The First School is a full-day preschool and ministry of First Baptist Decatur.
The goal at First School is to provide preschoolers with a safe, nurturing environment in which they can learn and grow.
First School is licensed by Bright from the Start, the state of Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning, and provides classes for ages 3-months through the PreK year (4-years-old).
First School is following COVID-19 guidelines advised by the CDC and required by Bright from the Start. Proper social distancing, separation of classrooms and their students, handwashing, cleaning of equipment, and evening deep cleaning by professionals are some of the recommendations we are following. Once in the classroom, we focus on the social and emotional health of the child and try to create a day full of fun, friends, and fellowship.
Philosophy of First School
At First School, we believe a child’s self-confidence builds social competence. Guided by this belief, our approach to learning embraces the whole child and encourages each to develop a sense of self and mature their social skills. At all age levels, we are intentional about engaging, supporting, and challenging children as they learn about themselves and explore their world. We strongly believe in partnering with families to embrace diverse personalities and individual learning styles.
We intentionally plan free play and structured times of the day to incorporate this philosophy into the curriculum, emphasizing developmentally appropriate practices for ages 3 months to 5 years to address the physical, social, emotional, and cognitive growth of each child. We encourage children to explore, investigate and engage with the environment and with others. We focus on building the confidence and competence in their larger world. Our holistic approach is set to educate the whole child and embrace the efforts.
First School Classroom. First Baptist Church of Decatur (Georgia).
First School Fireman! First Baptist Church of Decatur (Georgia).
First School arts and crafts. First Baptist Church of Decatur (Georgia).
Curriculum
First School utilizes a thematic curriculum involving both group and individual experiences. As a faith-based preschool, daily prayers, and chapel for the older children are incorporated into the student’s day.
While teaching to all the senses through the use of manipulatives and teacher instruction, the areas of math, science, language arts, and reasoning are introduced in age-appropriate activities.
Social growth, as well as attention to developmental milestones, is a top priority. The students leave First School prepared to learn wherever they go.
Classroom Details
Each classroom teacher gives the parents a list of supplies they need for their child.
The school provides nutritious morning and afternoon snacks and lunch (menus emailed to parents each week). Snacks usually include one or two of the following: a grain, a milk product, a fruit (100% juice or seasonal fruit), or a vegetable. The lunches include a protein, two servings of vegetables or fruits, milk, and a grain.
Download Our 2023-2024 School Calendar
Qualifications and Safety
All the staff at First School are certified in CPR and First Aid and are required to complete a minimum of 10 hours of continuing education every year. Most of the staff have an education degree or are CDA certified (Child Development Associate). All have current background checks with fingerprints.
Weekly Tuition
Babies: $295/wk (plus $100 application fee)
Young ones: $285/wk (plus $100 application fee)
Older ones: $275/wk (plus $100 application fee)
2 year old: $275/wk (plus $100 application fee)
3 Year Old: $265/wk (plus $100 application fee)
4 Year Old: $255/wk (plus $100 application fee)
School Tours
Tours are available upon request. Please submit an inquiry using the form below.
CONTACT US
For more information about First School at First Baptist Decatur, contact us using the form below.