kindergarten and preschool

The mission of the Otter Creek School is to prepare each child for the path ahead within a community of love and learning, continuing a legacy of faith in Christ.

In the late 1950s, Ruth Rucker was recruited by two mothers at the Otter Creek Church of Christ to develop a program that would help young children learn early socialization skills, be stimulated but not pressured academically, and that would support Christian parents in their very important responsibilities to raise their children “in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.” Otter Creek Kindergarten opened its doors in the fall, 1960 with two teachers and 12 kindergarten students. Tuition was $15 a month. Two and then three teacher’s children formed the first two-year old class.

Because from its beginning the program was designed not to implement a faddish curriculum or teaching style, but simply to meet the needs of the children, with sound, sensible, loving attention and opportunity, Otter Creek School established itself as a resource of competency.  Ruth and her staff were willing to work with children with a variety of special needs, and the program quickly earned a place of respect with leading pediatricians and elementary school principals in the area.  

Years have passed. Children have grown up, married, and produced a second generation of Otter Creek students. The playground equipment has been updated, and computers added in every classroom. But the basics have remained the same.  A school committed to serving little children in a program that promotes socialization and academic development without rigidity or pressure. Bible stories are a highlight of every day. Teachers, are still characterized by rich experience and tender dedication to the children and their families. This staff, many whose tenure is measured in decades, is to whom we credit much of our success. In today’s transient society, alumni of the school are bringing their own children to the same teacher they had as a child.

As so often happens, God took the dream of a few parents and made it into a reality that has served and survived far beyond their expectations. The school marked its 50th anniversary in 2010 and has served almost 5,800 students.

We were excited to move into our new school building in October 2011 and to begin a new chapter of the Otter Creek Kindergarten’s history.

To see photos of our new school building, click here.