History

In 1971, the 12^th Street Baptist Church, under the leadership of then pastor Dr. Troy L. Morrison, decided to start a new Kindergarten ministry at the church. The first director of the school was Mrs. Barbara Spears. The first year there was only two classes, a two days a week class for four year olds and a five days class for five year olds. Baby DayCare through Five Year Old DayCare, for full days - 7 AM - 5:30 PM, was added in the 80's,

Our Kindergarten-Day Care Ministry has developed a reputation as one of the top schools in our city and county. Many families have had multiple generations of children come through our school and daycare. For many years, our school has not required any paid publicity. Each year, because of our excellent recommendations, classes are easily filled. Already our classes are filled for the Fall this year, with some on a waiting list.

Mrs. Lana Cannon is only the fourth Director in the Kindergarten's thirty-seven year history. Mrs. Jean Wills served as Director from 1973 until 2001. Mrs. Renea Womack served from 2001 until 2008. Twelfth Street Baptist's program has been seen as a model for others interested in establishing church-based programs. The kindergarten and day care has truly been a ministry of the church, Mrs. Wills said. She recalled a statement by Troy Morrison, the church's pastor in the early years of the kindergarten and day care and who now serves as Pastor Emeritus. He said that even the children who didn't attend church might pass by Twelfth Street Baptist as an adult and remember that they were loved here.

Our classes are always smaller in order to do the best teaching and to give each child as much individual attention as possible. The plus of our program is spiritual, conducted in a Christian atmosphere with the hope of directing the spiritual growth of each child. We feel the importance of providing experiences that will help each child to mature physically, mentally and spiritually.