First Methodist Church first opened the doors to its Mother's Day Out program in the 1960s. In 1969, it became a preschool, which through the years has developed into one of the finest early education programs in the Tulsa area.
Our school is known for the outstanding love and care each child receives. We are a place where faith and fun begin early. We serve ages 6 weeks through Pre-K (4s turning 5 in the school year). Our entire staff is CPR and First Aid Certified.

2026 Summer & 2026/2027 School Year Sessions

New families may begin scheduling tours of our facility in January 2026.
Enrollment for 2026 Summer Session and 2026/2027 School Year Session begins March 2, 2026.
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Schedule

Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday

9:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.

If you are looking for a spot for this school year, please use the contact form below. Most classes are full, but a few spots still remain.

Age Ranges

We serve ages six weeks through Pre-K.

Tuition

Two Days a Week: $240 / Month

Three Days a Week: $360 / Month

Sibling Discounts Available.

Program Details

Curriculum
At the ELA, our classrooms are built on state guidelines for child development, ensuring every activity supports growth across all areas. We use a theme-based curriculum to introduce concepts in engaging, hands-on ways, making learning both fun and meaningful.

Faith is woven into our days through the same curriculum used on Sunday mornings, helping children connect classroom experiences with biblical truths. Grounded in the latest research, we believe preschool should center on learning through play—nurturing social and emotional development, fostering independence, and building strong school-readiness skills.
Facilities
Our building features large, well-organized classrooms designed specifically for each age group we serve. Every room is thoughtfully equipped with engaging, educational toys and materials that inspire curiosity and creativity.
Beyond the classroom, children enjoy two newly remodeled outdoor playgrounds and four indoor play areas. Our outdoor spaces include areas for climbing, imaginative play, a grassy hill perfect for rolling or playing tag, a concrete area for scooters and ball games, and plenty of room to explore.

Indoors, children can run and play in the gymnasium within our Youth and Family Complex, bounce in the First Kids Auditorium, explore the large playroom, or dive into imaginative adventures in Sam’s Town—our unique indoor “mini town” designed for creative pretend play.
Special Events
Every Tuesday morning, we begin our week with either Chapel or Music and Movement. Each month, we also welcome a special visitor from the Central Library who brings Storytime right to our classrooms, just like at the library!

Throughout the year, we host a variety of special events that make preschool life extra fun. Some are designed for families to join in—like our Christmas Program, End-of-the-Year Bash, and monthly Parents on the Playground gatherings. Others are just for the kids to celebrate and play together, such as our Fall Festival and Grinch Day.

Parent Handbook

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2025/26 Calendar

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Contact Us

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Meet the Early Learning Academy Leadership

General Email: [email protected]

Samantha Grant

Early Learning Academy Director
Samantha's Bio
Samantha Grant grew up at First Methodist and is in her tenth school year with the Early Learning Academy, and her second year as the Director.

Samantha graduated from Oklahoma State University with a degree in family sciences and child development, and her career has spanned education, social, and children’s ministry. She is passionate about discipling kids, supporting parents, and making the ELA the best early childhood center in Tulsa!

Samantha is married to Jake, and together they have two children, Abbie and Lucas. They are a proud puppy foster home and always have at least a few dogs running around. Samantha is a dedicated soccer mom and avid traveler! 

Christa Henson

Assistant Director of Preschool Programming
Christa's Bio
Christa Henson studied at Oral Roberts University and has been on staff at First Methodist since 2021. She began as the High School minister but discerned a different calling to younger children, and thus became the Assistant Director of Preschool Programming!

Christa serves both the First Kids ministry and the Early Learning Academy, where she helps to cultivate a missional atmosphere, and hopes to connect families from both areas to the other.

Christa is married to fellow FMC staff member Grant Henson, and together they welcomed their son, Atticus, in 2024.