Big Wood School Preschool Program
Big Wood School offers full day or half day preschool for children 18 months of age to five years old, as well as an after-school Kids’ Club for Kindergarteners coming from local Elementary schools. The mission of Big Wood School is to provide a quality, well-rounded education, promote the development of social skills, and create an environment for the teaching of Christian values and practices. This is accomplished on a day-to-day basis, all within a fun, loving atmosphere where children feel safe, valued, and inspired to learn.
At Big Wood School, learning unfolds through four core pillars that guide everything we do: Academic Foundations, Faith Formation, Nature Connection, and Play-Based Discovery Education. Together, these elements form a holistic, balanced approach that supports each child’s intellectual, emotional, and spiritual growth.
Our learning extends far beyond the classroom. Throughout the year, our calendar is filled with school-wide events and themed enrichment weeks that build excitement, curiosity, creativity, and community. Events such as Science Week, Dental Health Week, and It’s Okay to Be Different Week deepen understanding and spark meaningful discussion, while our Pumpkin Patch & Fall Festival, Thanksgiving Family Feast, Christmas Carols & Cookies, and Annual Gallery Walk celebrate the joy of tradition, creativity, and togetherness. Each of these experiences reflects our belief that learning should be active, joyful, and rooted in connection — to God, to nature, and to one another.
Academic Foundations
Our academic program introduces foundational concepts in language arts, math, and science through engaging, age-appropriate lessons that connect to each week’s theme. Teachers design experiences that invite children to wonder, explore, and discover — from hands-on experiments and creative storytelling to early problem-solving and sensory play. Learning takes place in small groups where teachers can observe, guide, and tailor instruction to each child’s pace and interests. To make learning come alive, we also incorporate field trips to local points of interest, where children can see classroom concepts in action and connect their learning to the world around them.
Faith Formation
Christian faith is woven into daily life at Big Wood School. Through Bible stories, songs, prayer, and lessons in kindness and respect, children learn that they are deeply loved by God and are encouraged to share that love through compassion, honesty, and service to others. Our goal is to help students build a foundation of faith that inspires confidence, gratitude, and empathy in all they do.
Nature Connection
We view nature as one of our greatest teachers. Children spend meaningful time outdoors — exploring, playing, observing, and discovering the beauty of God’s creation. Our nature-based learning fosters curiosity, sensory awareness, and stewardship, encouraging children to care for the world around them and appreciate the wonders of each season.
Play-Based Discovery
Play is at the heart of everything we do. We believe children learn best through active exploration, imagination, and joy. Our teachers follow the interests of each child, designing activities that spark curiosity and independence. Through guided play, art, music, storytelling, and collaboration, children build problem-solving skills, creativity, and confidence — while learning to navigate social interactions with empathy and respect.
Programs
Half Day (8:00 am-12:15 pm) and Full Day (8:00 am-4:00 pm) are available for children ages 18 months through pre-Kindergarten. Children are involved in small groups which focus on the use of manipulative and experiential learning for concept and physical development. Social and emotional skills are promoted through the development of life skills, loving mentoring relationships with teachers, supervised play, and the use of positive discipline- providing positive choices, developing respect for each other, using natural and logical consequences, and developing problem solving abilities.
Our afternoons include a lunch period, a nap option, a large motor program, developmental art, instrumental music and rhythms, free exploration stations, and outdoor play.
