Hope Lutheran Preschool
A joyful, Christ-centered preschool where children grow through play, discovery, friendship, and faith. At Hope, learning is hands-on, relationships matter, and every child is known and loved.
Ages 3–5 Years
- Program Options: Half-Day & Full-Day
- Extended Care: Morning Early Care & Afternoon Enrichment
- School Year Program
- Christian-Based Curriculum
Enrollment
“Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward.” — Psalm 127:3
Overview
Hope Lutheran Preschool is a ministry of Hope Lutheran Church and a place where children grow academically, socially, emotionally, physically, and spiritually.
We believe preschool should feel safe, joyful, and engaging. Our classrooms are structured yet flexible, giving children the freedom to explore while building strong foundations for kindergarten and beyond.
Through play, stories, learning centers, music, art, Bible lessons, and Chapel, children learn how to think, create, cooperate, and care for others.
At Hope, we don’t just prepare children for school — we help them grow in confidence, independence, and character.
Approach to Learning:
Children are naturally curious, and we recognize the essential role of play in their development. At Hope Lutheran Preschool, we use an emergent curriculum to foster a love of learning and support children's exploration of the world around them. Our classrooms are intentionally designed to provide a safe, engaging environment where children feel confident asking questions, solving problems, and collaborating with peers. We meet children at their developmental stage and guide them toward their next steps in learning. In our faith-based setting, we introduce age-appropriate Bible stories, incorporate songs and finger plays into worship and encourage daily prayer. Our goal is to nurture the whole child and lay the foundation for lifelong learning.
Classroom Structure:
Large group times in the morning and afternoon help build classroom community and provide opportunities to share and reflect on daily activities. Small group times allow teachers to work closely with 1-3 children, introducing early literacy, math, and writing concepts. We incorporate Learning Without Tears and Second Step to enrich these learning experiences.
Throughout the day, children freely explore materials in designated centers, with each classroom offering five to eight exploration areas. Center materials are rotated regularly to support ongoing learning and align with current investigative topics.
Faith is woven naturally into our daily rhythm.
Children participate in:
- Age-appropriate Bible stories
- Songs from the “One in Christ” curriculum
- Simple prayers
- Weekly Chapel gatherings
Christian values are not treated as a separate subject — they shape how we speak, solve problems, care for one another, and celebrate growth.
We welcome families of all backgrounds while remaining clearly Christ-centered in our teaching and relationships.
Our goal is to prepare the whole child — academically, socially, emotionally, and spiritually.
A Hope Preschool student grows in the ability to:
- Listen and follow directions
- Recognize letters, sounds, and patterns
- Express ideas clearly
- Share, cooperate, and problem-solve
- Adjust to routine changes
- Complete tasks independently
- Take pride in their work
We build confidence, independence, and foundational academic skills through developmentally appropriate practice.
Our Extended Enrichment program provides a safe, nurturing afternoon experience for children enrolled in extended care.
This time is intentionally structured to balance rest, movement, and continued learning in a relaxed setting.
Children experience:
- Lunch & Social Time – Students enjoy a nut-free lunch from home while building friendships and practicing independence.
- Rest & Quiet Time – A calm period that allows children to recharge and reset for the afternoon.
- Outdoor Play – Daily outdoor time encourages healthy movement and social interaction.
- Centers & Exploration – Continued hands-on learning through art, building, dramatic play, and creative activities.
- Special Activities – Seasonal projects, themed enrichment, and engaging experiences that extend classroom learning.
Extended Enrichment allows families greater flexibility while ensuring children remain in a consistent, caring environment throughout the day.
Classes & Fees
Hope Lutheran Preschool offers class options for 3, 4 and 5-year-olds. All spaces are on a first come, first serve basis. An application will not be accepted without a registration fee, which is non-refundable and non-transferable except when space is not available for your child. Multiple child discounts will be given.
