About The Day School

Philosophy

Park Avenue Christian Church Day School (PACCDS) believes that the most successful Early Childhood program is child-centered and provides a happy and nurturing atmosphere in which children can develop a positive self image and a love of learning.  The curriculum is diverse and flexible, offering a varied and developmentally appropriate choice of activities.  The children are valued as able, worthy individuals and are encouraged to develop their singular talents and abilities.  PACCDS advocates learning through experience and provides children with basic skills to meet future educational demands.  Children at every age level are given unlimited opportunities to learn and grow through play.  This approach provides a sense of challenge and personal mastery for each child. 

The PACCDS faculty and administration believe that every young child learns best in a well organized environment in which he or she is encouraged to verbalize, experiment and move about freely in appropriately equipped and organized classrooms.  Each group has its own schedule of activities and age appropriate curriculum.  Being a part of such a daily routine fosters feelings of security in the child and aids in teaching the child how to best organize his or her activities and time.  There is a balance of free-choice and teacher-directed activities. Classroom rules are based on safety and consideration for others.

We believe the education and well-being of each child is best accomplished through cooperation and communication among all members of the school community.  Teachers conduct two conferences per year to inform parents of their child's progress and experiences in school.  The faculty provides parents with a helpful introduction to early childhood education as well as the program's goals and methods. This introduction will serve not only in the years at PACCDS, but also in future relationships with on-going schools.  Parents are encouraged to be in close contact with the school, to participate in their child's school life and to be involved in the many activities sponsored by the Parents Association.

An atmosphere of trust, shared concern for the welfare of the children and a sense of community are the most important aspects of the school's philosophy and practice.  These allow the individual timing of each child's physical, intellectual and emotional development and encourage a more self-confident and self-motivated person.

Mission & History

Park Avenue Christian Church Day School was founded in 1963 as part of the church’s community service program.  The school is non-sectarian and seeks to enroll children from diverse racial, economic, ethnic and religious backgrounds.  This variety gives each child an opportunity to learn and to live comfortably and cooperatively with children from backgrounds different from his or her own.  Moral and ethical values are fostered in the everyday experiences of the children in school through examples set by friendly, cooperative and warmly accepting staff.  PACCDS emphasizes courtesy and acceptance of others while encouraging each child’s self-esteem.  These values are demonstrated by the entire school community, teachers, staff and children alike, in their relations with each other and through the support and interest of the church toward the members of the school.  The overall direction of the school rests with the Ministry Council of the Park Avenue Christian Church.

Governance

The overall direction of the school rests with the Ministry Council of the Park Avenue Christian Church.  The Ministry Council has created a Board of Trustees to oversee and set policy for the Day School.  The Board of Trustees is comprised of 10 members, which includes the Senior Pastor of the Park Avenue Christian Church, the Head of the Day School, members of the congregation, a Parent Association Co-President, as well as current and former parents of the Day School.

Parents Association