Frequently Asked Questions

What does Reggio Emilia-inspired mean?

We see children as capable, curious, and full of potential. Rather than simply receiving information, children actively construct their understanding of the world through exploration, inquiry, play, collaboration, and meaningful experiences.

Teachers listen closely to children's questions and interests, then help extend their thinking through carefully designed environments, open-ended materials, and meaningful investigations.

What is a typical day like at First Pres?

No two days look exactly the same. Our classrooms balance play-based learning, hands-on discovery, teacher-guided experiences, outdoor exploration, collaboration, and investigations inspired by children's interests.

Throughout the day, children have opportunities to explore, create, communicate, solve problems, build relationships, and develop their independence.

How much time do children spend outdoors?

Nature is an important part of our learning environment. Children participate in daily outdoor experiences that encourage curiosity, observation, scientific thinking, physical development, resilience, and stewardship of the natural world.

Outdoor learning isn't simply a break from the classroom. Nature becomes another place for children to investigate, wonder, collaborate, and learn.

How is faith incorporated into the school day?

As a ministry of First Presbyterian Church, our school is rooted in Christian faith and guided by values that shape how we learn, grow, and care for one another.

Students participate in weekly chapel services featuring stories, songs, and opportunities for prayer. Our pastor oversees chapel, while our Treehouse middle school students take an active role in helping lead worship. This gives older students meaningful opportunities to develop leadership, responsibility, and confidence while contributing to the spiritual life of our school community.

Throughout our classrooms, the Nine Virtuous Roots—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control—help guide our relationships, conversations, and decisions.

As children grow from preschool through middle school, faith remains part of their learning experience through meaningful discussions, reflection, service, and connections to the world around them. We celebrate our Christian identity while respecting the diverse faith traditions and perspectives represented within our school community.

Is First Pres a play-based school?

Play is central to learning in our preschool and early childhood classrooms. Through imaginative play, exploration, and hands-on experiences, younger children build relationships, develop language, solve problems, and make sense of their world.

As students move into elementary and middle school, learning becomes increasingly structured and project-based. Students build academic skills through research, collaborative investigations, creative work, and real-world problem-solving. Curiosity, exploration, and active participation remain at the heart of our approach, but the experiences grow in depth and complexity as children mature.

How are the arts incorporated into learning?

The arts are essential languages of childhood at First Pres. Painting, sculpture, music, movement, dramatic play, and other creative experiences give children ways to express ideas and make their thinking visible.

We value the creative process as much as the finished product. Children are encouraged to experiment, make choices, revisit ideas, and discover new possibilities.

Do children learn Spanish?

Spanish is integrated into our preschool experience through play, stories, music, conversations, and daily routines.

As part of our border community, we also celebrate the rich language and culture that surround us in El Paso.

What is project-based learning?

Projects are extended investigations that grow from children's questions, interests, and observations.

Children may return to an idea over days or weeks, exploring it through conversation, research, construction, art, writing, movement, science, and collaboration. Teachers help children deepen their thinking rather than simply giving them the answer.

What is the Extended Day Preschool Program?

Our Extended Day Preschool Program is available daily from 12:30 PM to 3:00 PM for families enrolled in either our 5-day or 3-day option.

Afternoons provide a thoughtful balance of rest, exploration, and hands-on learning while continuing the same Reggio Emilia-inspired approach found throughout the preschool day.

Do preschool children have a rest period?

Yes. Our preschool afternoons begin with a dedicated rest period designed around the developmental needs of young children.

Children rest on comfortable mats in a peaceful environment. Children who wake early or do not fall asleep are offered quiet, comforting activities such as books, puzzles, playdough, drawing, or other calm invitations.

How are families involved in their child's learning?

Families are essential partners in learning at First Pres. Throughout the school year, we invite families to connect through playdates, special chapel services, family gatherings, school performances, and celebrations of student projects such as the Marketplace, musical, and Art Show.

There are also opportunities to participate more directly: share a professional or creative skill with a class, support a project or school event, help with campus workdays, or volunteer behind the scenes. Opportunities vary throughout the year and are coordinated with teachers and school staff, so families can contribute in ways that fit their interests and availability.

We keep families connected to their children's learning through photographs, documentation, conversations, conferences, and learning portfolios that make growth visible.

Our Family Partnership Circle brings parents, grandparents, caregivers, and community members together to build connections and coordinate volunteer opportunities. Everyone is welcome, whether you can help regularly, occasionally, or simply want to stay involved.

How can I learn more or schedule a tour?

The best way to experience First Pres is to come see our learning community in person. A tour gives you the opportunity to explore our classrooms and outdoor spaces, meet our team, and ask questions about your child's experience.

We would love to welcome your family and help you discover whether First Pres is the right fit for your child. Schedule a Tour to arrange a visit.

Have questions? Email us at school@firstpres-ep.org or call (915) 532-6157.

How are reading, writing, and math taught?

Reading, writing, and mathematics are part of an integrated academic program. Students develop foundational skills through direct instruction, practice, discussion, and meaningful applications, including projects and investigations that connect learning across subjects.

How do you assess and communicate student progress?

Teachers document learning through student work, portfolios, observations, reflections, and narrative progress reports. Conferences give families opportunities to discuss strengths, growth, and next steps. This approach helps make both the learning process and each student's progress visible.

How do you prepare students for high school?

Preparation for high school begins with strong academic foundations and grows through increasingly independent work. In elementary and middle school, students practice research, reading and writing, presentations, collaboration, and critical thinking through novel studies and integrated projects. Eighth-grade internship opportunities help students connect classroom learning with the wider community. Families can speak with school leadership about current high school transition guidance.

How do teachers support different learning needs?

Teachers get to know students as individuals and use observations, classroom work, and conversations with families to understand their strengths and needs. Learning experiences can include different materials, ways to participate, and opportunities to demonstrate understanding. Families with specific learning or support questions are encouraged to speak with school leadership about what the school can provide.

What are your class sizes?

Small learning communities are an important part of the First Pres approach. Class size varies by age group and enrollment, so please contact the school for current numbers and student-to-teacher ratios in the grade you are considering.

What opportunities do students have beyond core academics?

Students have opportunities to explore the arts, music, theater, hands-on making, and collaborative projects. Depending on grade level and the school year's program, experiences may include band or orchestra, robotics or maker activities, schoolwide project cycles, performances, exhibitions, and community-connected learning.

Do you offer half-day kindergarten?

First Pres offers both half-day and full-day kindergarten. Kindergarten students arrive at the same time as elementary students. Half-day kindergarten ends at 12:30 p.m., while the full-day program ends at 3:00 p.m. Families can contact the school for tuition information and details about each option.