Preschool at Fredericksburg Christian School

Ages 3–4

Getting ready for kindergarten through play-based learning.

Now that you have a preschooler, you’re probably considering all of the things you’d like your child to accomplish before they start kindergarten — the ability to communicate well, make friends easily, work well with others, and love learning. It’s important to you that their learning environment is both safe and welcoming, so your little one can confidently gain the academic and social skills needed for future success.

Our preschool programs are anchored in Christ and designed to encourage exploration and skill development, giving children a solid foundation for kindergarten. We offer both full and half-day programs, as well as before and after care, giving families lots of options. Below, you’ll find a brief overview of what we offer, including:

To get the best feel for our preschool programs, we encourage you to visit. To experience FCS for yourself, you can schedule a visit. You can also contact our admissions office at (540) 373-5355 or admissions@gofcs.org with any questions you may have. 

Explore. Play. Excel.

THE LEARNING ENVIRONMENT AT FCS

We partner with parents to create a supportive, nurturing environment that meets young learners where they are. We believe in intentional alignment between home and school, so children are learning consistent lessons.

INSIDE OUR PRESCHOOL CLASSROOMS, YOU WILL FIND:

Teacher helping boy read

Lots of participation and patience: Teachers help preschoolers learn to listen attentively, practice sharing and taking turns, and raising their hand before speaking.

Small class sizes: Learners feel cared for and known through individualized attention and small group instruction.

Class activity
Creative lessons

Enrichment activities such as art and music foster creativity, imagination, and fine and gross motor skills.

Teaching a lesson

Preschool Programs

Parents have the flexibility to choose a program that is right for their child’s learning needs and their family’s schedule.

  1. Half-days are from 8:15 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
  2. Full-days are from 8:15 a.m. – 3:15 p.m.

PreK3 and PreK4 students must be potty trained. The date used for determining a student’s age regarding grade is September 30.

PreK3

  • 2 days a week (Tue & Thu)
  • 3 days a week (M/W/F)
  • 5 days a week

PreK4

  • 3 days a week (M/W/F)
  • 5 days a week
Creative play

Before & Extended Care

Our before and after school program provides children time for extra play and socialization. Activities include outdoor play, snack time, crafts, and activities.

  • Before: 6:30 a.m. – 8:15 a.m. 
  • Extended Day: 12:30 p.m. – 3:15 p.m. 
  • After School Care: 3:15 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.

Is your child ready for success?

Everyone from the administration to the bus drivers has the heart of every student as their number one priority. In addition to an amazing education, starting in PreK3, they teach the importance of manners, obedience, and self-control. They continue these lessons throughout the child’s education.

KAREN SMITH

WHY OUR SCHOOL?

A Solid Foundation

In addition to reading aloud, teachers encourage the students to explain what’s happening in the pictures and ask them simple comprehension questions. Preschoolers work on writing skills by telling stories with their drawings or by free-writing. Pre-writing progresses from pictures and scribbles to letters and spelling actual words.

An early understanding of math is established through the use of calendars and games. Learners begin to count, understand one-to-one correspondence, and make connections between numerals and quantities. Preschoolers learn to sort items according to different attributes — they use shapes to create designs and build structures. They play games that involve planning and strategy to develop their logical thinking abilities.

At the preschool level, core skills are developed in:

  • Math
  • Science
  • Reading Readiness
  • Phonetic Skills

Learning through Play

Young children primarily learn through play. FCS preschoolers enjoy imaginative, social activities, such as pretending to cook, play house, and clean; dress-up and dramatic play, like playing with puppets; sensory play, such as a sand and water table; and creative arts.

Establishing and Building on Literacy Skills

Expect lots and lots of reading at FCS! Learners “read” independently as well as together with group storytime. One of the most important aspects of language development for young children is being read to, so it’s a big part of our preschool program.

Gross and Fine Motor Skills Development

Gross motor skills are worked on with lots of physical activity, such as playing with balls, climbing, crawling through tunnels, and working on balance. Fine motor skills are sharpened with activities like stringing beads, assembling puzzles, and building towers with blocks or legos.

Outside Exploration

Time outdoors is essential for healthy development. Preschoolers enjoy both structured and unstructured outdoor play. Classroom lessons sometimes move outside, giving space for hands-on learning and exploration.

Understanding the World Around Them

From planting a garden to taking care of a class pet or going on an outdoor bug hunt, preschoolers get an early introduction to science as they explore their world tactually, kinesthetically, auditorily, and visually.

Smiling students

I have watched my shy, quiet little boy turn into a confident, beaming-with-pride little man while attending FCS Preschool.  

PRESCHOOL PARENT

The classrooms are thoughtfully laid out with numerous areas for self-exploration and group play that cater to the children’s varying interests.

PRESCHOOL GRANDPARENT

Our three children left FCS Preschool extremely well prepared — spiritually, academically, and socially — for kindergarten.

PRESCHOOL PARENT

See for Yourself!

Schedule an in-person tour of our preschool program by visiting our online scheduler, and see firsthand why so many Fredericksburg and Stafford families choose FCS for their little ones.