PRESCHOOL HOURS 8:45 AM-2:15 PM
Welcome to The Ark Preschool
The Ark Preschool is an extention of the ministry of the First United Methodist Church of Rockwall. Our purpose is to provide a nurturing environment for early childhood education for children ages 2 to 5 years old. We emphasize our students' social and emotional development while offering enriching, hands-on experiences within a Christian community.
Programs
Why Choose The Ark Preschool?
COMMUNITY
The Ark Preschool has had a longstanding presence in the Rockwall community since 1987.
We follow the Rockwall ISD school calendar with a few exceptions, allowing families & teachers to coordinate schedules with RISD students.
Teachers complete a minimum of 24 hours of Staff Development training each school year, complete a background check & keep current in the area of Pediatric CPR and Pediatric First Aid training. 4-and 5 year-old classrooms include at least 1 teacher with a teaching certificate or a degree in Early Childhood Education.
All classes conclude each weekly unit with a Special Event. These events not only unite our community but also provide valuable real-world experiences for our students.
COGNITIVE ENGAGEMENT
We maintain low student-to-teacher ratios to ensure personalized attention for each student. This gives teachers the opportunity to better understand each student’s individual needs, creating stronger relationships and a more supportive learning environment.
Twos Programs- 10:2
Threes Programs-
11:2 (Building A), 12:2 (Building B)
Fours & Fives Programs- 16:2
Our structured curriculum highlights the joy of learning with hands-on experiences. We integrate the multi-sensory Zoo-phonics program throughout our school while Handwriting Without Tears & Pre-K Math are utilized in the Pre-K classes.
All classes participate in weekly Bible Story lessons and Fruit of the Spirit activities to grow their understanding of God and the world we live in.
CURIOSITY
We offer an upgraded turf playground, and a dedicated indoor play space filled with giant foam blocks for all classes to explore. Children enjoy daily outdoor learning opportunities in our Nature Center/Ark Butterfly Garden, along with exciting gross motor activities using bikes and scooters in our spacious courtyard.
Music & Movement, Music, and Move & Groove classes nurture listening skills, teamwork, cooperation, creative expression, and social interaction, all while celebrating the joy of different sounds. These sessions provide children with the chance to actively move their bodies as they participate in fun and healthy activities that not only strengthen their muscles but also
stimulate their cognitive development.
A Day At The Ark
We recognize that every child is unique, with their own individual pace & stage of development.
Through observation, we support each child’s growth: socially, emotionally, physically and cognitively. We are committed to meeting each child’s individual needs and using the most effective methods to help them thrive. We also believe building strong relationships with families is key to ensuring each child reaches their full potential.
Our curriculum is built around three core areas: Create, Imagine and Explore activities. Each area is designed to foster curiosity and creativity while helping children develop essential skills.
CREATE actvities allow children to freely experiment and construct creative pieces using a variety of materials without judgement or criticism. Whether they are painting a purple cow or building their own leprechaun trap, we celebrate their creativity and individuality. Creativity and self-expression are essential for a child's development.
IMAGINE activities are purposeful, enriching experiences that promote cognitive growth, self-expression and the practice of essential life skills. Through this type of play, children expand their vocabulary, boost self-esteem and enhance their emotional and social development. It also encourages problem-solving, preparing them for future success both in school and in life. Pretend play ignites the imagination and supports the development of crucial life skills.
