First Presbyterian Preparatory School

As parents who are also educators, we chose First Pres because of its strong academic reputation. It is the ONLY school in the area that has the NAEYC accreditation for its preschool division and WASC for its elementary division (ask about accreditation when shopping for private schools-some try to deceive families). One drop off and pick up for preschool and elementary makes life so much easier! We`d never consider a school that didn`t have this type of oversight. A rare thing among private schools is that First Pres has ONLY seasoned credentialed teachers heading the classes, so they really know what they`re doing. Most importantly, with small classes, they "get" each student. The campus is big with 3 shaded playgrounds, including a huge field, a library, science room, computer lab, an art studio and big meeting areas. Working parents will find they have lots of support with before and after school programs (which are more affordable than what you get at public school) and tons of enrichment choices, so you aren`t running all over town doing extra-curriculars. The Christian values taught and enforced at the school are universal and people from a variety of belief systems will likely feel comfortable. It`s a very open and accepting community. Our family doesn`t fit perfectly into a single faith-based community, and we`ve been warmly welcomed. Our children are happy and thriving academically, socially, emotionally, and spiritually.