Our School
From the first years of childhood through eighth grade—Preschool’s “I wonder…,” Elementary’s “Let’s investigate,” and Treehouse’s “Here’s what I think”— children at First Pres are invited to wonder, create, explore, and grow in a community that knows them well.
One School. Many Ways to Grow.
First Presbyterian School is designed to grow alongside children. Our Reggio Emilia-inspired approach honors children's curiosity, creativity, relationships, and growing independence at every age. As children move through the school, their experiences become increasingly expansive—from outdoor exploration and the arts to entrepreneurship, community service, leadership, and real-world learning.
Our Learning Approach
Read our learning approach
Our Preschool Approach
Inspired by the Reggio Emilia approach, we believe children are capable, curious, and full of potential. Through play, exploration, and meaningful relationships, we nurture a love of learning that lasts a lifetime.
- Faith and Spiritual Life
- We view each child as a unique individual full of love, wonder, and reverence. Our Christian values are woven naturally throughout the day as children explore God’s love through acts of kindness, compassion, and gratitude.
- Play as Inquiry
- Play is the child’s primary language of discovery. Rich, open-ended materials and hands-on invitations draw children to research, construct, and express their ideas. Curiosity transforms play into joyful, meaningful learning.
- Relationships
- Learning thrives within deep, intentional relationships. Small class sizes allow teachers to truly know each child, observing and documenting their growth and partnering with families to establish a connected community.
- Investigation and Discovery
- Driven by natural curiosity, children step into the role of active researchers. Through collaborative projects and real-world encounters, we engage in shared inquiry where materials and the environment serve as intentional co-teachers.
- Growth
- As children construct knowledge and navigate their world, they develop confidence, independence, and strong foundations for a lifelong journey of learning and discovery.
Our Elementary & Middle School Approach
We partner with families to equip students with knowledge, skills, and character rooted in faith. Through rigorous academics and meaningful experiences, students are prepared to lead with wisdom and purpose.
- Faith Integrated
- A biblical worldview informs our teaching and shapes our students’ hearts and character.
- Student-Centered Academics
- Students build strong academic foundations through purposeful teaching, student-led investigation, and meaningful learning experiences.
- Character Development
- We build strong character through our Nine Virtuous Roots and experiences that encourage leadership and service.
- Community
- Students thrive in a supportive community where relationships matter and every child is known.
- Future Ready
- We prepare students with the skills, confidence, and faith to navigate the future with purpose.
Preschool
1s through Pre-K
Childhood is the curriculum.
Our youngest learners experience school as a place to wonder, play, create, investigate, and build relationships. Teachers follow children's interests and use those interests as starting points for deeper exploration.
- Child-led Reggio Emilia-inspired learning
- Play and project-based learning
- 50% of learning time spent outdoors
- Spanish and English bilingual education
- Weekly music classes
- Strong emphasis on the arts
- Building Blocks faith-based verses
Elementary
Kindergarten through 4th grade
Curiosity becomes deeper inquiry.
Elementary students continue learning through projects, play, research, artistic expression, outdoor experiences, and collaboration. Academic learning is connected to meaningful questions and real experiences.
- Reggio Emilia philosophy
- Play and project-based learning
- Emphasis on outdoor learning and play
- Faith teachings through the Nine Virtuous Roots
- Novel studies and integrated learning
- World languages through Rosetta Stone
- Theater, athletics, show choir, and visual arts
Experiences That Bring Learning to Life
Community Service
Children learn that they are members of a larger community and have something meaningful to contribute.
Student Marketplace
Entrepreneurship, creativity, collaboration, and real-world problem solving come together in a student-run experience.
School Musical & Art Show
Students have opportunities to share their creativity and learning through performance and visual art.
Middle School
5th through 8th grade
Think deeply. Question boldly.
In Treehouse, students move through Willows (grades 5–6) and Sequoias (grades 7–8), taking increasing ownership of their ideas, work, and community. Teachers combine purposeful instruction with discussion, research, inquiry, and projects that ask students to explain their thinking and use evidence.
- Willows and Sequoias: growing independence at every step
- Strong foundations in humanities, reading, writing, science, and mathematics
- Student-led investigation, research, and evidence-based discussion
- Dedicated Project Time and work shared with authentic audiences
- Community projects, Marketplace, Musical, and Art Show
- Explorations, band, orchestra, and hands-on makerspace work
- 8th-grade community business internship
- 7th- and 8th-grade Legacy Trip
The First Pres Journey
The goal isn't simply to move children from one grade to the next. It is to gradually give them more voice, more responsibility, and more opportunities to engage with the world around them.
Wonder
Children explore their environment, build relationships, express ideas, and discover that their questions are worth asking.
Explore
Children investigate ideas more deeply, collaborate on projects, develop skills, and connect their learning to the community.
Lead
Students increasingly take ownership of their ideas, their work, their community, and the direction of their learning.
More Than a School Day
We know that families need flexibility, and we also believe that meaningful learning doesn't have to stop when the regular school day ends.
Extended Day
Available for preschool and Kinder students, with a combination of rest, play, and care.
Afternoon Enrichment
Hands-on activities and outdoor play extend the day with pickup options in the afternoon.
Fresh Meals
An optional school meal program provides nutritious, child-friendly meals in reusable containers.
Have Questions About First Pres?
Explore answers about our learning approach, daily life, programs, and admissions—all in one place.
Come See the Difference
The best way to understand First Pres is to experience it. Come walk through our classrooms, explore our outdoor spaces, and see how children learn here.
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