Head of School

Dear Prospective “First Pres” Families,

I welcome your interest in First Presbyterian Church School. As a former “First Pres” parent, and now the Head of School, I have a high regard for the students, teachers, parents, staff, and volunteers of this wonderful school.

I consider the children of our community our greatest gemstones. They are our treasured resource. They will be our future teachers, scientists, business leaders, and community members. How they are trained, and polished, is crucial.

As a Classical Christian School, we are unique. For more than 40 years, families have benefited from the teachings of this School. Children at “First Pres” are following a vision and curriculum that have been developed over years. With that experience, we strive to teach children to be balanced spiritually, scholastically, morally, and socially.

First Presbyterian Church School provides an education that centers on strong language, reading, writing, and critical thinking skills encouraging students to join in the “great conversation” of the ages. Students are taught by experienced teachers in class sizes of 20 students, or less. Enrichment teachers are a part of the Elementary School, offering foreign languages, music, and the arts to supplement the fundamentals. We would be glad to give you more details. Please ask.

This year First Pres, including its preschool through elementary students, has nearly 250 students. Through effective management and fundraising, the annual tuition rates are reasonable. And, when possible, financial aid is available. Please see the class listing and tuition rates sheet for more information.

The classical education format is enveloped in a Christian community, based on acceptance and God’s unconditional love. We not only want to impart knowledge and train young minds, but we also want to provide spiritual formation that flows out of a biblical framework. We believe every child is born with unique gifts, and in nurturing them, there is the development of character.

As the great statesman, Daniel Webster, said… “If we work upon marble, it will perish; if on brass, time will efface it; if we rear temples, they will crumble into dust; but if we work upon immortal minds and imbue them with principles, with reverence of God and love of our fellow men, we engrave on those tablets something that will brighten to all eternity.”

I invite you to come join us!

Dr. Jim Thoburn

Head of School

First Presbyterian Church School - 20 Tacoma Ave - Tacoma, Washington 98402 - 253-272-7145