Good Shepherd Preschool is a ministry of St. James Lutheran Church. We have served the Marion area for 24 years. Each child is valued as a gift that God has given us.

We emphasize God’s everlasting love for each of us through daily Bible stories or Bible-related stories, and we teach the academic skills that will be needed in Kindergarten.

We offer preschool classes for children who are three, four, and five year olds. Each class encourages their spiritual, intellectual, academic, and social growth. We begin our classes the first week of September and end the last week in May.

We have a beautiful, spacious facility that is geared toward the young child. Our teachers are well-trained and truly love working with children.

Our Goals for Each Child

It is our goal that each child will grow and learn in such a way that they will be ready for Kindergarten. We want them to enjoy preschool and have fun! We do this through fun art activities, games, stories, and one-on-one time with the teachers.

Our Location

We are located at 1206 North Miller Avenue in Marion. From the Bypass (SR 9 & 15), turn west on Kem Road. Continue to stop sign on Miller Avenue and turn north (right). We are a ministry of St. James Lutheran Church.

Our History

We began as a preschool in 1982 under the direction of Debbie Graf, who was the director and teacher for four years. When Mrs. Graf moved from the area, Karen Goewey became the director and continued through the 2006-2007 school year. Following Mrs. Goewey’s move from our area, Beth McClure became director. We have ministered to over a thousand families and children. As we encounter them in the workplace and schools, each have fond memories of their time spent at Good Shepherd Preschool.

Our Preschool Classes:

Nursery Class:
Children who are three years old by August 1st. This class meets on Tuesday and Thursday. We have morning classes from 9:15 – 11:45 and afternoon classes from 12:45 – 3:15.

Pre-Kindergarten Class:
Children who are four years old by August 1st are eligible for the Pre-Kindergarten Class that meets on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. We have morning classes from 9:15 – 11:45 and afternoon classes from 12:45 – 3:15.

Enriched Pre-Kindergarten Class:
This class is also known as The Young 5’s Class. It meets on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 12:30 – 3:30. Because of the extra time in class, this class is able to spend more time in the academic area.

Meet the Staff

Beth McClure:
        Director/Teacher of Nursery AM class, Pre-K AM class, and Pre-K Enriched
Peggy Morris:
        Classroom Aide
Carole Carlson:
        Teacher of Nursery AM and PM classes, Pre-K AM and PM classes
Opal Benge:
        Classroom Aide

For more information:   Please call the Church Office at 662-3092 to inquire about rates or to arrange a tour of the Preschool facility. Children who attend Good Shepherd Daycare may be enrolled in Preschool at a reduced rate.

• Daily Schedule
• Chapel Time