In the spring of 1971, Rev. Don Cook brought the idea of a nursery school to the attention of the Administrative Board of Bethel United Methodist Church.  Seeing a need in the community of Lower Burrell, the board approved the idea as an outreach of the church and Bethel Nursery school was born. During the first year of operation, in September of 1971, there were 17 students enrolled. From the inception of the school, it has been approved and certified by the State Board of Private Academic Schools. 

 

Mrs. Roberta Merrick was chosen to be the first teacher and director of the Nursery School. With Mrs. Hope Acre as the classroom aid, they began to create a framework for a school that has been serving the community for over 50 years.

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In those first few years, the school was located in one room in the Education Wing of Bethel United Methodist Church.  Equipment and a few educational supplies were donated by neighboring churches and purchased at a reasonable rate from the Burrell School District.  Paper products and snacks were bought and lessons were planned week by week as the needs of the children enrolled in the program were discovered and limited finances became available. It was an adventure and a richly rewarding learning experience for everyone involved. 

 

Today, Bethel Nursery School's enrollment has grown to over 120 students per school year. The school now inhabits 3 different rooms in the Education Wing of the church and has 8 different classes that students attend. 

 

At Bethel, teachers strive to create an atmosphere where children are able to gain independence while learning both academic and social skills that will prepare them to succeed in Kindergarten and beyond.

 

For more information about our programs or to inquire about registration - please contact us!