What We Offer

Loving Foundations
Loving Foundations

Jesus Centered Education

Our goal at Shepherd of the Desert is to nurture children in a loving environment and to provide each child with a positive introduction to formal education in a Christian setting. We believe a positive first school experience is crucial for laying the foundation for all future educational success. Therefore, we provide an encouraging atmosphere which supports individual growth and development. 

We believe that each child is a unique gift of God. Our approach to learning involves the whole child and recognizes that each one develops at his or her own pace. We take pride in providing an environment that is safe, loving and rich in opportunities for learning and growth through age-appropriate, hands-on activities. 

Our student/teacher ratios are kept well below state licensing regulations in order to provide the best opportunity for academic and social success. Our teachers and other staff members model God’s love as they teach, support and encourage the little ones who enter our classrooms each day.

Academics

Our academic program nurtures curiosity and a love for learning through hands-on, age-appropriate activities that build a strong foundation for future success.

Learning Through Play

Learning Through Play

We believe that play and learning go hand-in-hand and that they are not separate activities. Therefore, our classrooms are center-based with a curriculum that supports a balance of student-directed and teacher-directed activities. Our goal is to help students become life long learners who are competent socially, academically and emotionally. 

Engaging Curriculum

Engaging Curriculum

Our classrooms utilize a research-based curriculum centered around engaging monthly themes. To deepen understanding and foster a lifelong love of learning, daily lessons are thoughtfully enhanced with children’s literature, imaginative play, and collaborative group activities.

Sharing Jesus Daily

Sharing Jesus Daily

In addition, every day in our classrooms we have the privilege to read the Bible and share stories with the children during “Jesus Time.” Each week a new story from the Bible is presented to the children along with crafts, songs and finger plays which make the story come alive. We are so blessed to be able to share Jesus with the little ones in our classrooms.

We believe that play and learning go hand-in-hand and that they are not separate activities. Therefore, our classrooms are center-based with a curriculum that supports a balance of student-directed and teacher-directed activities. Our goal is to help students become lifelong learners who are socially, academically, emotionally and spiritually competent.

In all of our classrooms, we use an early-learning, standards-based approach to develop a curriculum which incorporates monthly learning themes. Daily lessons and concepts are augmented with children’s literature, songs, non-fiction books and online resources. Each day, in all of our classrooms, children are engaged in hands-on experiences, real-life adventures and assisted discovery as they explore concepts through play and teacher-guided activities.

Our curriculum supports developmentally appropriate practices.  Saxon Early Learning Standards, Heggerty, Zoo-phonics, HighReach, Handwriting without Tears, and Concordia Publishing One in Christ are used as a guide for the curriculum in our classes.   These programs incorporate the eight instructional elements (spiritual, social/emotional, physical (fine/gross motor), social studies, mathematics, language arts, science, and fine arts).  They also emphasize activities that cultivate children’s social, personal, academic, emotional and spiritual development.

Social and Emotional:
Children will develop self-awareness and begin to understand and express their emotions. They will build confidence in their abilities, grow in independence, and begin forming positive relationships with friends and teachers.

Language and Communication:
Children will build listening and understanding skills as they learn to follow simple directions and routines. They will develop language through play, expand their vocabulary, and begin expressing their ideas, needs, and feelings.

Cognitive Development:
Children will develop problem-solving skills and curiosity about the world around them. They are provided with opportunities to explore, discover, and learn through a variety of activities and learning centers, including science, math, and art.

Physical Development:
Children will strengthen both gross motor and fine motor skills through active play and structured movement activities. They will develop coordination, balance, and control, while also improving hand-eye coordination through the use of manipulatives and hands-on materials.

Spiritual Development:
Children are introduced to faith through stories, songs, and activities from the One in Christ curriculum. They learn about God’s love and begin to understand simple faith-based concepts in a nurturing environment.

Age Groups

18 Months Old (Mini 2's)

2 Years Old

3 Years Old

4 Years Old

5 Years Old

After School Program

Our After School Program is available for our all-day students and provides a safe, supportive, and engaging environment where children can unwind through play, and enjoy creative activities after the school day ends.

Polygon
Polygon
Polygon
Polygon
Polygon
Polygon
Polygon
Polygon
Polygon
Polygon