Bethany Lutheran Preschool, Alexandria

Pre-School Founded in 1959 to provide a Christian education for young children and outreach to their families, the school is an extension of the educational ministry of Bethany Lutheran Church, a Missouri Synod congregation. The school includes children of the congregation, other congregations, and children whose families have no church affiliation. The preschool curriculum is designed to be an enriching learning experience. Thematic units are integrated into language arts, social studies, science, math, art, music and religion activities. Children are encouraged to be active participants in the learning process through exploration and discovery. The curriculum is enhanced with field trips and visits from community members such as fire fighters, medical personnel, story tellers, etc. Pre-School Philosophy Program planning and practices reflect that children are gifts from a loving God and learning is what children do. It is an active process. We believe that: • Each child is a child of God with unique patterns and timing of growth. • Children's play is fundamental to their development. • Children learn from each other. • Children's natural curiosity leads to many learning activities. • Children need an environment based on trust and structured freedom to be self-reliant and to use their own initiative. Bethany Pre-School Offers: • well-trained early-childhood staff • low student-teacher ratios • developmentally appropriate curriculum in a nurturing Christian atmosphere • ten month preschool year Sunday School Come join a class on Sunday mornings from 9:45 – 10:45 (No Sunday School during summer schedule). Child care for infants and toddlers is available in the Nursery during Bible Class. Classes for preschoolers through sixth graders begin at 9:45 a.m. with an opening of songs and praises in the sanctuary. Parents and toddlers are also welcome to attend the Sunday School opening in the sanctuary. Confirmation Club and High School Youth begin in their respective classrooms. Adults are welcome to join in a session of fellowship in Adult Education Room 2 before joining their class. Current classes include:Kids in class Age 3 - Kindergarten (Room 8): One teacher is assisted by parent volunteers to ensure that children have the support to participate in active learning experiences. 1st and 2nd Graders (Room 11): Co-teachers provide learning experiences to meet individual needs. 3rd - 6th Graders (Room 1): Co-teachers provide learning experiences to meet individual needs. 7th and 8th Graders (Adult Ed #1): This class supports learning for students in middle school as well as those preparing for confirmation as members of Wednesday Confirmation Club. High School (Youth Room): Team teachers lead teens in Bible study and Christian life discussion topics. Young Families and Couples Class (Room 6): Bible study and Christian life discussion topics of interest to the group.