Preschool Program

Campbell Christian Schools has offered a preschool program since its incorporation in 1967. At that time the members of the Campbell Church of Christ, our parent church, felt that the school provided an opportunity to offer a safe, nurturing, family-like environment based on biblical principles to the parents in the Cities of Campbell, San Jose, Saratoga, Willow Glen, Cupertino, Sunnyvale, Los Gatos and the surrounding areas. Because of our history of excellence in education for over 40 years, parents can be comforted by a school built on a firm foundation and lineage.

Philosophy

Campbell Christian Schools commits to educational excellence in conjunction with biblical values. In the spiritual area, we desire that each child develop a Christian world-view, a love for God and a greater understanding of His attributes as God develops faith in them. In the socio-emotional area, it is the goal of the school to develop a child who realizes who he is and how he relates to authority, family, and peers. In the intellectual area, our philosophy emphasizes an active learning environment where each child is challenged and an enthusiasm for learning is developed. In the physical area, we are committed to teaching skills and teamwork as well as healthy care and appreciation of their bodies.

Learning in Preschool

Educational research indicates that preschool-aged children are in the “pre-operational stage” of learning—needing to learn from actual objects—and are on the threshold of the “concrete operational” stage—being able to learn from symbols and signs (sign/symbol based skills of reading, writing, and arithmetic). Children are also on another kind of threshold—the threshold of participation in the formal school setting. In the younger ages our programs center on providing learning opportunities through play and experience. As the child gets older, in pre-kindergarten for example, the program is geared to not only provide learning experiences through play, but to prepare the students for an academic kindergarten program similar to our own. Additionally, pre-kindergarten students are given music, library, and computer instructors by our elementary teachers to prepare them for the next stage of learning.

Curriculum in Preschool

CCS employs the High/Scope Curriculum, and Saxon Math which recognizes these critical thresholds. The curriculum relies heavily on active, child-initiated learning experiences during which children plan, or express their intentions; carry out their intentions in play experiences; and then reflect on their accomplishments. This is opposed to learning by rote or memorization. Outcomes of such key active learning activities include the development of dispositions important to lifelong learning—initiative, curiosity, trust, confidence, independence, responsibility, and divergent thinking.

Enrichments

Arts, crafts, chapel, concerts, and educational and development instruction are available to all of the preschool children enrolled in our early childhood programs. Parents may also sign up for Gymsters, a weekly physical education and development class for younger children once they are potty trained. Pre-kindergarten students (ages 4 to 5) are also provided enrichment classes taught by our elementary teachers in computers, library and music once a week. These classes focus on age appropriate skills to prepare the students for the kindergarten grade ahead. This also allows a smooth transition for those going into Campbell Christian Elementary school. Your child is then well acquainted with 3 of his or her 6 teachers he or she will have in kindergarten.

Campbell Christian Schools • 1075 W. Campbell Avenue, Campbell, CA 95008 • Phone: (408) 370-4900