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12 Fredericksburg Parent and Family • October 2026 2 Fredericksburg Parent and Family • Special Issue 2026 WRITTEN BY CAMILLE TURNER When a child enters preschool or kindergarten, many parents automa cally reflect on what le ers or numbers they'll be learning, whether they can already follow simple direc ons easily and how well they'll be able to focus on a task. While these are all crucial skills to learn, the early childhood years encompass much more than just academics and execu ve func oning skills. At Fredericks- burg Chris an School (FCS), a whole-child and faith-based approach is at the center of everything they do. FCS Communica ons Coordinator Bri any Cooper explained, "We're not just offering a strong academic founda on at FCS. We do so from a Biblical worldview, which allows us to develop the whole student – mind, spirit and body. We're educat- ing a genera on of students, star ng as young as three years old, who can stand strong in their faith while pursuing whatever future goals the Lord has for them." FCS offers both PreK3 and PreK4, as well as kindergarten programs, with the goal of fostering a posi ve environ- ment in preschool that caters to children's individual needs and then developing their curiosity, kindness, faith and spiritual gi s in kindergarten. Of course, their kindergarten program also focuses on academic skills that are grown from the building blocks of early literacy, social skills and fine and gross motor skills that begin in preschool. sponsored material "At FCS, we have two primary goals: to cul vate Christ-like character and to pursue academic excellence in every student. In an ordinary day, we have the privilege of teaching children how to pray for classmates who are hur ng, recognize and manage their emo ons, take personal responsibility and discover the unique gi s, such as leadership, compassion, empathy and encouragement, that God has given them." – Heather Raines, FCS kindergarten teacher Growing the Whole Child Inside Fredericksburg Christian School's Preschool & Kindergarten Programs Sponsored Material