Come & See The Difference
Welcome to Holy Cross Stars Academy of Whitestone, a private preschool and early childhood education center proudly affiliated with the Greek Orthodox Community of Whitestone, Inc.
At Holy Cross Stars Academy, we provide a nurturing and engaging environment where young children are encouraged to explore, discover, and develop a lifelong love of learning. Serving children ages 2 through 4, our program combines play-based learning with hands-on experiences that support each child’s social, emotional, intellectual, physical, and language development.
Our educational approach focuses on creating meaningful learning experiences through active exploration, creativity, collaboration, and guided discovery. Children are encouraged to think independently, ask questions, solve problems, and build positive relationships with their peers and teachers in a joyful and supportive classroom environment.
Rooted in Greek Orthodox Christian values, culture, and language, we strive to foster kindness, respect, compassion, and strong moral character while helping children grow in confidence and independence. Through thoughtfully planned activities and age-appropriate curriculum, we cultivate curiosity, intellectual engagement, and foundational life skills that prepare children for future academic success.
At Holy Cross Stars Academy, we believe that early childhood is a time of wonder, growth, and discovery. Our dedicated educators are committed to creating a warm learning community where every child feels valued, supported, and inspired to reach their full potential.
The Director’s Message
Director
Ms. Cathy Helfrich
Thank you for taking the time to learn more about Holy Cross Stars Academy. Each day at our school is an exciting new opportunity to enrich the minds of our students, and we hope your child will join us.
Holy Cross Stars Academy welcomes students regardless of race, gender, national and ethnic origin, and is non discriminatory in all our policies. We accept children between the ages of 2 and 4 years old.
There are no specific academic entrance requirements; however, we base admission decisions on many factors, especially your child’s age and suitability for our program.
Please contact us regarding availability for your child, and to schedule your personal tour of our school. We will be happy to answer your questions and provide additional information about our educational programs.
Kind regards,
Ms. Cathy Helfrich
Director, Holy Cross Stars Academy
Holy Cross Stars Academy at a Glance
History:
Founded in 2022
Education Director:
Catherine Helfrich
Location:
Queens, NY
12-03 150th St. Whitestone, NY 11357
Total Enrollment:
35 – Toddler & Preschool
Maximum Class Size:
2-year-olds: 12 students
3-year-olds: 15 students
4-year-olds: 17 students
Maximum Teacher/Student Ratio:
2-year-olds: 6:1
3-year-olds: 10:1
4-year-olds: 12:1
Curriculum:
Interdisciplinary, active, collaborative, incorporating academics woven into larger thematic areas of study
Schedules:
Tiny Stars (2s): 8:30am – 11:30am or 8:30am – 2:30pm
Little Stars (3s): 8:30am – 2:30pm
Rising Stars (4s): 8:30am – 2:30pm
Extended Day Options: 7:30am – 8:30am and 2:30pm – 5:00pm
Mission Statement
The mission of Holy Cross Stars Academy is to help our students build self-confidence, gain tools for positive connection to others, and develop a love of learning new ideas and information. We believe that each child is unique and develops according to their own timetable. We provide a safe, nurturing and engaging early childhood environment, encouraging a child’s natural curiosity, and creating a foundation for our students to become lifelong learners and critically thinking citizens.
Philosophy Statement
Holy Cross Stars Academy’s philosophy is to provide an academically challenging curriculum through developmentally appropriate practices for young children. By supporting children to understand themselves as active learners and to gain collaborative skills through working with peers, we develop critical thinkers who are intellectually curious and socially responsible.
Our Staff
Holy Cross Stars Academy employs well-qualified staff throughout our program. All staff are background checked and cleared to work through both the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) and the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America. Additionally, all teachers have degrees in early childhood education and are fluent in both Greek and English. Our staff regularly participate in professional development and exceed the minimum requirements established by the DOHMH. We are dedicated to the education of young learners through the use of a research-based curriculum and hands-on experiences.
