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Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Trusted Preschool Education in Chapel Hill
For over five decades, Preschool at the Chapel of the Cross (PCC) has been a cornerstone of early childhood education in Chapel Hill. Founded in 1971 by two parishioners, our institution has evolved from a small weekly gathering of twelve children to a thriving five-day program serving over 40 families annually. Our philosophy centers on the belief that every child is a unique individual deserving a nurturing environment where play fosters serious learning. We prioritize social, emotional, cognitive, and motor skill development while celebrating cultural diversity and encouraging independence. With a commitment to accessibility, we opened our doors to the broader community beyond our parish origins, welcoming over one thousand children from diverse backgrounds. Our team of early childhood education professionals recognizes varying developmental needs and tailors experiences to support growth at each childs pace.

As pioneers in offering health insurance benefits to staff, we demonstrate our dedication to both families and employees. Our flexible scheduling optionstwo-day, three-day, and five-day programsaccommodate different family needs while maintaining consistent educational quality. Through decades of service, we have maintained our founding vision: creating a secure, stimulating space where curiosity and exploration thrive. Our structured daily schedule from 8:15 AM to 12:15 PM ensures focused learning opportunities while respecting young childrens attention spans. By blending tradition with innovation, we continue to shape Chapel Hills educational landscape through compassionate, child-centered care.
Services
Bunnies (2s) Program Bears (3s) Program Birds (4s) Program Year-Round Preschool Schedule a Tour
Details
  • Year established: 1971
Highlights and features
  • We offer 54 years of specialized early childhood education experience
  • Our team pioneered staff health benefits in local preschool programs
  • We celebrate cultural diversity while maintaining individualized attention
  • Flexible scheduling options accommodate various family needs
  • Our curriculum combines structured learning with child-led exploration
Services
Bunnies (2s) Program
Our Bunnies program serves children aged 23, offering developmentally appropriate activities that foster socialization and motor skills. Through structured play and guided exploration, we nurture early learning foundations while respecting individual growth rates. This program helps young children transition comfortably into group learning environments.
Bears (3s) Program
Designed for three-year-olds, the Bears program builds on early skills with enhanced cognitive challenges and cooperative play. We emphasize language development and problem-solving through themed activities that align with children's natural curiosity. This program prepares students for more advanced preschool concepts while maintaining a playful approach.
Birds (4s) Program
The Birds program prepares four-year-olds for kindergarten with comprehensive skill development. Our curriculum integrates literacy, numeracy, and scientific thinking through hands-on projects. Children engage in complex social interactions and demonstrate increased independence while maintaining our core philosophy of play-based learning.
Year-Round Preschool
Operating September through August, our year-round program ensures consistent educational progress without seasonal interruptions. This approach maintains learning momentum and social continuity while accommodating working families' schedules. Our calendar balances structured learning with necessary breaks for child development.
Schedule a Tour
Prospective families can arrange personalized tours to experience our environment firsthand. This allows parents to observe classroom dynamics, meet educators, and understand our teaching philosophy in action. We encourage visits to help families determine if our program aligns with their child's needs.
Questions
What age groups do you serve?
We offer programs for children aged 2–4: Bunnies (2s), Bears (3s), and Birds (4s) with appropriate developmental curricula for each group.
Are part-time options available?
Yes, Bunnies and Bears programs offer two-day, three-day, and five-day weekly options while Birds follows a five-day schedule.
What makes PCC unique?
We combine 54 years of experience with play-based learning, staff health benefits, and a commitment to cultural diversity in early education.
How does your schedule work?
All programs operate Monday-Friday from 8:15 AM to 12:15 PM, with school years running September through August.
Can I visit before enrolling?
Yes, we encourage prospective families to schedule tours to experience our environment and meet our educators.
What educational philosophy do you follow?
We believe play is serious learning, focusing on individualized development of social, emotional, cognitive, and motor skills through exploration.