What better gift can you give your child than a Christian education? While your child’s educational journey begins at home, attending preschool is a big and important step, both academically and socially. Your child’s preschool experience will set the stage for their continued growth in kindergarten, grade school, and beyond. As such, it’s important to choose your child’s preschool carefully.
If a private Christian school is an option you’re considering for your preschool-aged child, then we suggest asking plenty of questions, scheduling tours, and really looking into what makes each school unique. For example, at St. Barnabas, we focus on educating the whole child with a commitment not only to academics, but also to character, faith, and virtue.
When it comes to a Christian preschool DeLand families want to choose the right option. Here’s a closer look at the qualities that make Christian preschools like ours so great.
Hands-On Learning
Young children are naturally active, curious, and interested in the world around them. They learn best when they can engage with the subject matter and explore through play. At the best Christian preschools, hands-on learning is central to the curriculum.
For instance, at St. Barnabas, each week has a theme, and we complete play-based lessons related to that theme. We “play along” as stories are read, travel to faraway lands to learn about different cultures, and create crafts to showcase students’ interests while developing their fine motor skills.
A Bible-Based Curriculum
The Bible has so many valuable lessons to teach us about life, love, and community. A private Christian school should offer a Bible-based curriculum, integrating scriptural lessons into academics and extracurricular activities. Bible stories are taught in age-appropriate ways, leaving room for these lessons to be expanded upon as children grow older.
At St. Barnabas, our K4 and Kindergarten curricula center around our monthly Fruit of the Spirit and life skills. We focus on the principles of each one: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. These Biblical lessons are so applicable to children’s daily lives! This approach helps unify their home life and school life as we encourage them to find ways to embody the Fruits of the Spirit not only in school, but at home with their families.
Academic Rigor
We mentioned that the best private Christian schools offer opportunities for play-based learning. But make no mistake about it – hands-on learning can also be academically rigorous.
In preschool, children are learning the basic skills they’ll need to read, write, count, and do basic math. However, the best Christian preschools also integrate lessons in science, social studies, and even history in order to expose children to many different ideas and ways of thinking. Not only does this challenge students academically, but it helps them identify their passions early on.
It’s amazing how many budding scientists, musicians, and historians we meet in our K4 program! And at St. Barnabas, we can continue to support them as they develop these interests through elementary and middle school.
Kindergarten Preparation
Entering kindergarten can be a big change for children. As such, the best private Christian schools include kindergarten prep in their preschool programs. These solid foundations in math, reading, and writing will make the kindergarten curriculum seem so much more inviting, familiar, and approachable for your young student.
Also note that at St. Barnabas, students in our K4 program are guaranteed a spot in kindergarten the following year. The continuity of attending the same school for preschool, kindergarten, and beyond helps students feel more comfortable and supported throughout their school years. We love when kindergartners arrive excited for their first day because they can’t wait to see their classmates and favorite staff again!
Qualified Teachers
Early childhood education is a fascinating field, and it is one that is always growing and changing. A private Christian school should hire qualified teachers who have formal education in early childhood education, ensuring your child is taught with the most effective and compassionate methodologies.
At St. Barnabas, we choose our K4 teachers carefully, seeking candidates who have a demonstrated track record in the classroom. We also seek teachers who share our core values of Faith, Virtue, and Excellence. It gives parents great comfort to know that the teachers who are interacting with their preschoolers share their core values and will teach according to those values.
As Christians, we are part of a community that shows compassion, supports one another, and aims to do good in the world. By sending your child to a private Christian school for preschool and beyond, you’re introducing them to that community – their community.
When it comes to private preschool Volusia County families have options. At St. Barnabas, we’re proud to offer a Bible-based preschool curriculum with challenging academics, kindergarten prep, and highly qualified teachers. Contact us to schedule a tour or learn more about our K4 program.