Hidden Treasure in Northwest Austin
Hidden Treasure in Northwest Austin
-Mum to Mihika and Suhaan
..."The last 5 months that our two children have been attending First Foundations have been amazing. They are loved for who they are and their individuality is respected and encouraged. There is never a day when they don’t want to go to school. First Foundations is such a welcoming place, from the moment you walk in the door and see the smiles of the staff and teachers."...
Our family moved to Austin in July of 2011. We had planned on moving for two years and it took that long to tie up all the loose ends. There were so many other things we had to worry about…moving our stuff, finding a home, settling in…that a preschool for both our children was not at the forefront. Our move and finding the home we did were really a ‘God thing.’
I passed by First Foundations several times in the first two weeks and wondered about it. Not many people I asked knew about it but there was something that drew me in. On a sweltering afternoon I put the kids in the car and drove there finally. Mrs. Wilkins opened the door and when she smiled I knew that we belonged. She exuded so much love, joy and charisma. My kids were drawn in immediately and felt secure and comfortable. When I called my husband and told him I was filling out the paperwork he was a bit taken aback by my quick decision. The only problem was that my almost 5 year old got into a 2 day program and there were no spots available in the 5 day classes. Mrs. Wilkins assured me that she would let me know as soon as there was a spot available. I prayed.
A week before school began Mrs. Wilkins called with the best news, that there was spot in a 5 day program for early 5’s. Another ‘God Thing’.
The last 5 months that our two children have been attending First Foundations have been amazing. They are loved for who they are and their individuality is respected and encouraged. There is never a day when they don’t want to go to school. First Foundations is such a welcoming place, from the moment you walk in the door and see the smiles of the staff and teachers. They are greeted everyday by a teacher genuinely happy to see them. I often think that if I were teaching 15 three year olds I would be a screaming crazy person. Yet, God has chosen each of these wonderful women to teach our children with love and patience. I count my children’s teachers among my friends. They are happy to stop and chat and share mutual joys and burdens. I have been especially impressed with how close and supportive the teachers are of each other.
Mrs. Wilkins the principal is a visionary and involved in every aspect of the school. Her eye for aesthetics and flair for color are evident in the hallways and in each classroom. I am always amazed at how she knows the names of children and their special needs. She’s the antithesis to the old image of the stern, strict disciplinarian.
Most of all, the children are nurtured in God’s Word and in His ways. The teachers plant spiritual and educational seeds needed to raise children of integrity and service. I have seen both my children grow in the belief that they are valued individuals created by God in His own image.
My only regret about First Foundations is that they don’t go beyond preschool and my kids will eventually graduate. Maybe having more kids will change that!!!