Catholic Mission
& Philosophy
Our mission is to provide a safe, nurturing, and Christ-centered environment in which each child can achieve their full potential and know they are a cherished child of God.
We encourage a love of learning, an inquiring mind, a confident spirit, a compassionate heart, and the ability to make good decisions and build positive relationships.
What We Believe:
Where a LOVE for the outdoors meets a strong Catholic faith.
At Christ the King Preschool, children discover the beauty of God’s creation through hands-on outdoor experiences. Much of their day is spent exploring our playgrounds and the Greenspace, our outdoor classroom designed to inspire curiosity, creativity, and wonder.
Through nature-based learning, children build skills in math, science, literacy, and problem-solving while growing in appreciation for the world God created. Each Wednesday, children gather outdoors for Chapel, creating a special opportunity to worship, reflect, and grow in their faith surrounded by the beauty of nature. Through experiences in the Atrium and time spent exploring God’s creation, children are nurtured in mind, body, and spirit through joyful discovery and a strong foundation of faith.
Monsignor
Francis McNamee
Monsignor Francis McNamee is the rector of the Cathedral of Christ the King and founding pastor of Christ the King Preschool at Second-Ponce. A native of Loughrea, Ireland, he was ordained to the priesthood in 1995. He has served at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Peachtree City, St. Catherine of Siena Catholic Church in Kennesaw, and was the founding pastor of St. Peter Chanel Catholic Church in Roswell. Currently, Monsignor serves as the Dean of the Central Deanery and the Priest Council. He has previously served as a member of the College of Consultors and on the Priest Personnel Review Board. He regularly leads Wednesday chapel and loves visiting the preschool classrooms.
Our Affiliations & Accreditations
We are proud to be connected with trusted organizations that support our commitment to quality education, faith, and the well-being of every child.
Our Team
We are a team of trained, experienced teaching professionals dedicated to the emotional, physical, cognitive, and spiritual growth of each student.
Administration Team
Joleen Neel
Director of Preschool
Mary Ann Hammond
Assistant Director & Business Manager
Kat Kelner
Office Coordinator
Kathleen Lortie
Administrative Support
Toddler Teachers
Two's Teachers
Maui Sugarman
Turtles
Sharon Dumas Victrum
Turtles
Threes Teachers
Susan Ward
Owls
Abby Granberry
Owls
Pre-K Teachers
Cameron Ide
Bluebirds
Christy Palma
Bluebirds
Brittany Fredrickson
Bumblebees
Lucille Hodges
Bumblebees
Five/Sixes Teachers
& Floaters
Specials Teachers
Child Safety & Protection
At Christ the King Preschool at Second-Ponce, we make the safety and well-being of every child our top priority. We follow the Archdiocese of Atlanta’s Safe Environment protocols, which are designed to protect children and promote a safe, secure environment for all. We are committed to maintaining a culture of safety, accountability, and care throughout our school community.
Our Security
We adhere to the rigorous safety requirements of both the Archdiocese of Atlanta and the State of Georgia. Twenty security cameras surveil the facility, and a full-time officer patrols the grounds and helps direct carpool. Our staff, substitute teachers, routine visitors, and maintenance staff must pass a background check. They have also taken the Safe Environment Training as required by the Archdiocese.
