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 Facts (2025-26)
- 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.: 25%
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).
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