The name First Foundations reflects the school’s mission: building strong foundations for lifelong learning. Serving children in preschool, bridge, and primary-year programs, they blend academic readiness with exploration, creativity, and play.
First Foundations recognizes that young learners thrive when they are actively engaged in meaningful, hands-on experiences that help make sense of the world around them.
“When children are encouraged to ask questions, explore new ideas, and create something uniquely their own, they learn that their thoughts and perspectives matter. Rather than viewing learning as simply finding the ‘right’ answer, they develop confidence in their own reasoning, problem-solving abilities, and imagination,” says Founder and Director Steffani Wilkins.
While First Foundations offers a variety of enriching programs, two stand out for Wilkins: Spanish and music.
The Spanish program introduces children to a new language through fun, age-appropriate activities. Students learn Spanish vocabulary, pronunciation, and basic conversation while gaining an appreciation for Spanish-speaking cultures.
Alternatively, the music program is backed by research showing how music education supports early brain development. As students progress, they gain onstage confidence while playing instruments such as handbells, glockenspiels, and recorders.
First Foundations is about more than memorizing worksheets. Every lesson is thoughtfully prepared for kids to build skills that extend outside of the classroom.
“Since children have different learning styles, our goal is to incorporate many different ways they can learn,” says Wilkins. “Foundational skills in literacy, language, math, and critical thinking are intentionally introduced and reinforced, but taught in ways that foster a love of discovery.”
A key part of their philosophy is teaching children that failure isn’t something to fear. Rather than shielding them from disappointment, this school emphasizes the importance of regulating emotions and moving forward.
“Many of the world’s greatest discoveries and innovations emerged through trial, error, and persistence,” says Wilkins. “By giving children opportunities to take risks, make mistakes, and learn from them, we help them develop resilience, perseverance, and self-confidence.”
Learn about enrollment at: firstfoundations.com