The Community Preschool

In the fall of 2005 work began to open a preschool on our grounds to serve children of Tenderloin families who did not have the financial means to afford preschool. Since we had recently remodeled our Sunday school classrooms and they were not used during the week, the issue of appropriate indoor space was easily solved. Because research into preschool education found that there were advantages to having a mixed socioeconomic class, one third of the student body pays full tuition, one third pays partial tuition and one third are recruited from the Tenderloin neighborhood at full scholarship. In September of 2008, The Community Preschool, Grace Cathedral opened its doors to begin the journey with the first class of students.

Mission Statement

  • The Community Preschool will provide a balanced educational learning experience for children of ages three through five and their families.
  • Children from all socio-economic backgrounds, ethnicities, religious traditions and places of national origin will benefit from a program that addresses the emotional, social, artistic and academic growth of every child.
  • The school will celebrate the religious and cultural traditions of all members of the community.
  • The school will prepare students and their families to meet the high standards for success in elementary programs in both the private and public sectors.

Educational Goals

  • To build confidence and joy in the child's early educational experience.
  • To recognize each child as an individual by encouraging independent thinking, uniqueness, and exploration.
  • To teach problem solving and patience through social skills.
  • To recognize that children are unique and learn at different rates and in different ways, therefore providing a diverse curriculum that is child-centered with hands-on exploration.
  • To provide gender equity and multi-ethnic teachings, to avoid stereotyped and bias judgments.
  • To teach respect for one’s self, the environment, and others which share the earth.
  • To encourage self-esteem for a strong, confident, and wise child.
  • To work in collaboration with the families to promote the overall growth and development of the child.

What We Provide

  • A developmentally appropriate full-day program for children of working families
  • A Professional Teaching Staff
  • Small Teacher/Child Ratios: 1 teacher for every 8 kids
  • State of the art learning centers which incorporate science, math, art, writing, reading, dramatic play, and areas for small and large group activities.
  • Located on the beautiful grounds of Nob Hill’s, Grace Cathedral
  • Daily hot lunch and two snacks provided by Acre Gourmet. Food is made on-site and uses local and organic ingredients.

Scholarships

Depending on your family income, you may qualify for partial or full scholarship. Families who reside in designated areas of the 94102 zip code may be eligible for full scholarship. Sliding scale scholarships are determined by eligibility (gross household income and family size), and need (parent employment, school, or other activity).

Click here to download Program and Admissions information.

Hours of Operation

The Community Preschool, Grace Cathedral is a full time preschool program operating year-round, open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m.- 6 p.m. All children are enrolled Monday–Friday from 9:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m. with the option of signing up for early care (8 – 9:30 a.m.), and afternoon extended care (3:30-6 p.m.).

For more information, please contact Andrea Robb, Preschool Director at (415) 749-6383 or