4-Year-Olds
Four-year-olds join a class with no more than 30 students and four teachers, building independence and kindergarten readiness.
Explore 4-Year-Olds
A Pittsburgh preschool for ages 3 to 5 since 1980.
Small classes in the North Hills, taught by Kathy Duncan and a team with decades of experience.
Request a visitThe essentials
- Ages
- children ages 3 to 5
- Hours
- Morning Class: 8:30 to 11:30 a.m.
A room for every age
As children grow, they move up room by room, from the younger class to the older one.
3-Year-Olds
Three-year-olds join a class with no more than 30 students and four teachers, exploring, playing, and learning to be part of a group.
Explore 3-Year-Olds
Full-Day Enrichment Program for 4's
This program is limited to 15 children, giving four-year-olds a calm, small-group afternoon to play and learn after lunch.
Explore Full-Day Enrichment Program for 4'sHow we see children
We see children ages three to five as curious and capable. Our days mix academic activities with play-based learning, so children build intellectual curiosity along with social, emotional, and physical skills. Teachers plan each part of the day to prepare children for kindergarten. We have been a preschool in Pittsburgh since 1980, when we began as Mount Assisi Academy Preschool, a sponsored ministry of the School Sisters of St. Francis.
Classrooms are set up in clear areas—a rug for group time, tables for projects, shelves children can reach. Mornings begin together, then move into small-group work and free play. Four-year-olds can stay for the afternoon Enrichment Program, where they eat lunch, then continue with activities that build on the morning. Children bring their own lunches. Space is limited to 15 children in that program.
On a visit, you will notice teachers at children's eye level, talking with them about what they are building or drawing. You might see a child sounding out a word, or two children working out who gets the next turn. The room stays calm and busy. Children know what comes next in the day. Teachers keep an eye on how each child is doing and adjust activities to fit.
What a day looks like
The morning class begins at 8:30. Children arrive with backpacks and lunchboxes, hang up their things, and join the group. A teacher greets each child by name, then everyone gathers on the rug for a short welcome, songs, and a look at the day ahead. Parents often stay for a minute, then say goodbye and head out.
After circle time, the day splits into small groups. Some children work at tables with a teacher, while others move to play areas for blocks, books, or art. There is a snack, and time outdoors when weather allows. Lunch is eaten with the class. Four-year-olds in the Enrichment Program stay through the afternoon for more activities. Children bring their own lunch from home.
By pickup, children have stories to tell and work to carry home. A teacher might mention a new friend, a tower that finally stood up, or a letter a child practiced writing. Pickup is also a good moment to ask a quick question or mention something the teacher should know. Details about your child's day are shared as they happen.
How we work with families
At pickup, teachers share small things: who tried the climbing wall, who finished a puzzle, who needed a quiet minute. Parents ask questions then, or send a note or call. You can reach the director, Kathy Duncan, by phone or email with anything that needs more time. Parent and teacher talk stays quick and honest, so nothing gets lost.
Starting preschool is a change for the whole family. Some children walk in ready; others need a week or two to feel at home. Teachers watch how each child settles and adjust the pace. Parents can tell teachers what helps at home—a comfort item, a certain goodbye, a snack that works. If your child needs something different, ask.
How to join
- 01
Get in touch
Call (412) 367-0381 or email amazingscholaracademy@gmail.com. Let us know your child's age, the class you are considering, and any questions you have.
- 02
Tour the room
Visit the classroom your child would join and meet the teachers. See the space, ask about the daily routine, and decide whether it feels right for your family.
- 03
Enroll and settle in
Once you enroll, we help plan a first week that fits your child's routine. You can ask about drop-off, what to bring, and how we'll stay in touch.
Good questions to ask first
What are the hours?
Morning Class: 8:30 to 11:30 a.m..
What ages do you take?
Children from children ages 3 to 5.
Can we visit before deciding?
Yes, a tour is the best way to see whether a place fits your child. Bring your child along—they can look around while you ask questions.
What should my child bring on the first day?
Pack a change of clothes, a comfort item if your child uses one, and a lunch if they stay for the afternoon. Label everything with your child's name. You can ask the teachers for a full list for your child's class.
Do you offer part-time or flexible schedules?
Schedules depend on your child's age and what openings we have. Call or email us and we'll tell you which classes and days are available for your child.
What if there is no place right now?
Ask us to note your child's age and the program you want. We can let you know when a place opens for that age group.
