The Preschool Program

The Thorne School offers two morning preschool programs, one for 3-year-olds and one for 4-year-olds. Although the Thorne Preschool is designed for typically developing children, children with special needs can be considered for admission if their needs can be met in the regular classroom.

The morning program begins at 9 a.m. and concludes by noon. Children may arrive as early as 8:30 a.m. and must be picked up by noon. Morning programs are five days per week.

"At each stage of Thorne school I have watched my daughter become more skilled at navigating social situations. She knows how to share, she knows how to stand up for herself, she knows how to play with old and new friends." —Preschool Parent

Thorne School also offers an afternoon program for children from both the younger and older morning classes. This mixed-age group class is similar in structure to the morning program but includes a lunch, rest time, and a special activity (music, science, art, movement). The afternoon program concludes at 3:15 p.m. and is offered two, three, or five days per week. Children staying for the afternoon must provide their own lunch.

Fees for 2025-26

Half-Day Program, September through June

5 mornings per week: 9 a.m. to Noon $10,325
5 mornings per week plus 2 afternoons (T,Th)  $13,880
5 mornings per week plus 3 afternoons (M,W,F)  $15,725
5 mornings per week plus 5 afternoons $19,400
(dates/rates tentative and subject to change)  

Extended care until 5:45 p.m. can be arranged through Shipley's

Parents interested in the traditional preschool program should contact Amanda Ulrich by email (aulrich@brynmawr.edu) or at 610-526-7913.

Teachers

""

Jodie A. Baird, the teacher of Thorne School's younger preschool class, is a graduate of Stanford University (B.A.) and the University of Oregon (Ph.D.) and has been teaching at Thorne School since 2012. Her two children are both Thorne graduates. jabaird@brynmawr.eduʉۢ 610-526-7913


Julie Carlson

Julie Carlson, a teacher in Thorne School's older class, is a graduate of Yale University and has been teaching at Thorne School since 2011. She is also the lead teacher for our Afternoon program. jcarlson@brynmawr.edu â€‹â¶Ä‹â¶Ä‹â¶Ä‹â¶Ä‹â¶Ä‹â€¢ 610-526-7913


Carolyn

Carolyn Klinghoffer, a teacher in the Older Preschool class has her BS in Early Childhood from West Chester University and has done graduate work in elementary education at Villanova University. A Thorne parent since 2014, Carolyn has been working with Thorne students since 2021. cklinghoffer@brynmawr.edu â€‹â¶Ä‹â¶Ä‹â¶Ä‹â€¢&²Ô²ú²õ±è;610-526-7913


Abby Krauss

Abby Krauss, an assistant teacher in our afternoon program is a recent graduate of ÌÒ×ÓÊÓÆµ. As an undergrad, Abby was a classroom aide in both the Younger and Older Preschool Classrooms. Abby is currently working towards her Masters in Psychology at Immaculata University. akrauss@brynmawr.edu â€¢&²Ô²ú²õ±è;610-526-7913


Jillian Lomas

Jillian Lomas​, a teacher in Thorne School's younger preschool class, is a graduate of West Chester University (B.S. in Elementary Education) and has a Special Education Certification. Prior to coming to Thorne in 2017, Jill taught prekindergarten, kindergarten, and first grade at the Shipley School in Bryn Mawr. Jill is also the lead teacher in Thorne School's afternoon program. jlomas@brynmawr.edu â€¢&²Ô²ú²õ±è;610-526-7913


Alison Preisser Faculty Portrait

Alison Preisser, a teacher in the Younger Preschool class has her B.A. from Hamilton College and her M.S.Ed. in Education from Bank Street College of Education. A Thorne parent since 2010, Alison has been working with Thorne students since 2021. apreisser@brynmawr.edu
 


Elkins Portrait

Alexis Elkins, an assistant in our afternoon program has a degree from Villanova University and has worked as a school support professional in both preschool and kindergarten settings. aelkins@brynmawr.edu

Calendars

2025-2026

July 
1 Tuition Due 1st Semester
August 
25-29 Teacher classroom preparation as needed
September 
1 (Mon.) School Closed- Labor Day
2,3,4 Visiting days
5 (Fri.) First day of school (morning only)
8 (Mon.) First full day of school
8 (Mon.) Parent Orientation 7 p.m.
14 (Sun) Opening Family Picnic 5-6:30 p.m.
23 School Closed- Rosh Hashanah.
October 
2 (Thurs.) School Closed- Yom Kippur
7 (Tues.) Parent Coffee 9-10 a.m.
13 (Mon.) School Closed- Fall Break
14 (Tues.) School Closed- Professional development Day Preschool/Toddlers/K
TBA Fall Festival
21 (Tues.) Kindergarten Open House
November 
17-25 Book Fair (Children's Book World)
24-25 School Closed - Parent Conferences Older and Younger Preschool Classes
26-28 School Closed - Thanksgiving Break
December 
TBA Parent Coffee
19 (Fri.) Last day of school before Winter Break- noon dismissal
19 (Fri.) Preschool Festive Event- details TBA
20-Jan 5 School Closed - Winter Break
January 2026
6 (Tues.) School Resumes
19 (Mon.) School Closed - Martin Luther King Jr. Day
22 Tuition Due- 2nd Semester
February 
TBA Winter Community Event
13 (Fri.), 16 (Mon.) School Closed - Presidents' Weekend
March 
TBA Parent Event
13 (Fri.) School Closed - Professional Development Day
27 (Fri.) Last day of school before Spring Break-noon dismissal
28-April 6 School Closed - Spring Break
April 
7 (Tues.) School Resumes
TBA Spring Community Event
May 
25 (Mon.) School Closed - Memorial Day
June 
4 (Thurs.) Closing Picnic, 5-6:30 p.m.
5 (Fri.) Last Day of School - Noon Dismissal

Thorne Summer Camp TBA