St. Andrew's Preschool & Day Care Center

For many years members of St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church in Nogales were concerned many of the children living in Santa Cruz County were entering public school lacking in skills and behaviors needed for success.

In 1996, the St. Andrew’s Church Vestry decided to address this issue by opening a private educational facility which would be based upon the premise that a quality preschool and day care center would enhance the future academic success of children. This premise has been proven during the years the preschool has been in operation. The current program is bi-lingual, English is taught to the children who speak only Spanish and Spanish is taught to those who are English speaking. Recognition of letters, numerals, reading, writing and social skills are fundamental components of the curriculum.

The preschool is incorporated by the State of Arizona, has the IRS designation of a non-profit 501(c)3, and operates with a decision making Board of Directors made up of church, community members and preschool parents.

The preschool is housed in the former church rectory which has been completely renovated to become a child friendly, welcoming facility, meeting the Arizona Child Care License safety requirements.
The initial funding for the operating expense of the preschool came from interested church and community members, the Episcopal Charities Appeal of the Diocese of Arizona and the Southwest Regional Parish, a coalition of Episcopal churches located in the southwest portion of the Diocese. All donated funds and grants received each year from various community and charitable foundations are used for scholarships, equipment and operating expenses.

The preschool, licensed by the State of Arizona for 37children, usually has a “waiting list” illustrating the community’s interest in a quality preschool and day care program. Students who qualify and cannot afford tuition are granted scholarships. The tax deductible Scholarship Fund is supported by individuals, organizations and grants. The Arizona Department of Economic Security gives child care funding for D. E. S. approved families.
Quality education in a nurturing environment is the basic goal of St. Andrew’s Preschool & Day Care Center. This goal is accomplished through the efforts of a trained and caring staff. A teacher/student ratio of 1 teacher for every 10 children enhances success. At the time of the preschool spring “graduation” the children are truly bi-lingual, they recognize and write the alphabet and numerals, and demonstrate the social skills which are needed to help them succeed in public school. Many of the children are also able to read.

A non-denominational chapel is held each week. Taught by an ordained priest, children sing, learn prayers and hear Biblical stories which help to instill positive values for living.

The preschool is a member of NAES (The National Association of Episcopal Schools). The preschool is accredited with the National Association for Education of Young Children (NAEYC), and is the only nationally certified private preschool in Santa Cruz County. The school is participating in the Arizona Self Study Project with the Arizona Association for Supportive Child Care. The teachers have attended classes given by Central Arizona College and have earned School Age, Provider and Preschool Certificates. Three of the teachers are also nationally certified by NAEYC.