Office (815)
633-8075Grace Lutheran Preschool
Train up a child in the way he should go and when he is old, he will not depart from it.
In 1944 there were no kindergartens in the public school system.
That fall, with the foresight and initiative of Mrs. Chell, a unique
community project was set into motion. This project was sponsored by
the newly formed Miriam Circle. Its purpose was to prepare four and
five year olds for elementary school via Christian training.
Gladys
Anderson, a member since 1938, became teacher, director, and
curriculum planner. She was assisted by Esther Brown and Miriam
Soderberg. Twenty-three children enrolled for a six week session in
the spring of 1944 for a fee of $10. Cab service was also available
for 25 cents a day. Mrs. Jones and Mrs. Bly were early assistants to
Mrs. Anderson. The school was conducted with an emphasis on Bible
stories, devotional prayer, patriotism, creative handiwork, and
music. Two years later, a six week session was added for the fall
tem. In 1948 the budget was $1623.17 for teachers' salaries, use of
the church, and equipment. Since that time(until 1999) more than six
thousand children of many faiths have attended this Christian based
school.
The circle made graduation robes and hats for the eighteen
"graduates" in 1951 and a new tradition was begun. Due to the
popularity of the school, sessions were increased to twelve weeks in
the spring and fall sessions. In 1959 the Grace Lutheran
Kindergarten was licensed by the Illinois Department of Children and
Family Services. Both morning and afternoon sessions needed to be
added to accommodate the numbers of children wanting to attend. Then
in 1961, the school moved to the new education wing of the church.
The Harlem School District added kindergarten to their curriculum in
1969 due to a state mandate. This exemplary school added nursery
school for three yew olds with Loretta Clark as teacher and
coordinator in 1974. In 1979 Aides were required to assist the
teachers. Grace Lutheran Preschool and Nursery celebrated its 50th
year for three, four, and five yew olds in 1994.
