Beginning in 1987 with a dream and a vision of providing high quality care and education, First Lutheran Church opened it's doors and heart to preschool-age children. In 1990 the church built a separate building on the property for the preschool, where we exist today. We carry our history proudly as we are well established in the community.
We are more than a preschool, we are a family. Our teacher's dedication and long-term establishment gives our preschool continuity and consistency of care that is nearly unparalleled. Turn your shopping into a force for good! Do your regular Amazon shopping at Amazon Smile and Amazon Smile will provide donations to First Lutheran Church.
We are more than a preschool, we are a family. Our teacher's dedication and long-term establishment gives our preschool continuity and consistency of care that is nearly unparalleled. Turn your shopping into a force for good! Do your regular Amazon shopping at Amazon Smile and Amazon Smile will provide donations to First Lutheran Church.
Services
First Lutheran Preschool is a licensed Preschool and School-aged Childcare Center for infants & children between the ages of 3 months through 8 years. We offer low teacher to child ratios, class continuity, and consistency in care. Our focus is the development of the whole child: physically, intellectually, and spiritually.
We now have two 2 year old classes. Our youngest 2's class offers a 1:8 ratio. The age range is newly turned 2-2.6 years. Our second 2's class is for 2.7-3 years of age. No need to be potty trained as we accept children in diapers and will assist with potty training. We focus on cognitive development as personal curiosity grows.
In our older 3's class you will see a continued variety of both child directed and Teacher directed activities. We use theme based curriculum that follows along the lines of emergent curriculum we enjoy following the child's interests in learning and focus on Math, Science, Art, Language, and Music making them all a part of our daily experience.
We operate on the same schedule as the surrounding public schools and offer a fun-filled summer program for school age children from entry into 1st grade through 4th grade. Cooking, science projects, movie days, and field trips to places like the Oakland Zoo, Martinez Marina, and Lawrence Hall of Science keep our kids entertained!
Hi, My name is Marianna Barry, best known as Miss Mari Barry and I am the Executive Director here at First Lutheran Preschool. I have been working in the child care field for over 35 years. I have two degrees; one in Computer Science, earned in 1980 and the other in Early Childhood Education which I received in 2006.
Reviews (16)
J. S.
Jul 10, 2019
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I absolutely adore this school and everything about it! The teachers and director are all fantastic! They have great hours and are always accommodating if you need to do an additional day for drop-in. My son (who is now entering 1st grade) went here and now my 2-year-old daughter goes. My son was so well prepared for Kindergarten and scored in the top of his class. I feel their program and teachers were largely to thank for that. I cannot recommend this school highly enough.
Kevin Jones
Jun 12, 2019
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Alicia D.
Jul 25, 2018
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As a previous preschool teacher and current 1st grade teacher, I believe I know education. I chose First Lutheran after visiting about a dozen preschools for a tour and asking the same questions. My daughter went here from 2 years 9 months to 5 years 4 months. She has had several teachers and been in a few classrooms. She loved her time there. I feel the education was age appropriate. The teachers are so kind and patient with the children. I also really enjoyed getting a daily picture of what my daughter was doing. It helped me have a conversation with her about her day. The director was very active
Peter F.
May 12, 2017
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Be careful sending your children to this preschool.
My son made the statement "Miss D***** doesn't hit me anymore." When I reported this to the school, he was expelled. An investigation had not even begun. This school is interested in protecting its staff, NOT the children.
I believe my son. He has no history of lying, and I could not reconcile his statements with a misunderstanding. I believe he was deliberately hit.
For a while, my son enjoyed repeating "D****** P***," the name of one of his classmates. When I brought this to the director's attention, she said
My son made the statement "Miss D***** doesn't hit me anymore." When I reported this to the school, he was expelled. An investigation had not even begun. This school is interested in protecting its staff, NOT the children.
I believe my son. He has no history of lying, and I could not reconcile his statements with a misunderstanding. I believe he was deliberately hit.
For a while, my son enjoyed repeating "D****** P***," the name of one of his classmates. When I brought this to the director's attention, she said
Paul F.
Mar 09, 2017
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Martha O.
Mar 21, 2016
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I absolutely love this school. I had been searching for preschools and daycares near my home (Antioch), near my work (Oakland) and near my commute. In 2015 my daughter went to 3 different schools until we settled on First Lutheran. This school has small class size and each class is dedicated to one age versus having a mixture of ages in one class. They operate like a family. They have good hours for working families. They even have monthly "date nights"! They have fun interactive activities for the children during the day and even activities for special occasions to include the parents
Dana Lynn G.
Jun 28, 2015
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This is not just a preschool!!! They have a school aged program during the summer!!! WE LOVE IT SOOOO MUCH!!! They have field trips like 1-4 a week!!!
