Interview by Kelly Postiglione.
Choosing the right preschool is one of the most important decisions families make in their child’s early years. At St. Gregory the Great Early Childhood Enrichment Program, Director Robin Hughes leads a warm, nurturing program where children feel supported, engaged, and excited to learn. In this interview, Robin shares what makes St. Gregory’s program unique, from its family-oriented environment to its blend of structured learning and play.
Where are you originally from and where do you live now?
I am a local girl from Mamaroneck. I live in the house my grandfather built, where my parents lived, and now my brother and I are raising our children. So you could say my roots run deep in the Sound Shore community.
How many children do you have and what are their ages?
I am a proud girl mom of two wonderful, intelligent, and active young ladies. Riley is 12 years old and plays the trumpet with the Westchester Brassmen. She also practices Tae Kwon Do and will be testing for her black belt in June. Ryder is 9 years old and participates in Competitive Game Day Cheer for Harrison Recreation. She is also an active gymnastics tumbler. Aside from my daughters, I am lucky enough to consider all of my students my family as well.
Can you share a bit about St. Gregory the Great’s Early Childhood program and what makes it unique?
St. Gregory the Great School is an environment where children are loved, supported, and encouraged to grow. We pride ourselves on ensuring each child receives exactly what they need emotionally, socially, and academically. One of the most unique features of St. Greg’s is our staff and the “homey” feel—we are all a family here. Our staff is local, and we strive to create a positive atmosphere while fostering a collaborative environment where all children can succeed. In addition to academics, we offer numerous community-building opportunities throughout the year. This year, we added a sweetheart dance where families came together to socialize, dance, share a meal, and enjoy an evening with friends, family, and staff. We also host events such as Donuts with Dad, Muffins with Mom, and Grandparents Day. In May, we hold a children’s carnival that is open to the community and always a great time!
What does a typical day look like for a preschooler at St. Gregory the Great?
Children and parents are greeted by myself, teachers, and staff members every morning as they enter their classrooms. Students then unpack, wash their hands, and begin free play, which serves as a wonderful social transition into the school day. We officially start with Circle Time, which includes morning prayer, singing songs, the Pledge of Allegiance, weather, and calendar review. We also introduce the academic lessons for the day. This “mini lesson” prepares children for the learning expectations ahead. After Circle Time, we have snack time, outdoor play, and another short lesson before moving into indoor center time. During this period, students choose which center they would like to explore. One of the things that makes our pre-K program unique is the variety of extracurricular classes we offer within our facility each day. Some of these include Tennis, Yoga, Athletic Fitness, STEAM, and Arts & Crafts. Additionally, our students have Spanish incorporated into their lessons on a weekly basis.
How do you balance structured learning with play-based activities?
One of our greatest strengths at St. Gregory’s is how we seamlessly integrate play and academics. Our daily schedule provides ample time for both structured learning and play-based activities. Children are encouraged to explore and discover through hands-on experiences, allowing them to become active learners in a safe and nurturing environment. Our teachers have mastered this approach, making it one of the many standout qualities of our school.
What are the qualifications and backgrounds of your teachers?
Many of our teachers hold Master’s degrees in Education, while others have completed extensive training and coursework to obtain their teaching certifications. Additionally, many of our assistants have pursued coursework toward an early childhood teaching certificate.
What is the student-to-teacher ratio, and how does that impact classroom engagement?
In accordance with our licensing, our student-to-teacher ratios are as follows:
- 3-year-old program: 7:1
- 4-year-old program: 8:1
Maintaining these ratios allows our teachers and assistants to engage with students on an individual basis, personalizing both their learning and play experiences.
What are the different preschool program options (full-day, half-day, part-time)?
- 3’s Program Options:
- Five half-day program
- Two half-days & three full-day program
- Five full-day program
- 4’s Program Options:
- Two half-days & three full-day program
- Five full-day program
Do you offer extended care or after-school programs?
Yes, we offer extended care options for families who need additional coverage beyond regular school hours.
What do you think makes St. Gregory the Great such a special place for early childhood education?
St. Gregory the Great prepares children to enter kindergarten with a strong academic, social, and emotional foundation. This ensures they start formal schooling with confidence and continue to be active learners throughout their education journey.
What’s one thing you’d love prospective families to know about your school?
Not only will your child be loved, nurtured, and supported by our experienced staff, but you will also be included in their growth process as part of our close-knit community.
We love supporting local businesses! What are some of your go-to spots in the Sound Shore area—whether it’s a favorite restaurant, boutique, self-care spot, or place to unwind?
One of my family’s favorite things to do after attending mass at St. Gregory the Great is to have dinner at Alessia’s restaurant in Mamaroneck. The staff and I also frequently order lunch from Casa D’Italia, Harrison Bagels, Sofia’s Pizza, and Harrison Pizza. For self-care, I love a relaxing manicure at Cindy’s Nails.
We’re incredibly grateful for our amazing community and the wonderful people and places that make it so special. Explore our Blog page for features that spotlight local businesses and more. Looking for something to do in the Sound Shore area? Check out our Local Guides and Calendar pages to discover what’s happening locally and follow along on Instagram for more!