Preschool

Noonan Academy’s founder, Dr. Roberta Noonan holds a bachelor’s degree and master’s degree from St. Xavier University in Chicago and a doctorate in education from Nova University in Florida. Dr. Noonan also holds a Montessori Teaching Certificate and has incorporated Montessori concepts into her schools’ programs. She is a writer and frequent speaker in her field. Her articles have appeared in The Instructor, Baby Talk, and the Chicago Tribune. Dr. Noonan is a designer of a wide range of educational toys and the author of “Bold Beginning,” a nationally acclaimed developmental and sequential preschool program which is used at Noonan Elementary Academy. Other interests of hers include nutrition, writing, and art.
“It is our goal to provide the students with the strong spiritual and academic foundation necessary to become leaders in the church and in the community. Our mission is to develop leadership by providing our students with the experiences and guidance they need to reach their full potential. Well educated and spiritually well-formed students will become leaders who base their decisions on sound morals and values. They will help shape a better future and a better world. At Noonan Academy, we develop leaders, not followers, thinkers, not reactors. We partner with parents to produce students who will always aim higher. Noonan Academy offers students a superior education and spiritual formation in a warm and nurturing Catholic community where the minds and hearts of children are opened to the love of Christ.”
– Dr. Roberta Noonan, Founder of Noonan Elementary Academy (Mokena)

Program Description
Comprised of the nursery (3 year old) and pre-kindergarten (4 year old) programs, our preschool program is multi-sensory (uses all the senses to input information in the brain,) developmental (concepts and skills introduced are appropriate for the student’s age and ability,) and sequential (one skill or concept builds upon another.)
Thematic Approach
The program introduces concepts and skills in and around a theme. The theme adds interest and engages the child in the learning process.
Philosophy
Each child is unique. Every child is a learner. Learning is pleasurable. Human beings are programmed to learn in order to survive. Learning is fun. Learning through play is the work of childhood. Self-confidence and self-esteem are a natural result of competence. The goal of the program is to provide each child with multiple opportunities to develop competence in all areas.
Preschool Learning Areas

- Language Arts
- Concept
- Craft & Writing
- Motor Development
Additionally, the children are introduced to:
- Religion
- Vocabulary
- Music
The principal and staff members at Noonan Elementary Academy know every student on an individual basis.
Our Preschool program is multi-sensory, developmental, and sequential using a thematic approach.
Preschool Days & Hours
- Pre-Kindergarten – may register 2, 3, 4, or 5 days a week
- School Only Programs 8:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
- Extended Day 8:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
- Full Day 8:30 a.m. – 3:15 p.m.
- Daycare Hours 6:30 a.m. – 5:45 p.m.