First Presbyterian Church School

Posted: September 23, 2016

Posted: September 23, 2016

Posted: September 23, 2016

Posted: September 23, 2016

Posted: September 23, 2016

Posted: September 23, 2016

Posted: September 23, 2016

This is our fifth year at First Presbyterian Church School and we are thrilled with the quality of education, loving and sharp teachers, supportive family community, visionary leadership, challenging and well-rounded curriculum, and character development. Our child is not only learning facts and the standard elementary course of learning, but is also learning how to study, how to think (not just what to think), the importance of character, and the interconnectedness of all that he is learning. We couldn't ask for a better school for our child. We are now huge fans of the classical Christian model of education and would recommend the school to any family looking for a liberal arts-based, faith-centered education for their child. We're excited for what's in store for the school in its next season!

Posted: June 25, 2015

My children have attended First Presbyterian Church School for 10 years - there is not one other school that I would ever consider! Our school may be little - but it is mighty in the power of education and in the strength it provides for children, and their parents! I can feel secure in sending my child to a school where they are safe - emotionally, physically, and mentally. I know that they are being treated with kindness, respect, and that my values are not only respected but encouraged! My children excell in all areas of educational focus - from mathmatics to history to reading I can feel secure in knowing that when they graduate and leave FPCS they will be ahead academically. Private school is not for everyone - if someone desires to simply drop their child off and not "deal" with the education of their child, or the situations that may arise for them, this is not the place for them! It is for individuals interested in participating in the education of their children, interested in participating in the growth of their children, and invested in their growth, development, and accountability.

Posted: June 25, 2015

The teachers at First Presbyterian Church School are a class act! They have been known to spend personal time to assist a child with learning challenges, and have spent equitable time creating programs and learning experiences for those that are academically advanced.

Posted: June 25, 2015

Posted: June 25, 2015

As part of the curriculum at FPCS a focus on Christ and His teachings are included. The children are encouraged to learn of Him and make choices according to His teachings, thus providing an environment where individual personalities are cherished and fostered.

Posted: January 22, 2015

This is a wonderful school community with great teachers and a head of school who actually understands what a christian classical education entails. I think the people who are unhappy with the changes should actually figure out why they have their child at a classical school if they do not agree with the classical curriculum or methods of learning. When I have met with the new head of school, he has been more than happy to engage in conversation and answer questions or address concerns. The teachers I have spoken to have also shared how they feel supported by and confident in the new head of school after previous years of this not being the case. My children are loved and cared for by their teachers who really pass on the joy of learning. Choosing a school can be so hard, but we are glad we chose FPCS.

Posted: August 7, 2014

FPCS is a strong academic school that offers an excellent classical education to students from 18 months old through 5th grade. Elementary students engage in learning with an Art, Music, and Latin Specialist. As a staff member, I am blessed and proud to work here. And as a parent, I couldn't ask for a better education and loving environment for my daughter.

Posted: May 8, 2014

It is tragic to see this once prominent private school going in such a horrific direction. The new Headmaster is unengaged and way out of his league. You can see the results as the teachers grow more disenfranchised and the parents and students more frustrated. The new cirucculum has no continuity from year to year and is based on learn, repeat, repeat, repeat, repeat, repeat. Lot's of parents opting out for next school year. Very sad as most of the teachers are super amazing people who truly love and care for each child in their class. Hoping the School Board will step in before it is too late.

Posted: December 3, 2013

Recently this school has undergone many new changes including a new head of school. There have been changes in curriculum and it is NOT the school it used to be. Unfortunately the changes of late have been anything but stellar.

Posted: September 5, 2012

First Pres. is an outstanding school! With the absolute most amazingly, loving, understanding and thoughtful teachers I've ever encountered. All 3 of my children attend/attended the wonderful preschool. During preschool they learn social skills, their letters and numbers, how to recognize and spell their names, and so much more. It is a fantastic foundation for any child beginning their school career. We continued on with my oldest into the elementary school and currently still have 2 in the preschool. The elementary school has nice small class sizes, where the children develop long lasting friendships. The parent community is very welcoming and friendly on both the preschool and elementary sides. I would've gladly given a 5 star ranking, but I do believe their are a handful of flaws with the administration and head of school. Both could stand to run the school a bit more efficiantly and possibly have a stronger protocol in place. But, that said ALL schools have their flaws and I am very thankful my children get the opportunity to attend First Pres. I am proud of our little school and know my kids have a great foundation to their education.

Posted: January 18, 2012

FPCS has been a great experience for both my kids. I just we could find the same quality of teachers and education at a reasonable tuition after 5th grade! My youngest is in 5th grade this year, and we are sad to be leaving the school. It's the best deal in Tacoma!

Posted: November 30, 2011

First Presbyterian Church School has an excellent learning environment which nurtures students academically and spiritually. Lessons and curriculum are designed to give students tools for success and trains young people to think critically. These young individuals will have the resources to meet the challenges the world today offers. Each classroom in the Elementary wing has its own library which includes classical as well as contemporary literature to expand young minds and excite learners about the world around them. The partnership between parents, educators, and leadership is positive and each works to ensure a child's success academically, and socially. The playground and equipment is designed to strengthen large motor skill development and provides opportunity for creative and imaginative play. Teachers are present and alert monitors of children during recess and are aware of the safety of the children at all times. At First Presbyterian Church School children are nurtured and loved with respect and an awareness of individual needs and learning styles.