+ Meet Ms. Cathy Helfrich, Director
About Ms. Cathy:
Hi! My name is Ms. Cathy! I am a wife, a parent, a grandparent and an educator. I was a teacher, an assistant principal, a principal, and now a preschool director. My goal is to spark curiosity, foster a love for learning and build a community where everyone feels valued and respected. I can’t wait to work with your child and you!
+ Meet Ms. Diamanto Andreopoulos, Teacher
About Ms. Diamanto:
I’m Diamanto Andreopoulos and I’m excited to be your child’s Tiny Stars Lead Teacher this year! This will be my 7″ year in education. I love my job because I like to make a difference in children’s lives by nurturing their growth, keeping them excited about learning, and always being supportive in their educational journey. I know we are going to have an amazing year!
In my classroom, every child will feel loved, valued, and encouraged. We will grow, learn, and discover together!
+ Meet Ms. Alby Manolova, Teacher Assistant
About Ms. Alby:
My name is Mrs. Alby. I am a wife and a mother of 2 kids, a boy and a girl. This is my first year working as a teacher assistant in Holy Cross Stars Academy. I have experience working as a teacher aid/assistant for 3 years. I’m so excited to help teach and create a safe and fun environment for all your kids.
+ Meet Ms. Konstantina Salale, Greek Teacher/Teacher Assistant
About Ms. Konstantina:
Hi I’m Ms. Konstantina! I am very happy to be part of the school as a teacher assistant. I have 3 years of classroom experience and a passion for supporting the Greek language and culture. My goal is to keep students excited about learning while helping them master new skills throughout the year. I look forward to working with your child!
+ Meet Ms. Helen Trakoshis, Teacher Assistant
About Ms. Helen:
Hello! My name is Helen Trakoshis. I am a wife and a mother to our daughter.
I have been working as a teacher’s assistant for over 15 years! I love teaching young children learning different things and watching them grow as they learn!
+ Meet Ms. Joanne Kyriacou, Teacher
About Ms. Joanne:
Hello! My name is Ms. Joanne. Here are some facts about me! I’ve been working in the Greek Orthodox parochial school system for over 19 years.
I have 3 amazing children whom I am so proud of… even when they say I embarrass them from time to time. 🙂
+ Meet Ms. Daphne Halkias, Teacher
About Ms. Daphne:
Hi, my name is Daphne Halkias, and I am the mother of 4 boys. I have also had the pleasure of teaching Pre-K for the past 30 years. I have enjoyed watching them grow as they develop their own personalities with their own thoughts and desires.
+ Meet Ms. Elina Papadopoulou, Teacher
About Ms. Elina
My name is Elina Papadopoulou, and with a Bachelor’s in Preschool Education from the University of Western Macedonia and a Master’s in Early Childhood Education (Birth–Grade 2) from CUNY Queens College, along with New York State Initial Certification, I bring both strong academic preparation and heartfelt dedication to my work with young children. Teaching in the early years is truly my passion, as I believe this is when curiosity blossoms and a lifelong love of learning begins. I strive to create a warm, joyful, and inclusive classroom where every child feels safe, valued, and confident to explore. Working with young learners, especially in diverse, multilingual communities, allows me to celebrate each child’s unique background while supporting their social, emotional, and academic growth. Watching children gain independence, discover their voices, and build confidence is the most rewarding part of my work.
As a mom of two young children, I bring not only professional experience but also a mother’s heart into my classroom. I care for my students the way I hope others would care for my own children—with patience, kindness, understanding, and respect—always making sure they feel supported, valued, and loved.
+ Meet Ms. Elena Sousourogiannis, Teacher
About Ms. Elena:
Hi, I’m Ms. Elena and I feel truly grateful that I joined this wonderful school community.
I have a great love for children and enjoy supporting them as they grow academically and personally. I am especially happy to be teaching in both English and Greek, helping our Tiny Stars build confidence and develop a love for learning.
Outside the classroom, I also have a big love for animals, especially dogs, which reflects the caring and nurturing approach I try to bring into my teaching every day.
I am looking forward to contributing positively to our school and supporting our students in every way I can.