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Welcome to
First Presbyterian Day School!

Explore our Programs
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History

FPDS is a nonprofit, non-religious program that has been in the heart of downtown Durham since 1970.

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Accreditation

We are a full-time, 5-star, nationally accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children, child care center for children ages 6 weeks to 5 years old.

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For All

We offer a safe and nurturing place for children of all racial, ethnic, religious, and socioeconomic backgrounds to learn, play, and grow together.

Learn More

  • "When we first toured FPDS 7 years ago ... it felt like the right place for us. When we learned that our first child had a spot, we were thrilled! Since, the entire world changed with the pandemic. The early childhood education world was rocked particularly hard. Something that remained consistent, though, was the love, care, and attention that all of the teachers, staff, and administration have shown our children and our family. I can easily say that our children are who they are today because of their teachers. "

    Josh, parent of two FPDS alumnae

  • "The teachers do so much more than help children learn academic skills; they help them become confident, caring, and independent little people. We are so grateful for the role FPDS has played in each of our children’s growth.

    —Kate, parent of 1 year old, 3 year old, and 5 year old

  • “The first impression we had was how genuinely happy everyone was at FPDS—the children and teachers alike. That impression has held throughout our time here. Sometimes it seems like a daily celebration of joy over the magic and wonder of early childhood.”

    —Chris, parent of FPDS alumnus

  • "The teachers at FPDS have created a welcoming atmosphere. I look forward to the hellos that greet us at drop off/pick up. I also appreciate the pictures sent to show me activities the boys engaged in during the day. It gave me a sense of comfort to see how engaged they were in classroom activities."

    —Amy, parent of FPDS alumni

  • "FPDS moves teachers and children together as they age. They’ve become family for our little girl."

    —Whitney, parent of FPDS alumna

  • "FPDS has helped our kids reach so many milestones. When one of our daughters was really close to walking I came to pick her up and she was walking down the hallway. All the teachers were cheering her on and she had the biggest smile on her face."

    —Lindsay, parent of two FPDS alumnae

  • "Both of my boys have had wonderful experiences at FPDS. They always looked forward to their days at school and learning about the world around them. My oldest especially enjoyed his monthly projects where he connected to places in the community and shared more about himself."

    —Amy, parent of FPDS alumni

  • "We really appreciate the low staff turnover—something uncommon for childcare. One of the teachers was our eldest’s teacher from 0-3, she is now the teacher for our youngest. Other teachers have been there 20+ years. Teachers always have a smile on their face. Our kids run towards them every day."

    —Clare & Dan, parents of two FPDS alumni

  • "FPDS is embedded in the community; its values match our family’s."

    —Dan, parent of two FPDS alumni

  • "I’ve been a childcare teacher for many years, but I must say this is by far the best center I’ve worked at. The staff is friendly, and the administration is the best ever, First Presbyterian makes it easy to get up every day and come to work, it really is a joy!"

    —Stacie, infant and toddler teacher

  • "Our 'must haves' were professionalism, trust, respect, and inclusion. We wanted a preschool where our daughter would feel safe, valued, and supported, and FPDS has exceeded our expectations in every way."

    —Omaira & Andrés, parents of FPDS alumna

  • "FPDS has a strong community feel. The teachers and adminstrators know each kid by name, and the teachers from other classes do too. "

    —Serena, parent of a 3 year old.

 

We are conveniently located on the DATA bus line, and within easy driving and walking distance of:

  • American Tobacco Campus

  • The West Village apartments

  • Trinity Park

  • Duke Regional Hospital

  • Durham's great downtown neighborhoods