Preschool History - How our School Started
In July, 2014, Camp Curtin Community Neighbors United, an unincorporated neighborhood organization responded to a need for preschool education opportunities for children in the neighborhood. Long waiting lists for the Head Start Program and high tuition costs for private preschools placed early childhood education out of reach for local families.
A plan was formulated to start a tuition free preschool for the neighborhood. Camp Curtin Memorial Mitchell United Methodist Church generously donated the space in their education rooms; a governing board was established; volunteers cleaned and prepared space for students; curriculum was developed (with guidance from Harrisburg Area Community College’s Early Learning Center faculty and The Joshua Group-an existing preschool program in the Allision Hill part of the city,); and $1,500 was raised.
In the spring of 2014, the tuition-free preschool opened its doors three days/week from 9-11:30 a.m., with a volunteer staff and 4 students enrolled.
By 2016, the program expanded to include 12 children, extending operating hours to four hours per day from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The preschool was now able to employ two lead teachers and two assistants. A van was donated to allow us to serve children needing transportation and also to take field trips to local educational venues.
In 2025, the preschool celebrated its 10th anniversary, having served over 150 students since our founding We continue our mission to support our children and their families in Harrisburg with a tuition-free preschool, providing a safe, nurturing space where children can learn and grow each day.
