Saint Cyril Preschool and Kindergarten

Saint Cyril Preschool and Kindergarten in Danville, Pa., provides a quality Catholic early childhood education program for students ages three to five.

The school has provided 40 years of quality education to a diverse student population. All cultural backgrounds and denominations are welcome at the school, where the student body is represented by many faiths and ethnicities.

Tradition of Education

The Sisters of Saints Cyril and Methodius were founded in 1909 to provide education to immigrant children. The First Catholic Slovak Girls Academy, later renamed Saint Cyril Academy, operated at Villa Sacred Heart in Danville, Pa. from 1922-1999 as an all-girls boarding and day school, bringing young women from all over the U.S. and abroad to experience a superb Catholic high school education.

The dream of Mother M. Valeria Romancheck to establish a Catholic school for young learners came to fulfilment in 1977, when the Villa Preschool opened. A kindergarten was established the following year. After four decades of changes and progress, including a name change and relocation to the west wing of the Academy building, Saint Cyril Preschool and Kindergarten remains a trusted leader of education in the community.

Our Curriculum

Our holistic curriculum centers around each child’s spiritual, academic, social and physical development. We provide age-appropriate learning opportunities inside and outside of the classroom setting. Instruction includes reading and math skills, science and social studies concepts, healthy social interactions, art and music. Time for play and physical activity is incorporated into our daily schedule.

Each class takes two field trips annually. Some favorite destinations have included PPL Montour Preserve, Pumpkinville, Ashland Mine Tunnel, Penn’s Cave, Bloomsburg and Lewisburg Children’s Museums, Zoo America and Reptileland.

We believe education is a continuous process that begins at birth, when parents are the first teachers. We are excited to take part in that journey and invite families to participate in a variety of annual events including:

  • Family Fun Night: stations with crafts, games and refreshments
  • Mothers’ Tea and Dads’ Hike
  • Thanksgiving Feast at the Pine Barn Inn
  • Santa Express: visit Santa, decorate cookies with Mrs. Claus, make reindeer food
  • Field Day: outdoor sports and games each spring
  • Christmas Pageant for all students in the Basilica of Saints Cyril & Methodius

Meet Our Staff

Our staff consists of fully-qualified, dedicated and compassionate teachers who specialize in the fields of early childhood and elementary education.

Sister Donna Marie Ivanko Principal of the school

Sister Donna Marie Ivanko
Principal of the school

Mrs. Betsy Finn Kindergarten Teacher

Mrs. Betsy Finn
Kindergarten Teacher

Mrs. Stephanie Yoder Preschool Teacher

Mrs. Stephanie Yoder
Preschool Teacher

Miss Robin Preschool Teacher

Miss Robin
Preschool Teacher

“I have been honored to teach at Saint Cyril’s Preschool and Kindergarten since 2004. Having an active teaching style, my classroom is usually filled with music and movement. I aspire to partner with families to support our students’ academic and spiritual growth. We have a special academic program that inspires its educators to be creative and innovative, and embrace differentiated instruction whenever possible. We acknowledge that children are unique individuals and provide the encouragement needed for them to reach their full potential. Every day at St. Cyril’s is filled with joy, love and laughter.”

— Mrs. Betsy Finn, Kindergarten Teacher

Meet Our Before and After School Program Staff:

Sr. Loretta Marie

Sr. Loretta Marie

“We concentrate on teaching children self-confidence, strong articulation skills and the ability to have healthy interpersonal relationships. In a Catholic setting, we foster a real love for learning that we hope students carry throughout their lives. We strive to expose them to a variety of experiences that enhance their individual growth.”

–Sister Donna Marie Ivanko, Principal

Hours, Enrollment & Contact

  • Morning Preschool (Ages 4-5)          9 – 11:30 a.m.
  • Three-Year-Old Preschool                 12:30 – 2:30 p.m.
  • Full-Day Preschool                              9 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
  • Kindergarten                                         8:30 – 2:30 p.m.
  • Before-School Care Service                Begins at 7:30 a.m.
  • After-School Care Service                   Ends at 5:00 p.m.

Enrollment is limited. Students must be 3, 4, or 5 years old by September 1 of the calendar year to be eligible for class.

An initial conference with parent(s) and child will be conducted, including assessment of the child’s readiness for the program. Admission is granted after the registration form has been completed and submitted with a non-refundable fee.

Please call us today to learn more!

St. Cyril Preschool and Kindergarten
Villa Sacred Heart
1002 Railroad St.
Danville, PA 17821
(570) 275-1505