. She has a particular fondness for working with preschoolers, recognizing that each child is unique. Fran is also a proud mother of three daughters and grandmother to eight grandchildren.