Since 1964, St. Thomas Early Learning Center has nurtured our youngest learners and their families, always with an eye on current research, best practices and an emphasis on love and respect for others and the natural world.

WELCOME!

At STELC, we believe children best practice life skills at play in a safe, enriching environment. Our playground offers many places for exploration, creativity and calculated risk taking that lays the foundation for confidence in learning and life. Parents are essential part of our school, not only as they visit, teach and volunteer, but also as they support their children's best efforts wth genuine interest and active participation. We seek to be a place in the community that helps families build the skills necessary to navigate the landscape of parenting.

Beth Lawrence
Head of School

OUR MISSION AND VALUES

St. Thomas Early Learning Center, a ministry of St. Thomas Episcopal Church, exists to preserve childhood as a place of discovery, wonder, and play. St. Thomas Early Learning Center honors the pace of early childhood, cares for God’s creation, respects the dignity of each person and family, and cultivates a family-centered community.

At STELC, we believe play is the work of childhood. We structure our day, classrooms, and outdoor spaces to provide for exploration and discovery. Through these experiences, our children work on self-regulation and social skills, understanding physical properties of materials, developing thoughtful questions, and discovering the process of creating something new. We value childhood and the experiences of our children.

STELC is proudly accredited by these organizations:

and associated with the following:

2024-2025 Board of Trustees

STELC is governed by a Board of Trustees that oversees governance, reviews school finances, supports the maintenance of campus, and encourages a culture of investment in our school.