They have chapel once a week. They have a VBS in the middle of the summer as part of the package if you do the week they have it.
You pay by the week and are only committed on a week to week basis. When they are closed for holidays or staff days you pay less on those weeks!! It is not like this at most other schools I could find or summer camps for that matter. This year 2015 we pay $195 a week for full time care from 6:30am to 6pm
They have chapel once a week. They have a VBS in the middle of the summer as part of the package if you do the week they have it.
You pay by the week and are only committed on a week to week basis. When they are closed for holidays or staff days you pay less on those weeks!! It is not like this at most other schools I could find or summer camps for that matter. This year 2015 we pay $195 a week for full time care from 6:30am to 6pm
Cici C.
Aug 14, 2014
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My son has been going here ever since he was 2. I am so impressed with his learning and development!!! All the staff is so loving and really care about you and your child. They are always available when you need anything from a concern to a quick question. Their tuition rates are great too! I was referred here because I was new to the area and was nervous about where I was going to send my child to school. They have made me feel so comfortable and you can tell my son loves it!!! If I could rate more than 5 stars I would!!! I recommend First Lutheran to everyone!!!
Kathy D.
Aug 30, 2012
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I would highly recommend FLPS to anyone looking for childcare/preschool.
My daughter attended FLPS under two years. The only reason we moved her is because she was starting elementary school.
The staff at FLPS is friendly, engaging and they really care about their families. I feel that the Director, Ms Gretchen, took the time to know the families and to address any concerns in a productive and positive manner.
Every now and then - they offer an evening care -- "Parent's Night Out". My daughter would beg me to let her stay at daycare for "Parent's Night Out".
My daughter attended FLPS under two years. The only reason we moved her is because she was starting elementary school.
The staff at FLPS is friendly, engaging and they really care about their families. I feel that the Director, Ms Gretchen, took the time to know the families and to address any concerns in a productive and positive manner.
Every now and then - they offer an evening care -- "Parent's Night Out". My daughter would beg me to let her stay at daycare for "Parent's Night Out".
Eileen H.
Aug 30, 2012
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My daughter attended First Lutheran Preschool from the time we moved to Concord (May 2010) until just this past week. While I'm excited that she's growing up and moving on to new things, I'm sad to have to leave First Lutheran (only because she's old enough to move on to elementary school). I could not have asked for a better preschool experience for my child. We became quite attached to the whole staff, as each and every one of them truly cared about the well-being of our daughter. Many a time i actually had to chase her down because she didn't want to leave!
The
The
Nicole M.
Aug 22, 2012
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My son is 2 years old and has been going to First Lutheran since April. The staff is amazing! I was concerned about sending my son to preschool since he has been with my mom since he was a baby. The staff at First Lutheran were great with him, bringing him to the window when I left so say goodbye. The second day he was not upset and was excited to go to school. Every day since he asks to go to school and is upset when I tell him that it is the weekend and there is no school. I enjoy talking to all of the teachers, they always take the time to tell me how my son's day went. They have
Christian Mom D.
Aug 22, 2012
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We had a great experience at First Lutheran, and I'd recommend this preschool to anyone who is "shopping" for one. My daughter adjusted quickly at age 3 and the staff were friendly, helpful, caring and nurturing. The school is always clean and organized, and they helped with potty training. I always left feeling like my daughter was in good hands and that they would keep her safe. She learned so many wonderful things at this school, and she often sings the songs she learned there. My only regret is that I didn't find this preschool sooner when my older kids were little
Kathy S.
Aug 22, 2012
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My daughter was a former FLP student and graduated from the preschool back in 2010 but she returns every summer for camp because she really enjoys it. The staff is very attentive and nurturing which is very hard to find these days. I always feel a sense of security every time I leave my daughter in their care because I know that she will be taken care of. The preschool and summer camps are excellent programs and I highly recommend FLP because of the wonderful environment it provides for the little ones.
Miran C.
Aug 22, 2012
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I would highly recommend Fist Lutheran Preschool to families seeking a safe, nurturing and positive environment for their little ones. My two kids who are 4 and 2, enjoy going to school. My kids LOVE their teachers and the staff because they are so caring, understanding, and genuine! My kids have grown and progressed tremendously in an year and my husband and I are looking forward to another successful year.
Lisa J.
Aug 22, 2012
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Mabry M.
Dec 15, 2008
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I yanked my child out of this school shortly after beginning, so please know my opinion is from a short-lived experience there. My child was day-time potty trained and came home having had 2-3 accidents per day. The overall feel of the 2-3 year old class was "chaos" and "disorganized." I think they were too busy to get my child to the toilet, which just isn't right. Also, one of the new two-year old teachers was short-tempered and said something very disturbing in my and my child's presence. I couldn't believe it. She seemed to need a job, but didn't act
