St. Francis The Episcopal Church In Potomac

The Curriculum used in Preschool through sixth grade is the Episcopal Children's Curriculum. ECC is rooted in Scripture and focuses on the Episcopal Church, using the Book of Common Prayer, The Hymnal 1982, Church history, liturgy, and tradition.

PRESCHOOL classes meet from 9:00 to 11:10.  Preschoolers are divided into two classes: Prekindergarten (children must be toilet trained), and Kindergarten. Each class has  a team of teachers, so the preschool program relies on the cooperation of nearly every parent to teach or assist a nine week session.
Our preschoolers enjoy a varied program, including a special period of musical activities and a service in the chapel during the second hour.

For children too young for preschool, the Cribbery, located in upper Semmes Hall, welcomes infants and toddlers.

GRADES 1 THROUGH 6 Students attend the 9:00 worship service with their family. During the sequence hymn, they go to St. Francis Hall for a Youth Sermon, and return to church for Communion with their family. Immediately following the service, the students go to their Sunday School classes. Classes end at 11:10. On the third Sunday of the month, the service is Morning Prayer. Students will not return to church, but will go directly to their classes at 9:40.

COMMUNION ENRICHMENT A special course offered to our first graders to increase understanding of the Holy Eucharist, is offered on Sunday mornings beginning September 9 through November 4. Information will be sent to parents. All classes will have continuing instruction to deepen their understanding of the Eucharist.

FOURTH GRADE students will explore the richness of the Bible, develop skills using the Bible, and find the Bible's personal message for use in their daily lives. They will then be presented with their own Bible by the Rector. 

STEWARDSHIP and OUTREACH projects take place through out the Sunday School year. Thanksgiving for all of God's blessings is stressed and our gifts of time, talent and treasure are encouraged in the Sunday School. To help instill the habit of giving at an early age, each registered student will receive envelopes for weekly offerings. During Lent, we follow the practice of using Mite Boxes.

Childrens' Choirs are offered through the music program. The St. Nicholas Training Choir is for first and second graders; the St. Anthony Boy Choir  for grade 3 through voice change; the St. Clare Girl Choir  for grade 3 through 9. Rehearsals are held on Tuesday afternoons. Senior High students are encouraged and welcome to join the adult choir.

The Sunday School Newsletter, Sounds of Joy, is a monthly newsletter for and by the students of St. Francis Sunday School, displaying class and student news, events, and artwork.

Our Sunday School Teachers are dedicated, caring parishioners who give their time and talent to ensure that our Christian heritage is passed down to the next generation. Our Sunday School is proud to have over 70 parishioners involved in the Sunday School Program. New teachers who are confirmed in the Episcopal Church are always needed. If you feel God may be calling you to this ministry, please contact Carol Mitchell or one of the Clergy.