Coed Preschool (ages 3 & 4)

Welcome, Little Lions!

Sacred Heart Academy's early childhood program includes a coeducational preschool for boys and girls ages 3 and 4, beginning in the 2025–2026 academic year. The program welcomes a maximum of 12 students per age group—affectionately known as the Cubs (age 3) and Lions (age 4)—ensuring the same high standard of individualized attention and nurturing care that defines the Sacred Heart Academy (SHA) experience from Kindergarten through Grade 12. Students will learn and grow in newly renovated, light-filled classrooms on the first floor of the School House.

Coed Preschool Open House

Tuesday, June 17 4:00 - 5:00 p.m.

Meet the director, teachers, and Sacred Heart alumnae. Learn more about our curriculum and tour our coed preschool (renovations underway), Mansion, and School House.

Parents, prospective students, and family members are welcome to join us. We look forward to seeing you! Register here.

Joy & Purpose

At Little Lions, our youngest learners are welcomed into joyful, curiosity-filled spaces where discovery and growth go hand in hand. More than school readiness, we nurture a love of learning, a spirit of wonder, and the confidence to thrive. Our whole-child, thematic curriculum supports academic, social, emotional, and creative development through hands-on activities and playful exploration—laying strong foundations for kindergarten and beyond.

We value the power of free play, giving children time each day to imagine, explore, and connect. This fosters resilience, problem-solving skills, and a strong sense of self.

At the heart of it all are our caring teachers, who meet each child where they are and guide them forward with warmth and intention.

Little Lions, Big Connections

As part of Sacred Heart Academy Bryn Mawr—a K–12 independent Catholic school for girls—our Little Lions are joyfully woven into the fabric of our vibrant school community.

From the earliest days, Little Lions participate in beloved SHA traditions that build a sense of belonging and school spirit. They join Red & White Teams, take part in Field Day fun, form special bonds through our Big Lions/Little Cubs mentoring program, and celebrate various school events throughout the school year.

These shared experiences foster friendship, confidence, and connection—helping our youngest students feel known, valued, and excited to be part of something bigger than themselves.

Preschool Readiness

Potty Training

Potty Training

Children are expected to be fully potty-trained on the first day of school. We understand that accidents happen, but “fully potty trained” means that your child is able to:

tell someone when they need to use the bathroom
go to the bathroom on their own
pull down their clothing
sit on the toilet
wipe himself/herself
put clothing back in place
flush the toilet
wash and dry their hands without help

Pull-ups or other forms of diapers are not allowed in our program. The job of the teacher, aide, or other adults cannot be directed to potty issues on a consistent basis. If your child is struggling with potty training, please take the time to work with them at home before sending them to school. We are more than happy to allow your child some extra time at home without worrying about losing their spot in class. If your child has two or more accidents at school, they will be asked to stay at home for a period of one week or longer until they are able to use the bathroom independently.

Thank you for your cooperation in our efforts to teach all the children in class in the most effective way possible.

Our Director & Teachers

Pat Norton

Director

Director

Pat Norton is honored to join the Little Lions Preschool Program at Sacred Heart Academy as Director and Teacher. With 33 years of experience in early childhood education, Mrs. Norton finds great joy in helping young children learn, grow, and discover the world around them.

Her greatest passions in teaching include storytelling, poetry, music, movement, and dance—creative tools that ignite imagination and make learning joyful. Mrs. Norton is dedicated to helping children build confidence, form meaningful friendships, and grow into independent, capable learners.

She looks forward to creating a warm, welcoming environment where children and families feel supported, valued, and inspired every day.

Mary Donoghue

3's turning 4 (Cubs)

3's turning 4 (Cubs)

Mary Donoghue is excited to be teaching the Cubs preschool class this year and to join the Sacred Heart Academy family! She brings over 11 years of experience teaching in both elementary and preschool classrooms, and holds a Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education from the University of Pennsylvania and a Master's degree in Elementary Education from New York University.

Ms. Donoghue’s favorite place to be is in the classroom, guiding young learners as they explore the world through creative play, imaginative thinking, and hands-on discovery. She focuses on fostering self-advocacy, problem-solving, and early readiness in reading, writing, and STEM.

For many of our Cubs, this is their very first step on the school journey, and Ms. Donoghue is committed to making it a joyful and meaningful one—planting the seeds for a lifelong love of learning.

Kiersten Rogenmuser

4's turning 5 (Lions)

4's turning 5 (Lions)

Mrs. Rogenmuser—affectionately known as Mrs. R—is delighted to be teaching the Lion class, our PreK group, in the Little Lions Preschool Program at Sacred Heart Academy. With over 20 years of teaching experience, Mrs. R began her career as an elementary school art teacher in the Lower Merion School District and later spent eight years as a lead PreK teacher.

Mrs. R is dedicated to creating a classroom that fosters independence, creativity, confidence, and the foundational skills essential for a smooth and successful transition to kindergarten.

She is excited to bring her experience and passion for early childhood education to this wonderful community. Mrs. R loves watching her students discover new things about themselves and the world around them. She can’t wait to meet each of you and make this a year filled with creativity, growth, and joyful learning!

Tour

Sacred Heart Academy Coed Preschool tours will begin in late June. Please reach out to Director of Enrollment Management Tiffany Kelly at 484.278.1573 or Admissions@shabrynmawr.org to schedule.

Apply

Please join us! Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Families will be notified to arrange a new student visit.

Begin your application Here

Tuition

The tuition for SHA Coed Preschool is $10,000. The program will operate on the same Sacred Heart Academy academic calendar.

Contact the Admission Office:

484.278.1573
Admissions@shabrynmawr.org

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