Our Program
The purpose of our ministry is to offer children a Christ-centered early education environment in which they can grow in all developmental domains.
Starting with children as young as six weeks, we believe it is important for every child to feel safe and loved in order to have the greatest opportunity for positive outcomes throughout early childhood and beyond.
We are committed to providing a high quality, stimulating, and loving learning environment for all children at West Nashville Preschool.
It is our greatest priority to share the love of Jesus with all children and their families, which we do out of the abundance of grace we have been given.
Program Information
Hours
We offer full-time enrollment for our program, which runs Monday through Friday, 7:15 am – 5:15 pm.
We do not currently offer part-time enrollment, "Parents' Day Out," or drop-in options.
School Calendar
See our planned opening and closure dates for holidays, in-service, staff meetings, and other important events.
Parent Handbook
Additional details about these areas, as well as more information about our program, policies, and procedures can be found in our Parent Handbook.
Tuition & Fees
Monthly Tuition Rates (Effective Fall 2025)
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Infant & Tiny Toddler Classes - $1,389
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Toddler Classes - $1,282
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Preschool Classes - $1,197
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Security Fee - $20
Additional Annual Costs
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New Family Enrollment Fee - $200
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Current Family Enrollment Fee - $175
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Enrichment / Special Events Fee - $100
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Wait List Fee (nonrefundable, but can be applied to future tuition) - $50
Discounts/Certificates
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Sibling Discount - 10% off lowest tuition
- We accept DHS Child Care Certificate subsidies and Child Care Aware
Communication
West Nashville Preschool uses Brightwheel, a child care app, for a secure check-in/check-out process. We also use the app to share lesson plans, daily reports, parent communications from teachers and the director, and other important information/updates.
We host parent-teacher conferences, open houses, and send email newsletters, to keep families apprised of the happenings at West Nashville Preschool.
We encourage you to follow us on social media for other fun updates!
Classes
Children are assigned a classroom based on DHS grouping guidelines, including age and developmental level/milestones. Typically, students advance to the next age group/ classroom in either June and/or in August.
Infant
6 wks-12 mos
Ratio: 2:6
Teddy Bears
Tiny Toddler 1
12mos-18mos
Ratio 2:8
Turtles
Tiny Toddler 2
18mos-24 mos
Ratio 2:8
Koalas
Toddler 1
24 mos-30 mos
Ratio 2:8
Giraffes
Toddler 2
30 mos-36 mos
Ratio 2:9
Pandas
Preschool/Prek
3 yrs
Ratio 1:9
Elephants
Preschool/PreK
4yrs-5 yrs
Ratio 1:10
Foxes
Infant
Teddy Bears
-
6 weeks to 12 months
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2:6 Teacher-to-Student Ratio
(below the 1:4 DHS maximum)
Tiny Toddler 1
Turtles
-
12 months to 18 months
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2:8 Teacher-to-Student Ratio
(below the 1:6 DHS maximum)
This classroom is for older infants/young toddlers.
Tiny Toddler 2
Koalas
-
18 months to 24 months
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2:8 Teacher-to-Student Ratio
(below the 1:6 DHS maximum)
This classroom is for young toddlers.
Toddler 1
Giraffes
-
24 Months to 30 Months
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2:8 Teacher-to-Student Ratio
(below the 1:7 DHS maximum)
Older toddlers will be enrolled in this classroom (typically around 24 months).
Toddler 2
Pandas
-
30 months to 36 months
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2:10 Teacher-to-Student Ratio
(below the 1:9 DHS maximum)
Children must be at least 30 months old to be enrolled in this classroom. This age group is actively potty-training based on readiness.
Preschool/PreK
Foxes and Elephants
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Elephants, 3 years
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1:9 Teacher-to-Student Ratio
-
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Foxes, 4 to 5 years
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1:10 Teacher-to-Student Ratio
-
(DHS maximum is 1:9 and 1:16 respectively)
All children must be out of pull-ups or diapers and successfully using the potty independently with minimal accidents.
Curriculum
Weekly lesson plans are based on both individual and classroom interests and developmental needs as determined by ongoing observations of the students (not necessarily on a monthly or weekly theme). We focus on creating a stimulating learning environment where children are allowed to explore what interests them rather than planning “crafts."
Christian Emphasis
As a Christian program, we include Bible stories, prayers, and songs in order to share with all children that they are wonderfully made by God. All children, regardless of race, religion, or culture are a welcome part of our program and experience these Christian activities daily.
Play-Based Learning
West Nashville Preschool utilizes Emergent Curriculum by Susan Stacey to help guide our program. This book promotes our philosophy of play-based learning. We believe play is the work of children, and children naturally learn concepts through play.
As teachers, we are here to provide provocations and invitations, document play to plan further, and facilitate appropriate play. Through purposeful, meaningful play, children are able to explore the world around them.
Nature Focus
We take advantage of fresh air and being outdoors whenever possible. And when it's not, we try to bring the outdoors indoors too! Exploring nature, from bugs to leaves to weather and more, helps children understand the world around them. Plus, it's good for their souls!
Developmental Standards
We follow the Tennessee Early Childhood Education Early Learning Developmental Standards (TN-ELDS) to align with developmental milestones for both age ranges: birth through age 48 months and 4 through the end of pre-K. The standards address the areas of Social Emotional Development, Math, Science, Social Studies, Creative Arts, Physical Development, and Language and Early Literacy.
Each day is filled with playful learning opportunities in all developmental domains.
Enrichment & Extras
We hope to stimulate curiosity, creativity, communication, and excitement for learning by offering a variety of enrichment opportunities.
We also sprinkle in some "extras" to add more fun to learning. These activities are usually themed around the season, a holiday, or another overarching theme.
Chapel Days
Ms. Bonnie Knapper
"Children have a special place in my heart because of their curiosity, energy, honesty and natural desire to love and be loved. My desire is to teach every child they are special. (Psalms 139:14) To teach children of God’s love helps them realize God has a plan for them. (Jeremiah 29:11) Teaching chapel is an opportunity I take seriously and appreciate. It is an honor and joy to share God’s love with children."
Public Safety
Metro Fire Department
Police and fire personnel visit to share personal safety tips and show children how they help keep our communities safe!
Science
with Mr. Bond Science Guy and Nashville Zoo
From creepy crawly reptiles to chemical reactions, the kids get to experience science experiments in fun ways!
Water Play
Summer Fun
In the summer months, we take full advantage of the weather and engage children with water play!
Dress-Up Days
Imagination Exploration
From Halloween to Dr. Seuss Day... And crazy Christmas hats to cozy pajama days... the children (and our teachers) love getting a little silly!
Family Days
Building Partnerships with Families
Parents, grandparents, siblings and other loved ones are invited to share in fellowship with us for holidays and other celebrations!
Movie Days
Occasional Treats
Movie days coincide with holidays or seasonal fun activities and feature an age-appropriate film. Some examples include The Polar Express at Christmas and It's The Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown!
Teacher Appreciation Celebration
Celebrating Staff
Parents love celebrating our educators and support staff for their dedication and hard work caring for their child! Our staff is awesome!