3K & 4K Programs

St. Joe's 4K Program

Saint Joseph Catholic School’s 3K and 4K programs provide an ideal balance of learning, development, and play for our youngest students. Rooted in our Catholic mission, both programs offer a nurturing environment where children grow socially, cognitively, spiritually, emotionally, and physically.

Our early childhood classrooms combine traditional educational values with current best practices in early childhood education. Children learn through small‑group instruction, hands‑on centers, and individualized attention that allows our educators to understand and support each child’s unique needs. Whether they are singing, dancing, painting, exploring sensory materials, or engaging in imaginative play, students experience joyful learning that builds confidence and curiosity.

Daily routines include structured learning, center time, outdoor play, religion, rest time, and opportunities to re‑energize. Both 3K and 4K enjoy a quiet time each afternoon, helping children reset, regulate, and remain ready to learn throughout the day.

Child working on project

Beyond academics, character formation is central to our mission. We help children build a strong sense of self, practice kindness, work cooperatively, and develop a servant’s heart. Families are an important part of our classroom community—parents and special friends are invited throughout the year to serve as “Mystery Readers.”

Our early childhood students also learn the importance of giving back. From collecting Christmas toys for children at Palmetto Health Children’s Hospital to welcoming local firefighters to speak with the class, students discover what it means to be compassionate, brave, and community‑minded.

Practicing our faith is at the heart of everything we do. 3K students participate in a weekly prayer service designed to nurture early faith formation, introduce traditional prayers, and help them grow in their relationship with God. 4K students continue this formation and attend Mass each Friday, joining the wider school community in worship and learning the rhythms of Catholic liturgy from an early age.

At Saint Joseph, 3K and 4K provide a strong foundation for the years ahead. The growth our students experience in these early years is extraordinary and a testament to the exceptional educators who guide them.

Children entering 3K for Fall 2027 must be three years old by September 1, and children entering 4K for Fall 2027 must be four years old by September 1. Students must be fully toilet trained to attend both programs.

Would you like to learn more? Schedule a tour today. You may submit your information through our simple online form or call us at 803.254.6736.

4K Program at St. Joe's

4K and Beyond

At SJCS, we believe a superior 4K year is critical to setting children on the path for success in their elementary education. That is why our 4K students experience exceptional academics, faith activities, and enrichment programs consistent with the rest of our student body. Saint Joseph Catholic School is committed to the development of the students in the 4k program, so they are able to not only find success, but also confidence and leadership abilities as they continue their academic and spiritual journeys at Saint Joseph Catholic School and beyond.

– Brittany Wingo

{I can NOT say enough about the 4K program and the biggest REGRET we have with Reese and Banks is not sending them in 4K! They both started in 5K- which was also fantastic! The phonics program, the letter focus on both upper and lowercase letters one week at a time and the community—those 3 things fill my confidence in the program as well as affirm my belief in small classes with lots of support.

– Elizabeth Reardon

{When seeking out a school for our oldest daughter, Harper, Saint Joseph’s Catholic School was on the list mainly because it’s where we attend church. It was one of several schools we planned to visit, but as soon as we did – we knew it was a family that we wanted to be a part of. Saint Joseph’s has created a warm, loving, and safe environment where kids really get excited about learning. This year, Harper has learned and retained so many new things thanks to the creative, hands-on activities that her teachers prepare each week. The decision to entrust Saint Joseph’s Catholic School with our children’s education is one we do not regret!

– Former Parent (via Trulia)

{We are a military family, so we move frequently and don’t always know what’s in store for us when it comes to schools. Sending our son to St. Joe’s was a wonderful experience, and we were prepared to make a lot of sacrifices to afford the tuition. He loved school, became excited about being Catholic, had wonderful friends, and was reading by the end of pre-school. His teacher was pure magic. The school was such a great fit for our family that I broke down in tears in the front office when I had to pull my son out for yet another military move. The whole staff was positive and energetic about learning, and they were personally supportive of us through deployments. The only negative I can come up with is that it ruined us for every other school.

– Megan McCoy

{I chose St. Joseph’s for two reasons. First, I wanted the Catholic faith to be an integral part of Charlie’s life. I love her learning the prayers and the patience needed to sit through Mass! Second, I knew the numbers showed Catholic schools to be superior in testing…meaning that I could count on her gaining the knowledge she needed in all of her subjects.