In their Centennial year, St. Joseph School in Downers Grove is holding their annual K-8 Open House on Sunday, January 31st from 1-3 p.m. Teachers and staff will be on hand to answer questions. Tours will be available.

New to the school is St. Joseph's preschool, opening in September 2010. The preschool is the culmination of a three-year project to expand the rich educational experience of St. Joseph School and Parish. The curriculum is designed to prepare three- and four-year-olds for success in kindergarten in a fun, engaging and faith-building environment. The school is currently taking reservations for the September opening; spaces are limited.

Principal Rita Stasi is looking forward to this new addition. "It is an exciting time at St. Joseph as we celebrate our centennial year with this preschool addition." School Board President, Tom Kelly has overseen this project. "The preschool is just one more dimension of the continuing growth of the St. Joseph community. Yes, it adds to the stability and growth, but also adds more and more energy to this wonderful, faith-based community." Stasi added, "I am so looking forward to seeing the first class walk in with excitement into our newly designed preschool room. It will be such a positive kick off to our second century beginnings!"

St. Joseph develops the whole student - mind, body and spirit - and prepares children for academic and personal success. Average class size is 22, offering a personalized approach to learning. In addition to their Reading/Language Arts, Math, Science and Religion, the school offers Spanish to its 7th and 8th grade students. Fine Arts and Computer Science programs give students a well-rounded education in Music, Art and Technology. Their No-Cut Sports program includes Football, Volleyball, Basketball and Track. Extracurricular activities include Band, Choir, Chess Club, Student Council, Scouting and more.

St. Joseph is known for its teacher-run Extended Care and K-Club program offering students an extended day of 7 a.m. - 6 p.m., a convenient option for working parents.

The school is located at 4832 Highland Avenue, Downers Grove, IL, conveniently located north of the tracks at the corner of Highland Avenue and Franklin Street.

Discover the St. Joseph difference. School tours are now being scheduled; contact Amy Marciniak at 630-971-1962. To learn more, visit their website at www.stjosephdg.org.