Posted: November 29, 2011

This has been an outstanding school for our elementary aged daughter and our family. The education is well-rounded and focused on the whole child and my daughter feels very loved by all of her teachers and the principal who greets each student every morning! She is flourishing in the arts, especially drama, and is now more comfortable in front of others with the monthly oral presentations and recitations that are done in class. The academics are very challenging and she works hard, but she loves it! They integrate the history, literature, science, Bible and art together and it's been a wonderful way for her to learn. My extended family is impressed by her knowledge base and her vocabulary. I am truly grateful for this excellent school.

Posted: November 20, 2011

I have had my children at FPCS for 10 years - and would not have them ANY OTHER PLACE! The environment is warm and loving - the teachers are stellar and the education is FIRST RATE! After graduation from First Prebyterian, my oldest child found himself to be ahead academically and prepared to encounter middle school. The projects, attention to subject matter, in depth opportunities for learning and growth - all focused on the concept of the classical education model - and excell above and beyond general education. Our family has been the benefactor of love, friendship, service, kindness, and community at First Presbyterian Church School. Anyone looking for a community for their child will find just that - a community of loving families, good people, and forever friendships. There isn't enough room to post the entirety of my feelings for this little lovely heaven in the city.

Posted: November 20, 2011

Our son had a wonderful years of pre-school at FPCS that prepared him for success at his current public school. His teachers were loving, well-organized and always focused on learning outcomes, without ever overlooking the unique needs and gifts of the children. Our son's academic and social confidence grew substantially at FPCS, and he reflects often and fondly on the teachers, projects, field trips and friends that influenced him there.

Posted: November 19, 2011

We have been at FPCS for 9 years, and I can attest to the great Classical Christian education that my children have received from preschool through 5th grade! Check out the school's ITBS scores - they are a true testament to the quality of the teachers and the administration. FPCS is on the cutting edge of technology with an Ipad lab in the elementary school which no other local schools have! The recess area is a little open though it is gated, however others fail to mention that adults are always present. I have seen school faculty direct people that they cannot cut thru the courtyard during school hours. Our children are quite safe. As for the complaints about withdrawal fees, parents are well aware of this policy or should be prior to registration if they read the paperwork! This school is a non profit entity and is hardly looking to line their pockets! The problem is when they have to turn away other prospective students if a class is fully registered. Any negative comments here are purely a case of sour grapes! Please check out FPCS for yourself-you will not be disappointed. My children are truly nurtured and loved and will leave here prepared to thrive at any other school.

Posted: November 19, 2011

I have several children that attend this school and the curriculum is top notch. My children s classes all have scored in the 90th percentile in ITBS testing every year. The teachers are nurturing and the administration is concerned with the kids becoming well rounded members of society. The arts are stressed and the classes have weekly specialists for art, music, physical education, Spanish and science. The community of families is great as well. During the year there are family movie nights, a Harvest Festival, and an end of year barbeque to name a few of the events. I highly recommend this school to anyone.

Posted: November 18, 2011

My Child has attended FPCS for 7 years now. It is true they are working on the library and there is hot lunch only one day a week. However, the loving environment and education has been fantastic. The last two years my child's ITBS scores were in the top 5% of the entire country. They are extremely accommodating of family issues. The tuition is very reasonable relative to the excellent curriculum. The head of school is wonderful, knows each child personally and is at the door every morning greeting the kids and parents. This other reviewer is wacky - I believe the head of school has a phd in education and is a gem. If you are considering this school, talk to the office about sitting in on the kid's weekly chapel service. You will leave impressed.

Posted: November 1, 2011

My child went to FPCS for many years. After many terrible experiences, we pulled our child out. Not once we were we ever late on a tuition payment, yet, when we pulled our child out, I received a letter demanding a 10% withdrawl fee payment in full and if it was not paid within 2 weeks, I would be sent to collections. Disappointing on many levels.

Posted: October 18, 2011

Very unhealthy enviroment for our child. Situations are not handled properly, Negative social skill teachings in such a small school. The playground is very, very small and right next to the street, easy access through the gates and there are so many times throughout the day when the gates were open. Very scary for us. Less than impressed with the leadership. No computer labs, no library. My child left the school very behind in academics. Our child is caught up now and thriving. Our child is no longer attending FIrst Presbyterian School doing beautifully now!

Posted: October 13, 2011

First Presbyterian Church School is not who they claim to be. The teachers are excellent but the administration side of the house needs cleaned out. The head of school lacks experience and doesn't have any background in administration or education.

Posted: August 9, 2011

I paid 2011-12 tuition on August 3 and tried to cancel it on August 10th because we unexpectedly bought a house over the weekend. I accepted that the $165 registration fee was non-refundable, but the school continued to bill me another $240 for withdrawing. Mind you, $405 later, my son did not attend a single day of school for that school year. I would say they are more concerned will filling pockets than they are about teaching and extending Christian values.

Posted: February 19, 2007

Posted: October 30, 2006