Never underestimate the power of play.
Emphasizing play through learning to encourage exploration and discovery and to promote confidence and understanding are cornerstones of Fox Chapel Presbyterian Church Preschool’s educational philosophy.
“Allowing children this space is what FCPC Preschool does best,” said school director Karin Miller.
The school is a nonprofit and a ministry of the church.
“We designate as a Christian school, but we’re not a Bible school. We’re just like any faith-based school. Anyone can attend this preschool,” Miller said. “We are sharing the love of Christ for all who enter our doors.”
Miller previously worked five years at the Ellis School.
Separate, specific programs are offered for ages 2-5.
Annual traditions enjoyed by students, parents and staff include Grandparent’s Days or Special Friend, Donuts with Dads or Special Friend, Spring Fling, the Preschool Art Show, Muffins with Moms or Special Friends, an all-school Christmas Program, Halloween Parade and Trunk or Treat.
Vision, speech and hearing screenings are offered on campus for all students.
Alumnus and Fox Chapel resident Julie Rost recalled the lasting impact of her preschool education at FCPC Preschool.
“I have such fond memories of the experience. I then sent my three children through the program,” Rost said. “My classmates were my neighbors, my teachers were my family friends. The faith-based curriculum was nurturing, encouraged cooperation and gave us plenty of time to just play as kids.”
Specialty classes offered include tae kwon do, Spanish, chapel and library/storytime.
Afternoon enrichment classes offer fun and creative options include arty party, baking, soccer shots classic, full STEAM ahead and music.
Hallways are filled with colorful artwork and bathrooms are customized for pint-sized students.
There are 11 classrooms.
“People are surprised at the size of our facility and what we have to offer,” Miller said.
Margaret Haas teaches the Kind Kangaroos, a class of 11 3 year olds.
Each class teacher creates a catchy name such as the Friendly Foxes, Busy Bees, Brave Bears, Kind Kangaroos or Terrific Turtles, and each teacher creates a monthly-themed curriculum.
“I love the kids. They’re why I teach here. Every year I come back because they start out so small but they become, in this class so independent and make wonderful friends and become so capable and learn skills,” Haas said. “Our main goal in this class is to get them to be kind, good little people who know how to interact with other kids and be nice. Sharing, taking turns, walking in a line and learning social skills and important fine motor skills like holding a pen and writing their name.”
Miller chimed in on her work perk.
“When we’re standing at the door greeting all of the families, that’s my favorite part of the day. We’ve learned all of the children’s names — 160 children by name. It’s a beautiful thing and if you’re having a bad morning it’s erased, the minute you see these kids walking through the door,” Miller said.
Christina Finizio of Fox Chapel serves as chair of FCPC Parent’s Association, volunteers at the school and is a parent representative on the preschool board. She collaborates with a team of 10 parent volunteers.
Finizio touted the Fruit of the Spirit curriculum because it focuses on being a well-rounded student.
“They do a really good job at how to show God’s love everyday,” said Finizio who is Catholic. “The little ones really respond to that curriculum which includes how to be a kind playmate, a helpful student and a caring sibling.”
The preschool welcomes all faiths.
Finizio’s 5-year old daughter is an FCPC alumnus and attended three years.
“My daughter was a “Nifty Narwhals” in her pre-k class and she learned everything about narwhals. She was proud to say that she was a narwhal. My son is a Busy Bee this year and he told me yesterday that a beekeeper visited his class to speak about the world of bees,” Finizio said.
A large indoor gym is a popular and in-demand amenity.
“We have such a long winter in Pittsburgh, the gym is used a lot,” Finizio said.
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A seasonal outdoor playground is another play space.
The Parent’s Association recently hosted an inaugural “parent night out” event at the Fox Chapel Racquet Club to raise monies for new, updated gym equipment.
The event raised almost $1,000 and new equipment has been ordered that includes cloth magna tiles for building full-sized forts and towers, foam climbing blocks, a sensory balance beam and more.
The largest fundraiser is the annual “Spring Fling” hosted in the gym in April.
The school-wide event is open to staff, students and their families and money raised is donated to the teachers in the form of end-of-the-school-year bonuses.
“The staff really want to be there and the love and enthusiasm that they show make the kids feel loved and cared for,” Finizio said.
Enrollment is ongoing for the 2025-26 academic year.
Fox Chapel Presbyterian Church is located at 384 Fox Chapel Road in Fox Chapel. For more information, call 412-963-8243 or email karin@fcpc.us.