The plans for creating a preschool at Prince of Peace begin in the spring of 1973 with the following philosophy: establish a preschool program that would help prepare children for kindergarten while introducing them to stories of Jesus’ love. A newsletter was sent to many Eastmont residents outlining the plans for the preschool. Twenty phone calls were received immediately in response to the mailing; enough to proceed with plans for the school. Calls continued to come in throughout the summer.
The first classes were held at Prince of Peace in September of 1973, with an enrollment of 50 students. Director of the school was Pastor Kenneth Daugs; teacher was Peggy Ellis.
By the fall of 1974, Prince of Peace Preschool had hired 3 additional teachers, filled the church to capacity, and rented facilities at Central Lutheran Church for more classrooms. The preschool continued to grow, with a waiting list of parents eager to enroll their child(ren).
In an effort to meet the need for more classrooms' additional space was rented from other churches in the area. A unique plan was developed whereby each satellite location was offered the opportunity to take over operation of the classes in their facility, once they were firmly established. Many Christian preschools existing in congregations in our area today began in this manner. Some of them are:
Central Lutheran Church, Everett
Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Marysville
Ebenezer Lutheran Church, Lake Stevens
Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church, Startup
United First Methodist, Marysville
This year, enrollment at Prince of Peace Preschool totals over 480 3 and 4-year-old students at Prince of Peace and 7 satellite locations. It is governed by a Preschool Committee that reports to the congregation council. The preschool staff consists of over 30 teachers and helpers, Sue Baxter, Director, and Tami Morgan, Secretary. This is truly a remarkable statistic - a school with an enrollment as large or larger than many elementary schools managed by an office staff of two!
Enrollment for fall 2006 begins in February 2006. Members of Prince of Peace who have preschool-age children are offered first chance at enrollment of their child.
The preschool is a mission of our congregation that has touched thousands of lives since its beginning in 1973. Its success is due to the many caring teachers who have taught its classes; the dedicated service of its director and secretary; the counsel of our pastors, the careful stewardship of the Preschool Committee; and the support of our congregation.