EXPLORE activities give children the opportunity to dive into hands-on science and math activities, encouraging them to observe, question and discover. Through this playful exploration, children engage with one another, share ideas, and collaborate in their investigations. As they reflect on their findings together, they deepen their understanding, strengthening both their knowledge and their connections with peers and teachers. Young children are naturally curious and learn best when they have the freedom to explore. Additional activities enhancing everyday learning:Circle Time provides opportunities for group discussions, fostering communication and social skills.Readers Workshop helps children develop an appreciation and enjoyment for books and literature.Fine Motor activities support the development of small muscles and hand-eye coordination, which are key to early learning and independence.Music & Movement/ Music/ Move & Groove nurture listening skills, teamwork, cooperation, and joy through rhythm and movement.Zoo-Phonics uses a hands-on, multi-sensory approach to connect letter Sounds with Animal Names and Signals, making learning fun and accessible for every child. Bible Story activities deepen our students' understanding of God and helps them connect with the world around them.Handwriting Without Tears (4s and 5s) focuses on building good handwriting habits that will serve your child for years to come. Pre-K Math (4s and 5s) focuses on numbers and counting, sorting and classifying, shapes, measuring and comparing. Students are exposed to a variety of concepts and mathematical terms that will help them to develop the skills they need to succeed. Each class has scheduled time outdoors on the playground, in the Nature Center, and in the courtyard. These times are essential for both physical and mental development. These outdoor spaces allow children to engage their large muscle groups, strengthening coordination and helping them learn to navigate their growing bodies.
EXPLORE activities give children the opportunity to dive into hands-on science and math activities, encouraging them to observe, question and discover. Through this playful exploration, children engage with one another, share ideas, and collaborate in their investigations. As they reflect on their findings together, they deepen their understanding, strengthening both their knowledge and their connections with peers and teachers. Young children are naturally curious and learn best when they have the freedom to explore. Additional activities enhancing everyday learning:Circle Time provides opportunities for group discussions, fostering communication and social skills.Readers Workshop helps children develop an appreciation and enjoyment for books and literature.Fine Motor activities support the development of small muscles and hand-eye coordination, which are key to early learning and independence.Music & Movement/ Music/ Move & Groove nurture listening skills, teamwork, cooperation, and joy through rhythm and movement.Zoo-Phonics uses a hands-on, multi-sensory approach to connect letter Sounds with Animal Names and Signals, making learning fun and accessible for every child. Bible Story activities deepen our students' understanding of God and helps them connect with the world around them.Handwriting Without Tears (4s and 5s) focuses on building good handwriting habits that will serve your child for years to come. Pre-K Math (4s and 5s) focuses on numbers and counting, sorting and classifying, shapes, measuring and comparing. Students are exposed to a variety of concepts and mathematical terms that will help them to develop the skills they need to succeed. Each class has scheduled time outdoors on the playground, in the Nature Center, and in the courtyard. These times are essential for both physical and mental development. These outdoor spaces allow children to engage their large muscle groups, strengthening coordination and helping them learn to navigate their growing bodies.
Together, these components provide a well-rounded, interactive approach to early childhood education that supports each child'd growth & development.
What Our Families Are Saying...
"Loving. Fun. Wonderful. There are not enough words to describe what a great place this is!"
Nicole
"My children attended The Ark for a total of 7 wonderful years. Both boys LOVED going to school. Amazing teachers, hands-on learning, and age-appropriate classroom management. Wonderful curriculum, particularly Zoo-phonics. Both boys attended from age 2 to Junior Kindergarten and both left very well prepared for elementary school. I can’t say enough wonderful things. I’m only sad our journey with The Ark has come to an end."
Melinda
"The Ark is filled with people who love children and my kids could not be happier here! They are learning in a fun way and look forward to every school day!"
Megan
"The most amazing school with the best teachers. Couldn't ask for a better place for my children to learn and grow. They always have fun activities that are engaging and hands-on. My children have great memories from The Ark."
Natalie
"This is the best preschool in Rockwall. Me and my family feel blessed to have gotten spots for our children. It fills up fast! The director, teachers and staff are amazing and are truly gifted to work with children. We love everything about this school. They really prepare kids for kindergarten and cultivate a love of learning by making it fun."
Victoria
"I couldn't of been happier with The Ark Preschool!! The teachers were all amazing and my son had a fabulous year!! He learned so much! We will miss you guys greatly as we move on to Kindergarten. I highly recommend this school for anyone looking around for Pre-K!"
Jennifer
"Love this preschool! The staff is all super friendly and genuinely cares for the students. Great atmosphere, great staff and great curriculum!"
Amber
"So very thankful for all the wonderful ladies who love our kids so good."
Julia