EDUCATION

St. Mark’s is committed to creating systemic, long-term change in the communities God has called us to serve. We believe that the starting point for eradicating systemic poverty is education. We are a congregation that believes in empowering all God’s people to gain access, knowledge, and resources so that children can not only survive but thrive. We have several partnerships in the community with a focus specifically on education. 


If you are interested in getting involved in any of these education areas, email the church office (or call 630-897-6891), and we will assist you in getting started.  

  • Child development center

    LOCATION 1: CHILD CARE, BEFORE AND AFTER-SCHOOL PROGRAM, SUMMER CAMP

    AGE 6 WEEKS TO 12 YEARS

    6:30 A.M. to 6:00 P.M.

    1995 W. Downer Place, Aurora, IL 60506


    LOCATION 2:  PRESCHOOL AND PREKINDERGARTEN PROGRAMS

    AGE 3 TO 5 YEARS

    6:30 A.M. to 6:00 P.M.

    27 S. Edgelawn, Aurora, IL 60506


    St. Mark's Child Development Center (CDC) is an early learning center, which strives to foster optimum growth and development in children between the ages of 6 weeks to 12 years. Our program focuses on each child's physical, intellectual, social-emotional, and spiritual development. We were established to meet the need for a quality early learning center within the growing community. Activities are selected and organized by qualified staff members who understand the needs and interests of young children, and are designed to meet the challenge of keeping each child engaged, safe, and structured.


    Our program has received the Silver Circle of Quality through ExceleRate Illinois. This circle recognizes that our program has met quality goals and goes above and beyond quality standards in three areas: Learning environment and teaching quality, administrative standards, and training/education. Our program is actively engaged in continuous quality improvement. For more information about ExceleRate Illinois, please visit their website.


    St. Mark's CDC offers the following high-quality programs for children ages 6 weeks through 12 years:

    • Child Care (Infant,Toddlers and 2's) 
    • Preschool
    • Prekindergarten
    • School Age Child Care—Before/After School bus service to Hall,Freeman,McCleery, and Holy Angels. 
    • School Age Summer Camp

    The CDC facilities are available to St. Mark’s members and non-members. It is a not-for-profit, DCFS-licensed corporation.


    St. Mark's CDC admits students of any race, color, national, and ethnic origin to all of the rights, privileges, programs and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school.


    For more information about our programs or to schedule a tour please give us a call. We look forward to having you come and grow with us! Visit our Facebook page.


    CONTACT: Colette Patterson-Moon, Director (630-897-6063)


  • mccleery elementary school

    LOCATION: 

    1002 Illinois Avenue, Aurora, IL.60506


    In 2017, St. Mark’s entered into partnership with McCleery Elementary School in Aurora. Our goal is to support and supplement the important work teachers and staff are doing to ensure every child at McCleery is reading at to his/her grade level.


    Currently, 13 members of St. Mark’s volunteer a collective 17 hours a week to help McCleery children develop their reading skills. The students are eager and the teachers are grateful—especially for the one-on-one time. St. Mark’s volunteers are making an impact, and our vision is that this ministry will continue to grow, with additional volunteers and more collaboration with teachers and parents.