Communication and connection with families
We believe strong relationships with families play an integral part in nurturing the whole child. These connections develop before your child even begins their first day. Through intake meetings, campus playdates, and a home visit, we gain a deeper understanding of your child and you have the opportunity to get to know us as well.
In addition to scheduled parent-teacher conferences, Kim and the teachers are available on an ongoing basis to answer questions and talk about how to support your child’s development and goals. The First School provides a weekly photo recap for each campus and a weekly newsletter with important news, updates, and events.
Community
Celebrating traditions
Learning about different cultures and religions promotes understanding and tolerance. Parents are invited to come share traditions and other special aspects of their family culture. From Chinese New Year to Holi to Rosh Hashanah, our community celebrations recognize cultural diversity and focus on the similarities and differences among people in open-hearted, open-minded ways.
Helping children help others
The First School involves children in helping others with hands-on experiences that foster empathy, a sense of community, and a greater understanding of our world.
Food drive with One Voice
Each November, we host an annual food drive. Children at each campus help to organize the food and load up cars. One Voice, a local non-profit, distributes our donated items to families in need at Head Start programs in our area.
Adopt-a-family with Didi Hirsh
Class groups spread holiday joy to local families in need through a gift drive organized in conjunction with local charitable organization Didi Hirsch. Each year, the case workers at Didi Hirsch are blown away by the generosity of our community.
Giving back
The First School Financial Aid Trust
An independent non-profit established in 1999, The First School Financial Aid Trust underwrites tuition for families who would otherwise be unable to attend our school. In addition to generous donations from members in our community, we organize annual fundraising events like a jog-a-thon and campus-specific movie nights. Unique among local preschools, our goal is to provide aid to 10-15% of families, focusing on those with demonstrated financial need across diverse backgrounds.