History
A Story of Growth, Creativity, and Community
First Presbyterian Church of El Paso has long believed in nurturing children through faith, creativity, and meaningful learning. In 1981, the church opened First Presbyterian Preschool under the leadership of Founding Director Cece Neal, beginning with 15 students and three teachers. Its hands-on, child-centered approach—rooted in curiosity, collaboration, and artistic expression—quickly gained recognition. Enrollment grew to 55 students within a year and 100 by 1986, and the school earned national accreditation in 1991.
Rooted in the Reggio Emilia Philosophy
From the start, the preschool embraced the Reggio Emilia philosophy, which views children as capable and creative. Learning through exploration, self-expression, and real-world experiences shaped the school’s identity and confirmed what families already knew: children thrive in environments that honor imagination, inquiry, and connection.
Expanding the Vision
By 2020, families hoped for an elementary program that continued this approach. First Presbyterian Elementary opened that year as a half-day outdoor learning program grounded in nature, storytelling, science, and the arts. It has since grown into a full elementary and middle school, now in its sixth year, offering a project-based, arts-integrated curriculum. Classes remain intentionally small—no more than 12 students per teacher—to support deep relationships and individualized learning.
One Campus, One Community, One Mission
In 2024, the preschool, elementary, middle school, and church united as one campus, strengthening the shared vision of a faith-centered, arts-driven, inquiry-based community.
At First Pres, learning is alive—in paint and music, in sculpture and story, in questions explored through hands-on projects. The Reggio Emilia philosophy continues to guide everything we do, shaping both our teaching and our relationships.
We believe every child is an artist, a thinker, a storyteller, a scientist—a capable and confident citizen of today. With curiosity as their compass and creativity as their language, our students grow into expressive, thoughtful, and compassionate individuals.
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