HFCA’s Preschool STEM Program nurtures minds to lead tomorrow

For the youngest learners at Holy Family Catholic Academy in Inverness — the only International Baccalaureate World School in the northwest suburbs — play is more than just fun. It’s a gateway to exploring their world, building relationships and developing critical thinking skills. It’s also how HFCA introduces its preschoolers to the wonders of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math).

Preschoolers are naturally curious, constantly asking questions, exploring their surroundings and marveling at their discoveries. At HFCA, this curiosity is seen as a powerful spark for learning.

HFCA’s commitment to excellence in STEM education is further enhanced by its partnership with the Museum of Science and Industry’s Leadership Initiative. This collaboration provides access to resources from renowned science educators, enabling HFCA to build a robust and engaging science program for all its almost 500 students in preschool through eighth grade.

Each month, HFCA’s 3- and 4-year-old preschoolers participate in “in-house field trips,” where they dive into hands-on science experiments in an authentic lab setting, complete with lab coats for these budding scientists. HFCA taps into its talented parent community — many of whom are degreed educators or STEM professionals — to collaborate with classroom teachers and deliver engaging age-appropriate lessons.

These sessions are as rewarding for the volunteer STEM instructors as they are for the students.

“My favorite part of teaching Preschool STEM is seeing the look of wonder on students’ faces, both when they witness something amazing about science and when they realize just how capable they are,” teacher Kathy Ladd said.

“The play-based, hands-on experiments, designed by scientific educators, teach foundational concepts that foster critical thinking and build confidence,” parent volunteer and STEM professional Kaylin Arendt said. “These young learners begin asking questions and seeking answers just like real scientists.”

The benefits of STEM learning at HFCA extend far beyond the lab. Hands-on experiences provide preschoolers with invaluable skills — like problem-solving, critical thinking, and collaboration — that help them navigate the world.

Whether creating rain with droppers and shaving cream to learn about weather or discovering chemical reactions by mixing vinegar and baking soda to inflate a balloon, HFCA’s play-based approach makes STEM approachable and fun.

“We believe learning should be as engaging as it is educational,” Principal Kate O’Brien said. “Through play-based learning and storytelling, we make STEM enjoyable and accessible for even our youngest students.”

HFCA’s Preschool STEM program isn’t just an introduction to science — it’s a foundation for a lifetime of learning. By blending play and discovery, HFCA equips its preschoolers with the confidence and skills to explore, question, and solve problems, preparing them not only for kindergarten but developing minds to lead tomorrow.