St. Michael's School and Nursery
St. Michael’s is dedicated to building strong foundations for all children in the first five years of life and to supporting families as their educational journey begins. We foster a safe, nurturing, inclusive environment and seek the highest standards in our practice, curriculum, and professionals. We are committed to the community we serve and believe a sense of community is a core strength for children, families, and educators.
$760 raised from 13 donors
$5,000 goal
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St. Michael's is once again meeting the community's needs by completing an extensive renovation project to modernize and expand its 28,900 square foot center.
The renovations over the past two years have addressed critically needed exterior upgrades, replaced infrastructure and added two classrooms that will double enrollment to nearly 200 children.
The Faculty Resource Center includes a new staff lounge, workroom and quiet space for teachers, reinforcing our commitment to the workforce. The project will also strengthen St. Michael’s role as an essential community hub with designated spaces for educational programs and support services for our families and residents of the Eastside of the City of Wilmington, where 60% live in poverty.
Though construction is finally complete, St. Michael’s is still fundraising to meet our $6.7 million campaign goal so we can fulfill our financial obligations. The project has received tremendous support from the Delaware Congressional delegation, local foundations and businesses as well as dedicated individual donors like you.
We are thrilled that we have reached 95% of our fundraising goal! We're so close to the finish line! With additional support, we know we can achieve our goal.
Having a beautiful, welcoming environment for young children to attend each day fosters a sense of safety and a desire to be there. It can raise their expectations, self-esteem, and connection to others, which in turn leads to greater focus, engagement, and enjoyment.
Just like our new facility, St. Michael’s next era will be full of light and hope because of all of you. Please help us reach the finish line with our campaign! THANK YOU!
The renovations over the past two years have addressed critically needed exterior upgrades, replaced infrastructure and added two classrooms that will double enrollment to nearly 200 children.
The Faculty Resource Center includes a new staff lounge, workroom and quiet space for teachers, reinforcing our commitment to the workforce. The project will also strengthen St. Michael’s role as an essential community hub with designated spaces for educational programs and support services for our families and residents of the Eastside of the City of Wilmington, where 60% live in poverty.
Though construction is finally complete, St. Michael’s is still fundraising to meet our $6.7 million campaign goal so we can fulfill our financial obligations. The project has received tremendous support from the Delaware Congressional delegation, local foundations and businesses as well as dedicated individual donors like you.
We are thrilled that we have reached 95% of our fundraising goal! We're so close to the finish line! With additional support, we know we can achieve our goal.
Having a beautiful, welcoming environment for young children to attend each day fosters a sense of safety and a desire to be there. It can raise their expectations, self-esteem, and connection to others, which in turn leads to greater focus, engagement, and enjoyment.
Just like our new facility, St. Michael’s next era will be full of light and hope because of all of you. Please help us reach the finish line with our campaign! THANK YOU!
About St. Michael's School and Nursery
Mission: St. Michael’s is dedicated to building strong foundations for all children in the first five years of life and to supporting families as their educational journey begins. We foster a safe, nurturing, inclusive environment and seek the highest standards in our practice, curriculum, and professionals. We are committed to the community we serve and believe a sense of community is a core strength for children, families, and educators.
St. Michael’s School and Nursery is the oldest early childhood program in Delaware and one of the oldest in the nation. It is located in the Eastside community in the city of Wilmington, one of the poorest neighborhoods in the state. St. Michael's has offered a healthy, nurturing learning environment for generations of children during their first five years of life.
Originally part of St. Michael’s Episcopal Mission, the program was founded in 1890 to ensure the safety of children while their parents worked at the riverfront tanneries. In the early 1900’s, St. Michael’s also operated a hospital for babies, serving as the sole medical facility for families of color in the city. Throughout the 1920’s and 30’s, the institution extended its support to homeless and abandoned children while facilitating adoptions.
Originally part of St. Michael’s Episcopal Mission, the program was founded in 1890 to ensure the safety of children while their parents worked at the riverfront tanneries. In the early 1900’s, St. Michael’s also operated a hospital for babies, serving as the sole medical facility for families of color in the city. Throughout the 1920’s and 30’s, the institution extended its support to homeless and abandoned children while facilitating adoptions.
Today’s center has emerged from a century-long history of involvement in the community and a commitment to families in the region that goes far beyond childcare. Our approach has continued to evolve, addressing critical gaps in childcare services for today’s families. St. Michael's works to foster a safe, caring, inclusive environment for children and families starting out on their educational journey and to practice the highest standards of best practice for our profession.
Our families reside primarily in or near the East Side of Wilmington, one of the poorest communities in the city.
Our families reside primarily in or near the East Side of Wilmington, one of the poorest communities in the city.
- 40% of our students reside there and 75% of our families have less than $40,000 in annual household income.
- 95% of our students are from families of color and 80% are eligible for Purchase of Care, the childcare subsidy from the state for families living in poverty.
- 58% of our students live in single parent households.
- Our staff reflect the community's rich diversity. Many are life-long residents of the city and/or the Eastside neighborhood.
Research shows that investing in quality early education programs for birth to age 5 can:
► Eliminate the achievement gap
► Improve health and education outcomes
► Reduce crime rates
► Yield a return on investment of 13%
St. Michael’s offers developmentally appropriate curricula that practices a “whole child” approach. We strive to ensure that each child’s unique, individual physical, emotional, social and intellectual needs are met. We maintain a firm commitment to supporting working families, just as we did 135 years ago.
County Served: New Castle
Office Location(s): Wilmington
Sector: Education
