First Kids Academy is designed for children from birth through 5th grade, providing an engaging, active learning model rooted in a Christian perspective. We believe children learn best when they are actively exploring and interacting with their environment, laying the foundation for lifelong academic success.
Our programs include Early Childhood Education, School-Age Care, and Summer Camp, all created to nurture each child’s growth and curiosity. At First Kids Academy, we celebrate the truth that children are a gift from God, and our goal is to create a joyful, Christ-centered environment where kids not only have fun but also grow into lifelong learners.
Educational Philosophy and Curriculum
We believe that children are a gift from the Lord (Psalm 127:3) and that we have been given the great responsibility and privilege to help them grow and learn through the stages of their young lives. We believe that through play and guided learning, children develop all the skills they need for school and life. Childhood is a time for fun, exploration, and self-discovery. First Kids Academy offers an environment that encourages the love of learning and independence while providing opportunities to explore new ideas.
We believe that the Lord is the center of all things (Matthew 6:33). Because of this, we base our instruction on Christian beliefs and biblical principles. Each child is seen as a true gift from God and is treated as such (Psalm 127:3). Because each child is unique and has been given different gifts and abilities, we work to initially discover each child’s strengths. We can then design activities that will build on these strengths while encouraging development in areas of weakness.
At First Kids Academy, we offer age-appropriate activities designed to develop the whole child. The curriculum provides opportunities for learning in language arts, math, science, social studies, large and small motor development, social skills, fine arts, and the Bible through a rich play environment.
As you participate in and visit our school, please remember that this is a child’s world. Work is play! Concept development comes from experimenting with the environment. We direct our children in some of their play so that they will learn important concepts. We also provide free time for them to explore the world and learn independently. We also understand that children’s ideas of art, beauty, and fun do not always coincide with adult ideas. We strive to be open to their imaginations to see what we can learn from them.
Core Values
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We want to introduce God’s plan for the children, encouraging His values and character into their lives. (Jeremiah 29:11; John 3:16; 13:34)
We value Christ as our focus by striving to ensure that He is always the center of everything we do and teach. (Matthew 6:33)
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We value the uniqueness of each child and encourage hands-on exploration, creativity, and innovation using a developmentally appropriate curriculum. (Psalm 78:1-4; Psalm 127:3; Exodus 35:31-32, 35; Romans 12:6)
We value formative discipline as a means for guiding and teaching that will build up a child’s self-worth, confidence, self-discipline, and self-control. (Psalm 25:4-7; Proverbs 22:6)
We value the health and safety of every child and strive to provide a loving and safe environment. (Isaiah 54:13; Psalm 55:22; Psalm 91:4)
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We value a child’s family as the most important part of their lives and parents as our partners in teaching. (Mark 10:9; Proverbs 17:6; Exodus 20:12; Psalm 127:3-5)
We value on-going communication with the parents about their child’s experience at school. Each child is treated with discretion and confidentiality.
We value the parents as an important part of the overall school success and encourage involvement in their child’s preschool experience.
We value partnering with families by providing opportunities and resources to increase their knowledge of child development and parenting skills. (Genesis 18:19; Ephesians 6:4)
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We value our staff as professionals devoted to the development of young children.
We value teamwork and the promotion of positive and edifying conversations and relationships. (Ephesians 4:29; 1 Timothy 4:12)
We value our relationship to First Baptist Church and aspire to be loyal and respect those of authority. (Romans 13:1-3)
misty reed, First Kids Academy Director
Misty has been a member of our weekday ministry team since 2001. She and her husband, Daniel, have faithfully served at First Baptist Church Grand Prairie for many years, alongside their three sons—Braxton, Asher, and Hunter.
Before stepping into her current role as Director of First Kids Academy, Misty served in various capacities, including After School and Summer Sonshine Director, Assistant, and Teacher. Her experience and dedication reflect a deep commitment to nurturing the educational and developmental growth of children in our community.
Misty is passionate about creating a Christ-centered environment where families feel supported and children can thrive—academically, socially, and spiritually—as they learn about the love and hope found in Jesus Christ.