Top of Page
Main

THOMAS

3625 S HOYNE Ave

Chicago, Illinois 60609

CONTACT US | VISIT WEBSITE

School Overview

Each CPS school is a dynamic and vibrant learning community with so many different ways students can thrive. We’re so happy to share all the great things that make our school a great place to learn!

A Message from the Principal

A Message from the Principal

The Velma F. Thomas Early Childhood Center is a CPS Dual Language, Reggio-inspired preschool in the McKinley Park community.  We use a constructivist approach to teaching and learning which emphasizes an arts-based, child-driven curriculum, discovery and exploration.  Caregiver involvement in the child's preschool development is integral to the program.

We are rated an ISBE "Award of Excellence in Preschool Teaching and Learning" and a CPS "Arts Excelling" school.

Our families are primarily Latine, serving general education and students with disabilities. We have five blended and two instructional classrooms. Of the seven classrooms, we offer three half-day programs for 3-year old children and four full-day programs for 4-year old children.

A Message from the Principal

State of the School

The State of the School address provides a robust community forum to reflect on the past year's progress, discuss future priorities, and align school goals with the District's five-year strategic plan, "Success 2029: Together We Rise."

  • Date: Friday, October 03, 2025
  • Time: 9:15 am - 10:45 am
  • Room: Art Studio

graduation cap icon

PK

School Grades

backpack icon

108

# of Students

teacher icon

District

Governance

Contact Usemail icon

773-535-4088
Phone

773-535-4085
Fax

Visit Website

Hoursbell icon

8:00 AM-3:00 PM
School Hours

3:00-4:00 PM
After School Hours

8:50 AM
Earliest Dropoff

Facultyspeaker podium icon

Mary Kay D Richardson
Principal

Giselle Sanchez-Santiago
Assistant Principal

Arcelia Pineda
Dual Language Coordinator

Maribel Yañez
Clerk

Adriana Guerrero
Counselor

Claudia Ballesteros
English Language Program Teacher

School Menus

Find the latest school meal menus, nutrition information, and more on MealViewer.

View School Menu

Data About This School

Curriculum and Instruction icon

Curriculum & Instruction

Data about student learning, achievement and classroom curriculum.

 Inclusive and Supportive Learning Environment icon

Inclusive & Supportive Learning Environment

Data about student progress, classroom support and the school environment.

Connectedness and Wellbeing icon

Connectedness & Wellbeing

Data about student attendance, health supports and access to enriching activities.

Postsecondary Success icon

Postsecondary Success

Data about student readiness for college, careers and life after graduation.

Partnerships and Engagement icon

Partnerships & Engagement

Data about how families, community and the school work together to support student learning.

Public Transit

Public Transit

CTA Bus

35, 39, 49, 50, 62, X49

CTA Train

Orange

Plan Your Trip

How We Partner for Continuous Improvement

District Investments

CPS is committed to providing the resources needed to provide a high-quality education for all our students. Strategic investments are equitably distributed to support school initiatives and priorities that drive student growth.

Learn More

Continuous Improvement Work Plan (CIWP)

This three-year strategic plan is prepared by each school’s CIWP team (school leadership, staff, parents, LSC members, community members, and others) to outline the school’s initiatives and priorities to improve student outcomes.

Continuous Improvement Work Plan (CIWP)

This three-year strategic plan is prepared by each school’s CIWP team (school leadership, staff, parents, LSC members, community members, and others) to outline the school’s initiatives and priorities to improve student outcomes.

View Plan

CPS | 610504