First Presbyterian Church School

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!
--Submitted by a parent

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.
--Submitted by a teacher

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.
--Submitted by a parent

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.
--Submitted by a parent

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.
--Submitted by a parent

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.
--Submitted by a parent

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.
--Submitted by a parent

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.
--Submitted by a parent

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.
--Submitted by a parent

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!
--Submitted by a parent