St. Matthew’s Parish School Extends Primary Admission Entry Point to Age 2

St. Matthew’s Parish School has shifted its primary early childhood admission entry point from its 3-year-old Preschool program to its 2-year-old Little Falcons program. This strategic expansion meets growing local demand for early childhood education in Pacific Palisades while offering families an opportunity to join the St. Matthew’s community at the beginning stages of parenthood.

Director of Early Childhood and Early Childhood Admission Kristin Sigala, initially created Little Falcons as a bridge between the Parish of St. Matthews’ “Parent and Me” infant program and the school’s formal 3-year-old Preschool. Since its founding, the program has experienced exponential growth.

“What started with just five children and me in a single classroom for a few hours a day has evolved into 24 children across two dynamic classrooms, supported by a dedicated team of educators where students can stay for a half day or a full day,” said Sigala.

Prior to this change, families enrolled in Little Falcons still navigated a separate application process for the following year’s Preschool class.

“These families were already immersing themselves in campus life, attending school events, volunteering and building deep relationships with our school,” Sigala noted. “Making Little Falcons our official entry point was the natural next step. It honors the investment these families make in our community from day one and reflects the permanent role the program plays in our through 8th Grade model.”

Aligned with the school’s overarching Early Childhood Division, Little Falcons features a play-based, inquiry-driven curriculum designed to provide a warm, secure and exploratory environment where every child is seen and every family is known.

“As both Head of School and an Early Childhood parent, I experience the power of this environment every day,” said Head of School Alley Michaelson ’02, who championed the admission shift. “We want to partner with families from the very beginning of their journey, welcoming parents who value character, community and intellectual growth in equal measure.

Michaelson, an alumna leading her alma mater, reflected on the lifelong impact of joining the community early: “My parents discovered St. Matthew’s shortly after moving to the Palisades, and that single decision shaped my entire life. It introduced my family to a community that taught me servant leadership, a love of learning and lifelong friendships. That same sense of warmth and belonging continues to draw families to our campus today.

That deep sense of connection resonates strongly across generations of Falcon families.

“St. Matthew’s provided the foundation for my childhood, instilling a curiosity and resilience that prepared me for the world beyond,” shared Parents’ Council President and current parent of three Brooke Kathrein ’98. “Giving my own children that same magical environment, surrounded by such an extraordinary parent community, is an incredible gift. I have never been prouder to be a Falcon parent.”

As St. Matthew’s launches this new chapter, applications for the 2027–28 academic year are now open. Families interested in learning more about entry points ranging from age 2 through Middle School are invited to schedule a tour or visit stmatthewsschool.com.