First united Methodist kindergarten program had kicked off its 60th year on August 6th, 2007.
The program was started in 1947 when Rev. Dan Whitsett was just starting his ministry in Sylacauga.
There have been thousands of girls and boys whose lives have been enriched by the dedication and hard work of many wonderful teachers.
Sylacauga Cooperative School for Children Under Six sponsored by the First Methodist Church opened under the direction of Mrs.
Cloyd Smith as a kindergarten and first grade in 1947.
The staff was kept to a minimum as parents who had a child in the school were required to volunteer a set number of hours per month as part of their tuition.
The Brown family donated a bus and children were picked up and returned home after school.
Lunch was prepared daily by the Kindergarten cook. The philosophy of First united Methodist kindergarten is the parable of the Good Samaritan Jesus says a person keeps the commandment to love God and neighbor by ministering to his neighbor.
When you read the context in which that parable was first given, you see that Jesus was responding to a question from a teacher of the Law asking about who his neighbor was.
Like many of us, he was entangled in the interpretation of the commandment to love God and neighbor rather than focusing on its implementation.
Belief will express itself in ministry. Authentic faith in Jesus will cause us to respond to human hurts and hopes as he did.
Such ministry cannot be done from a distance. Operation Inasmuch challenges our children to get "up close and personal" with their involvement in missions.
Quick Stats (2025)
- School Type: Early Childhood / Day Care
- Grades: Prekindergarten-Kindergarten
- Enrollment: 129 students
- Application Deadline: None / Rolling
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES)
School Overview
School Type
Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-Kindergarten
Student Body
Total Students
129 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
33%
State avg.: 24%
Students by Grade

Academics and Faculty
Total Classroom Teachers
1 teacher
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
Admission Deadline
None / Rolling
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES)
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the application deadline for First United Methodist Kindergarten & Daycare?
The application deadline for First United Methodist Kindergarten & Daycare is rolling (applications are reviewed as they are received year-round).
School Reviews
Endorse First United Methodist Kindergarten & Daycare. Endorsements should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
- Quality of academic programs, teachers, and facilities
- Availability of music, art, sports and other extracurricular activities
- Academic or athletic awards
Recent Articles

Podcasts That Will Change the Way You Think About Education
This article highlights a curated selection of podcasts that offer thought-provoking discussions, expert insights, and innovative ideas on various aspects of education. From exploring new teaching methods and technologies to discussing policy changes and social issues, these podcasts provide a wealth of knowledge and inspiration for anyone interested in education. Each podcast is briefly described, highlighting its unique focus and tone.

For-profit vs. Not-for-profit Schools
This comprehensive guide explores the differences between for-profit and not-for-profit private schools, discussing their organizational structures, advantages, and key considerations for parents. It emphasizes that a school's success is determined by its educational quality and management rather than its profit status.

2023-24 Best SSAT Prep Courses Reviewed
This article reviews the top SSAT prep courses, including Test Innovators, Enrollment Management Association (EMA), Princeton Review, Ivy Global, and Kaplan. Each course is evaluated based on its price, in-person and online services, officially licensed materials, instant normative scoring, and free trial options. We'll dive into the features and benefits of each course, helping you understand which one best fits your student's needs and learning style.