Apple Tree School is an important element of First Presbyterian’s outreach to the community.  By offering our neighbors an accredited preschool program in a Christian environment, we seek to support and enrich children and parents. 

The nurturing environment of ATS encourages communication between parents, teachers, and the church.  The weekly chapel service helps create a link between the classroom and the Christian faith. 

In addition First Presbyterian offers several weekday studies to help parents grow in faith - and an opportunity to talk with other adults!  Childcare for these learning opportunities is provided at no cost.

Program Information by Age

è Pre-K: Ages 4-5 years as of September 1. This class meets on Mon, Tue, Wed, & Thur. 9:00 am to 12:00 noon

è 3-Day: Ages 2.5 to 4 years. This class meets on Tue, Wed, Thur 9:00 am to 12:00 noon

è Kids Day Out KDO: Ages 2 to 5 years This class meets on Mon and Fri from 9:00 am to 12:00 noon

è Lunch Bunch: Lunch is offered from 12:00 noon to 2:00 pm Mon, Tue, & Thur. Children bring their own lunch and sleeping mat.

Philosophy
Apple Tree school provides a loving Christian environment in which each child can develop at their own pace. The staff considers what is developmentally appropriate at each age. We believe that children learn best by hands on activities. We provide carefully organized play experiences with opportunities for creative expression, social and emotional interaction, communication skills, physical development, practice in reasoning and logical thought, and the encouragement of decision making, risk taking and responsibility.

Curriculum Goals
The most important goal of our curriculum is that each child feels successful while participating in all activities at Apple Tree. Success fosters self-esteem
The major areas of a child's development include physical, social, emotional, language, cognitive and intellectual. Our learning centers are designed to address these areas of development. There are learning centers for art, dramatic play, snack preparation, cooking, language, writing , science, math, fine motor activities, woodworking, outdoor activities, and music. Children learn what their role is in these activities, as well as making choices for themselves. We want every child that attends Apple Tree to leave with a love of learning and to be excited about entering their elementary school years.

Chapel Services
All classes participate in weekly Thursday morning chapel service. The Pastor of FPCSL tells a story geared to the pre-school level with a simple Christian message. We also sing songs and celebrate birthdays. Parents are encouraged to attend. Chapel begins at 9:10 am in the sanctuary and lasts about 15 minutes.

Parent Involvement
We believe that parents are a child's most important teacher. At Apple Tree, the parent and teacher are a team.. Our staff is here to encourage your child and to provide you valuable feedback in your efforts as a nurturing parent.