3-year-olds
3 Year Old Classes meet from 8:30am to 12:00pm. Children must be 3 years old by August 31st to enroll.
| Days | Registration | Monthly |
|---|---|---|
| Mon - Fri | $393.00 | $393.00 |
| Mon/Wed/Fri | $324.00 | $324.00 |
| Tue/Thu | $292.00 | $292.00 |
4-5 year-olds
4 Year Old Classes meet from 8:30am to 12:30pm. Children must be 4 years old by August 31st to enroll. The 4/5 Class is designed for an extra year of growth in all areas for older 4’s and younger 5’s before entering kindergarten. Children in the 4 and 4/5 year old classes, as well as those who stay for Extended Enrichment Afternoons, will need to bring a nut-free lunch from home. All 4 and 4/5 classes will be preparing for Kindergarten.
| Days | Registration | Monthly |
|---|---|---|
| Mon - Fri | $393.00 | $393.00 |
Early Care (7am - 8:15am)
Mornings from 7am - 12pm
| Days | Monthly |
|---|---|
| 1 | $70.00 |
| 2 | $104.00 |
| 3 | $138.00 |
| 4 | $171.00 |
| 5 | $205.00 |
Extended Enrichments
Afternoons from 12pm - 5pm
| Days | Monthly |
|---|---|
| 1 | $125.00 |
| 2 | $213.00 |
| 3 | $301.00 |
| 4 | $390.00 |
| 5 | $478.00 |
Enrollment
We’re excited to welcome new families each school year and look forward to partnering with you as your child begins (or continues) their preschool journey at Hope.
Registration opens in phases:
- Current Preschool & Little Blessings Families – January 5, 2026
- Hope Lutheran Church Members – January 12, 2026
- Community Families – January 29, 2026
Classes are filled on a first-come, first-served basis, and many reach capacity quickly. We encourage families to review class options in advance and be ready to register when their enrollment window opens.
To join our waitlist, please call the preschool at 919-453-0388 or email us at preschool@hopelutheranwf.org.
Parent Partnership
At Hope Preschool, we believe children thrive when families and teachers work together.
We value open communication, consistency, and shared goals as we walk alongside families during these important early years. Through regular updates, classroom communication, school calendars, and conferences, we strive to keep parents informed and connected.
Our desire is not only to teach your child, but to support your family as a whole — creating a community where children feel secure, encouraged, and known.
Current Family Resources
Schedules & Communication
Policies & Procedures
- 2025-2026 Handbook
- Extended Enrichment
- Lunch Procedures
- Snack Procedures
- Nut-Free Snack Suggestions
- Inclement Weather Policy
FAQs
Does my family have to be Christian for my child to attend Hope?
No. We welcome families from all backgrounds. Hope Preschool is a Christ-centered program, and we share Bible stories, prayer, and Christian values as part of our daily rhythm. Our goal is to reflect God’s love in the way we teach, guide, and care for every child.
What is Developmentally Appropriate Practice (DAP)?
Developmentally Appropriate Practice means we meet children where they are — emotionally, socially, and academically. Every child grows at their own pace, and our teachers thoughtfully guide each student toward achievable goals while encouraging confidence and independence. We challenge children in ways that are meaningful, supportive, and age-appropriate.
What are social skills, and why are they important?
Social skills are the building blocks of both school success and lifelong relationships. At Hope, children learn how to communicate using words and body language, share, take turns, listen, solve conflicts, and show kindness. These everyday interactions help build confidence, empathy, and readiness for elementary school and beyond.
How does Hope Preschool prepare children for elementary school?
We focus on the whole child. Through hands-on learning, structured routines, and guided play, children develop early literacy and math skills, practice self-control, grow in independence, and learn how to follow directions and complete tasks. We aim to build confident, capable learners who are ready for kindergarten both academically and socially.
What is Jesus Time?
Jesus Time introduces children to prayer, Bible stories, songs, and conversations about God’s love. It is presented in age-appropriate ways that are joyful, engaging, and centered on kindness, gratitude, and faith.
Why is play an important part of learning?
Play is one of the most powerful ways young children learn. Through guided play, children develop creativity, problem-solving skills, imagination, and social awareness. Play helps children make sense of their world and often leads to those exciting “aha” moments when understanding clicks into place.
What is theme-based learning?
Theme-based learning allows children to explore topics in meaningful and engaging ways. Themes may include seasons, community helpers, animals, shapes, senses, or other age-appropriate subjects. Teachers build activities around these themes to connect learning across reading, math, science, art, and discussion.
What are fine motor skills?
Fine motor skills involve the small muscles in the hands and fingers. Activities like cutting, lacing, coloring, drawing, eating, and buttoning clothing help strengthen these muscles and prepare children for writing and other important tasks.
What happens during center time?
Center time allows children to explore different areas of the classroom in small groups. They may choose dramatic play, art, blocks, reading, science, or writing activities. Teachers guide learning within each center, encouraging creativity, cooperation, and skill development in a hands-on environment.
Meet the Staff
Sarah Cutler
Assistant Director
