For months, we researched preschools and parent’s day out programs in the Memphis area. Our goal was to find a safe, fun and Christian environment for our child who was two at the time. We searched the Internet, toured facilities and asked for referrals from other families.
Luckily for us, there are a lot of programs in the area from which to choose. Some programs we considered required the children to be in only one classroom the entire time, occasionally going out to the playground on sunny days and often these classrooms were small. Others did not appear to be “secure” as outside doors were unlocked most of the day, which brought major concern to us. We actually narrowed it down to three programs that were located in the area where we were moving and one program was: Hope Presbyterian Preschool.
Hope Presbyterian Preschool is located in Cordova, Tennessee, just east of Memphis. Our first impression of the program was that it met our main criteria and appeared to be a clean environment with loving Christian employees. After two children attending for a total of six years, we found that the program exceeded our expectations in all areas. As parents, we were reassured that our child was in well-capable hands and the children were happy as well.
One motto the school has is “Discover the power of play.” The curriculum includes various types of experiences. Children learn through play. We were always amazed at what the children learn and that they were enthusiastic and proud of themselves.
The program offers classes on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays from 9:30am – 2:30pm for children between four months and five years old. Rather than just being a “care facility,” Hope Preschool provided more of a learning, preschool environment even as early as the youngest classes. The classrooms are spacious, clean, bright and offer many types of learning toys and activities. Our children absolutely loved going to “school!”
ART Art, art and more art! Lucidly there is never a shortage of art projects at Hope Preschool. The children are able to paint with many different types of paint, create art out of household objects like milk jugs and make all kinds of creations. They even make sentimental gifts for the parents using hand-prints, bible verses and fingerprints.
RECREATION The outdoor playground offers equipment for even the youngest toddlers to enjoy. The children are able to get exercise and fresh air whenever weather permits. The equipment is clean, safe and divided into areas that are age-appropriate.
STORY-TIME Children enjoy when it is time for the teacher to read stories to them. The children sit “on the rug” and enjoy different types of books. Occasionally they are treated to puppet shows as well.
INCLUSION CLASS Hope Preschool offers a class called the “inclusion class” for children who have special needs that have been identified. The ratio of teacher to student is very low (one to three) and individual attention is easily provided. This class provides a social and academic environment and is included with the other classes on a regular basis. As a volunteer, I was blessed to be able to work with one of the classes to help with a special art project and I was blown away at how caring the teachers were and how happy these children were especially doing the art project. God’s love and grace filled the room when the children from that class came into the room.
For all classes, the teacher/student ratios are kept low and the children are given the attention he or she needs. Both our children formed special bonds with the teachers and other staff members.
By the time children reach the “fours class,” the children are becoming well prepared to enter kindergarten. In addition to the educational skills our son learned, he also knew how to sit still, pay attention to the teacher, wait his turn, raise his hand to speak, be polite, help his friends and consider every child his friend. Our son’s kindergarten teacher said that she felt Hope Preschool definitely prepared him well for school.
One of our biggest requirements was that security measures were taken and the children were safe. Hope Preschool has one entrance and visitors must go through a reception area to get into the school. The doors that lead to the Church are locked at all times, providing a safe environment.
There is no doubt in our mind that we made the best decision for our children. Certainly there are other high quality preschool programs in the area but this one just seemed to have it all and best suited our family. I highly recommend this preschool.
