Family Preschool is a true village for the 21st century, connecting participating families and forging lasting friendships and support networks. As we navigate this time of transition through the pandemic, please note that not all programs may be as described on the website, which reflects our typical programming.
Thank you for your understanding. For questions and clarification please email our director Sara Owens at director@familypreschool.org. No matter the allergen, we ensure that each classroom is safe for all students. For example, if one child is gluten free, then all snacks in that classroom are gluten free.
Thank you for your understanding. For questions and clarification please email our director Sara Owens at director@familypreschool.org. No matter the allergen, we ensure that each classroom is safe for all students. For example, if one child is gluten free, then all snacks in that classroom are gluten free.
Services
Family Preschool was founded in 1970 by a group of parents who recognized the need for a gentle and play-based preschool where parents and teachers worked alongside one another. They believed that a more integrated school, home, and family-life would lead to a happier, more successful child.
Family Preschool was the first preschool program in North Carolina to receive accreditation from NAEYC (National Association for the Education of Young Children).FPS, along with numerous other half-day preschools, later faced increasing fees and prohibitively burdensome NAEYC requirements, which is when and why DOPA (Durham-Orange Preschool Association) was formed.
Family Preschool was the first preschool program in North Carolina to receive accreditation from NAEYC (National Association for the Education of Young Children).FPS, along with numerous other half-day preschools, later faced increasing fees and prohibitively burdensome NAEYC requirements, which is when and why DOPA (Durham-Orange Preschool Association) was formed.
Our non-profit, non-sectarian, non-discriminatory environment focuses on supporting both children and parents as they learn and grow. We help preschool-aged children develop socially, emotionally, physically, and intellectually by providing safe, interesting and challenging play with other children of similar ages.
Family Preschool typically follows the traditional Durham Public Schools calendar, including the inclement weather closing policy, however FPS will be making independent decisions this year to be communicated by the director. Children must comply with the immunization schedule of the State of North Carolina.
Family Preschool is committed to offering the best preschool education in Durham. As part of that goal, we hire only the best teachers to be a part of our family. We hire teachers who are experienced, have training in the educational philosophies we embrace, and who are equally committed to our children and their development.
Our school was recently recognized as one of only 100 Durham employers that have been certified as providing a living wage for their employees. The Durham Living Wage Project recognizes businesses that pay their employees at least 70 percent more than the federal and state minimum wage of $7.25 per hour.
Reviews (12)
Charles K.
Dec 27, 2018
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My two girls both went here from age 2 to 5. They had a wonderful time and made great friends. The emphasis on play is spectacular and they got a tremendous number of great experiences. The way the parents are involved also taught me ways I could become a better father. I highly, highly recommend Family Preschool.
John Mogensen
Oct 17, 2017
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My children attended Family Preschool (FPS) for two years. It is such an amazing school. The teachers are great and the playground is fantastic. The co-operative model gave me a chance to spend some time with my children in the school environment. I was able to watch them interact with the other children and teachers, participate in the school activities and grow throughout the years. The 3+ year-old class uses a project based learning approach which means there are large culminations several times a year where all of the families attend and the children's work & experiences are put on display
Vanessa DeRocco
Sep 03, 2017
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Maria Magher
Aug 11, 2017
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We loved our experience with Family Preschool! It's such a warm, nurturing environment that helped our daughter thrive. The teachers are fantastic, and they are supportive of both parents and students, helping to share strategies for success. They want to see children grow both academically and emotionally, and they help kids and parents find ways to make that happen. Parents get a chance to be personally involved in the growth of the school and of their children's education. As someone who is non-religious, I also really appreciated having a school that offered a quality and totally secular education
Avery Guynn
Jun 19, 2016
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Our son attended Family Preschool for four wonderful years. A true love of learning and enthusiasm was carefully and lovingly developed by the teachers there. The play and projected based approach allowed for him to think creatively and critically in a collaborative setting. The teachers and director are experienced, committed, passionate and truly love the children as their own. The transparency and parent involvement was a great experience as a first time mom; the teachers modeled how to truly respect children and communicate effectively. I found support and fellowship with many of the other
Elizabeth Snyder
Oct 20, 2015
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We have had a great experience with both our kids at Family Preschool. The teachers are great and there is a wonderful sense of community. The teachers really take the time to teach the kids tools for communicating. They excel at providing the social/emotional skills that will allow kids to thrive as they get older. The co-op model has allowed us to really be involved and form great friendships.
Rose S.
Jul 29, 2015
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Our son just finished his fourth and final year at Family Preschool and every year he spent there was a gift. The caring and attuned teachers are second to none, and provided a crucial anchor for him during several bumps in the road at home including the birth of a little sister and an injury to a parent that threw us off track for several months. The play based model also provides what research shows that children need at this stage of development: lots of free play and opportunities for exploration!
We loved the co-op model which allowed us to watch our son grow socially and get to know the
We loved the co-op model which allowed us to watch our son grow socially and get to know the
El Fisseha
Aug 07, 2014
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I have sent two children to Family Preschool and have had the pleasure of being part of this wonderful community for the past 6 years. The teachers, curriculum and quality of education (social and academic) at this school are stellar. The learning experience is play based which allows children to learn through "doing" rather than "hearing about" in a way they thoroughly enjoy. While the families change somewhat every year I have always found the community to be friendly and welcoming. Family Preschool has provided a social network for both my children and me, allowing us to form lasting memories
Naomi Ann
Dec 19, 2013
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My family was a part of Family Preschool for 6 years. Not only was it an education for my children but for me as a parent as well. I learned so much through the nurturing community -- both parents and teachers. It truly became a second family. My oldest child is now in 3rd grade and not only remembers her experiences at FPS but still maintains close friendships with classmates from when she was 2. This is a truly special and magical school.
Allison Coovadia
Sep 26, 2013
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We LOVE Family Preschool! I can think of no better place for our three children to attend preschool. The teachers are wonderful. They truly understand how to talk with children and bring out the best in them. Being a cooperative preschool, the Family Preschool community has become a second family for us. The community potlucks, impromptu playdates, parent workshops and parent nights out are full of fun and laughter. The friendships my family have developed over the last four years will last us a lifetime. I look forward to the next four years at Family Preschool as my youngest grows. Family Preschool
Kim Fraser
Sep 23, 2013
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Our youngest daughter attended Family Preschool for three years and my only regret is that we didn't know about FPS earlier so that our two older girls could have gone there, too. The FPS teachers are truly outstanding, the community of kids and parents is warm and inclusive, and I love that it's a co-op where parent participation is welcomed. (My daughter always loved my "helping parent" days, and I did, too.) Our daughter was completely fearless and well-prepared by the time we had to send her to kindergarten, and we've ended up with a group of friends that we wouldn't have made otherwise. I
Jennifer A.
Feb 11, 2011
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Our youngest daughter has attended Family Preschool (FPS) for over a year. She loves school and we love FPS. The teachers are a dedicated, experienced, caring group of early childhood educators.
FPS is a co-op and we appreciate the opportunity to be active participants in her education. It's fun to go to preschool! Our family has made wonderful friendships at FPS and it truly is a community. We will be sad when it is time for kindergarten but we know we will have made lasting friendships.
FPS is a co-op and we appreciate the opportunity to be active participants in her education. It's fun to go to preschool! Our family has made wonderful friendships at FPS and it truly is a community. We will be sad when it is time for kindergarten but we know we will have made lasting friendships.
