A young girl with curly hair, wearing pink glasses and a matching bow, draws with chalk on a small blackboard

Open Arms Christian Preschool is a River Road UMC ministry and a Nationally Accredited Private Preschool (accredited by NAC with the Association of Early Learning Leaders).

We recognize the significance of the learning process in the first five years of a child’s life-growing intellectually, emotionally, socially, and spiritually. That is why, at Open Arms Christian Preschool, we are dedicated to providing a positive and inclusive learning environment that enables children to experience the world through their own individual learning styles.

OACP Logo

Resource Quick Links

2024-2025 School Calendar

Explore key dates and events for the academic year with our comprehensive calendar.

Family Handbook

Your guide to our policies, program understanding, and parent-staff cooperation in nurturing your child's learning journey.

Waitlist Registration Form

Join our waitlist: Secure a spot for your child in our engaging and accredited early learning environment.

Our Programs

Preschool Program

Preschool Program

A teacher in a red cardigan reads a colorful book to attentive children sitting on a blue mat in a bright classroom, with educational charts and children's artwork in the background.

Our Preschool Program, running from August to May, welcomes children aged 15 months to 5 years with flexible schedules of 2 days (Tu/Th), 3 days (M/W/F), or 5 days (M-F) from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm. Designed like a private school, our program offers a structured environment with consistent routines that include whole and small-group activities tailored to each child’s needs.

Our curriculum is enriched with special classes like music led by the church's Music Director, Chapel sessions with our Pastor, physical education, and library time. Additionally, Fellowship Fridays foster a spirit of giving and philanthropy. Each day is filled with themed learning centers, playground time, Bible songs, reading activities, and a morning snack, ensuring children are engaged and excited for school every day.

Before & After-School Extended Day

A smiling young girl in a floral dress stands on grass, holding a soccer ball and looking off into the distance, with a backdrop of greenery

Our Before & After-School Extended Day program, available from September to May and during Summer Camp, provides additional childcare hours for families enrolled in our Preschool Program. Operating before school from 8:00 am to 9:00 am and after school from 12:00 pm to 5:00 pm, these extended hours offer children a structured schedule that includes lunch, rest time, classroom activities, and outdoor play.

This program is designed to give children the chance to explore activities and projects that require more time than is available during the regular preschool hours, enriching their learning and development experience.

A cheerful young child pulls another child in classic red Radio Flyer wagon along a sidewalk alongside an adult, all enjoying outdoor playtime.

Summer Camp

Our Summer Camp at Open Arms Christian Preschool runs from June through July, from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm. Available to both returning students and newcomers, our camp invites children of all ages to explore a variety of engaging themes throughout the summer. In addition to the regular camp hours, we also offer before and after-school extended day programs to accommodate family schedules during the summer months. This dynamic program is perfect for keeping children active, learning, and entertained during the summer break.

Contact us to enroll today!

Our preschool provides a faith-based school environment for children from 15 months to 5 years old. We would be delighted to have you as part of our Open Arms family.

To inquire about registration, please get in touch with the Preschool Director, Nora Hamlet.  

Phone: 804-754-0227

Email: openarms@riverroadumc.org