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a secular, play-based preschool in St. Louis, custom-tailored for your little one!

Established in 1971, HopeMark Preschool is a non-profit institution that provides high-quality early childhood education for children aged 3 to 5 in the St. Louis Hills area. Originally associated with St. Mark’s Episcopal Church and Hope United Church of Christ, the preschool has evolved to operate independently, incorporating the Missouri Early Learning Standards. Hope UCC continues to support the preschool, while St. Mark’s maintains nominal ties. The preschool aims to nurture and educate children, preparing them for kindergarten and beyond.

At Hopemark Preschool in the Francis Park and Hills communities, our aim is to help children understand how their brains and bodies work through play-based education. We strive to create an enriching learning environment that focuses on building a sense of community, social-emotional skills, self-awareness, and the academic skills they need. We do this through an individualized curriculum, exceptional teachers, and a joyful approach to fostering independence. Our mission is to empower and equip your child with the knowledge, confidence, and skills needed to reach their highest potential.

HopeMark Preschool provides a comprehensive, theme-based, play-centered program that is carefully crafted to align with the Missouri Early Learning Standards. Our philosophy is rooted in a holistic approach to learning, which emphasizes the integration of play, exploration, investigation, and direct instruction. We are dedicated to nurturing every aspect of child development, encompassing academics, fine and gross motor skills, social and emotional growth, as well as creative expression. Our curriculum is meticulously designed in accordance with the Missouri Early Learning Standards, serving as the cornerstone of our commitment to early childhood education.

We love HopeMark! What a wonderful first school experience for our somewhat shy 3-year-old. We loved seeing her gain confidence and make new friends during her first year there. The teachers are so kind and understanding and made our daughter feel comfortable from day one. The whole HopeMark community is super welcoming, and even after just one year, our family really feels at home there! Can't wait to return in the fall for year two.

Megan

We have been so pleased with Hopemark as our first experience with preschool for our kids. In his first year, he learned so much, felt comfortable and safe, enjoyed school, and loved his teachers. His teachers sincerely cared about him and his development. We chose Hopemark due to the fact that they had add on classes and lunch, letting us elongate the school day but it not being a traditional 8-5 long day. We are unfortunately needing to change schools next year due to scheduling, and we are sincerely so sad to not finish out preschool for our son at Hopemark. However I would recommend Hopemark to anyone looking for an affordable and lovely preschool.

Jacoby

Two grandchildren have attended and enjoyed going every day.

Madeline