Programs expand for kids at Rock of Hope Baptist Church in Edmonds

EDMONDS — The Rock of Hope Baptist Church in Edmonds is expanding its programs for kids.

A new north campus for older children is expected to open in September at 8713 220th St. SW. Preschool classes will continue at the south campus, 7812 224th St. SW.

Both campuses are part of the Rock of Hope Academy, a nonprofit Christian school. The church has owned both properties, roughly a mile apart, since two congregations merged about five years ago.

School leaders pride themselves on offering small classes with lots of supervision and a family-like environment, Executive Director Cindy Fabian said. They serve as much organic food as possible and lots of fruits and vegetables, too, she said.

Altogether, the academy is licensed for children ages 2 to 12, with flexible programs that are part time and full time, she said.

“We wanted to be there for the parents and families who had weird schedules,” Fabian said.

Ministering to families is an important part of the church’s mission, said the Rev. David Foster, head pastor. The church is part of a diverse community, with folks interested in services in many languages. At one point, children who were enrolled in the academy spoke as many as seven other languages, he said.

“We strive very hard to have a heartfelt, excellent kickstart for kids who are going into the school system,” Foster said.

The north campus will be for kids ages 2½ through 5 years old. That will give them more room for school-age kids at the south campus — a stop on the Westgate Elementary school bus route, Fabian said.

“Our goal is to be a place for kids where they can, one, learn things that they are interested in and, two, they’ll have a time and place to have someone help them with their homework,” Fabian said.

The teachers include grandmothers, mothers and 20-somethings — and her own mother, Pat Forsman.

Morgan Clark, 23, of Lynnwood, wanted something more than a day care center for her 2-year-old, Peyton. She liked the academy’s focus on learning. He comes home from preschool singing new songs every day, she said.

“They had a great setup that didn’t feel too rigorous but was very focused on helping them grow and learn,” she said. “Everybody was just so friendly.”

Rikki King: 425-339-3449; rking@heraldnet.com.

For more information about the Rock of Hope Baptist Church and the Rock of Hope Academy, visit rockofhope1.org or call 425-771-3232.