First Presbyterian Church News
Q & A With the Day School Task Force
Why start a full-day school?
Conversations about a full-day school began shortly after COVID, when the Finance Committee formed a task force to explore alternative revenue sources for the church. At that time, the timing was not right to move forward. As the church prepared for a significant budget deficit entering 2025, the Finance Committee asked the Session to revisit the idea of a full-day program. While financial sustainability prompted renewed exploration, the Day School is also rooted in mission, integrating education into the life of the church, providing a high-quality option for working families, and creating opportunities for children and parents to engage more fully in church life beyond the school day.
What happens to Presbyterian Weekday School and Mother's Morning Out?
Mother's Morning Out will still offer infant and toddler classes, and Presbyterian Weekday School will continue to provide six half-day classes for two-, three-, and four-year-olds. While the physical footprint of the programs will change, families seeking half-day options can expect the same high-quality, Christian-centered programming.
How will the Day School affect building use?
Plans call for up to 15 full-day classes serving infants through five-year-olds. The total capacity for both programs will be approximately 300 children: 200 (full-day) and 100 (half-day). This will require the use of the entire downstairs level of the church. As a result, the choir room and several Sunday School classrooms will be relocated. The Task Force is already meeting with affected groups. Final relocation decisions will be made in the first quarter of 2026. During the week, the Fellowship Hall will serve as a lunch and indoor activity space when the weather requires. When the Fellowship Hall is needed for non-school functions, children will eat lunch in their classrooms.
What building changes are needed?
The Task Force has consulted with daycare experts, the City Fire Marshal, and the County Building Inspector. Their assessment affirmed that the church’s facilities are in excellent condition. Planned updates include subdividing three large classrooms in the current choir hallway to create six classrooms, adding boys’ and girls’ restrooms in that hallway, and making minor playground improvements such as an additional gate, new sidewalks, and small concrete repairs for accessibility. Updates will also be made to fire and safety systems, signage, and security cameras. The Fellowship Hall flooring will be replaced with a hard surface, with careful attention to soundproofing.
How will start-up costs be funded, and will the Day School be profitable?
Building improvements are currently estimated at $250,000, with contractor bids to be gathered in early 2026. Classroom furnishings and equipment are estimated at $150,000–$175,000, based on state guidelines. An additional $75,000 is projected for staffing and other pre-opening costs, bringing total start-up expenses to approximately $500,000. Session has approved using church reserves to fund the project, and the Task Force is grateful to share that two anonymous gifts totaling $250,000 have already been received.
While it may take a few years to reach full enrollment, the Day School is expected to generate revenue beyond expenses from the beginning by carefully managing enrollment. At full capacity, the program is projected to contribute more than $400,000 annually to support other ministries of First Presbyterian Church.