Daycare/Preschool Aims For Hot Growth Pocket
The project also includes future construction of a church (as shown). Image courtesy Synectic Design
An existing Norterra-area daycare/preschool aims to start the new school year this fall in a brand new facility. Standing Stones Christian Academy, housed in Standing Stones Community Church near Happy Valley Road and 16th Avenue, plans to build a school a couple miles north in the heart of the bustling residential growth pocket along North Valley Parkway.
Construction of the 17,000-square-foot school, on 5 empty acres near North Valley Parkway and Casino Avenue, is set to begin this month, said Standing Stones Director Sandy Saunders.
The church opened in 2006 and the school began operating out of the same building in 2014. With 90 children (ages 2‒5) enrolled, the school has outgrown its space and is ready to expand to meet the needs of the community, Saunders told In&Out.
The church and school have long desired to relocate to a site like this—the middle of the community, Saunders said. “We purchased the land many years ago,” before the residential boom took off, she said, adding that construction waited until funds were raised.
When it opens, the new facility will be able to accommodate up to 240 kids, serving infants through pre-kindergarten. The plan is to add kindergarten in fall 2019. Beginning at age 2 and up, the Christian-based school’s curriculum teaches language arts, math, science, social studies, art, music, and Bible.
The church will remain at its current location. However, phase 2 plans include construction of a 15,000-square-foot sanctuary and church offices on the new site when funding is available, Saunders said.
Registration for the 2018‒2019 school year begins March 1.
