Preschool is not just about graham crackers and milk anymore. At St. Louise School in Bellevue, a first-ever pre-kindergarten program explores concepts and skills infused with literacy and math content.

With a new, more spacious school building having just opened in 2010, space became available to add the program to the curriculum.

Taught by Karen Salmon and assistant Colleen Lowell, the Pre-K curriculum was specially designed to become an integral part of the rest of the K-8 school. The four-year-old students wear the same uniforms, have their own recess, and focus on much the same concepts as their upper grade counterparts.

The students undertake projects linked to science and social studies themes. In addition, they meet weekly with the school’s music teacher and library teacher.

As with other classes at the school, the pre-K students also are introduced to the act of service to others, a large focus of the Catholic faith and school as a whole.

St. Louise School is located in the Crossroads area of Bellevue. More information about the school is available at 425-746-4220.