Our Philosophy
First Place Academy focuses on the development of the "Whole Child". We foster social, emotional, physical, cognitive, and spiritual development in the preschool age child, all built on a strong Christian foundation.
First Place Academy is defined as a non-profit private Christian school. The program is very unique and offers the highest quality early childhood educational program for children 2.5-5 years of age. We believe in the importance of creating a balance that will build a strong foundation for educational development in a Christian atmosphere. Our highly structured classroom setting is equipped with a kindergarten readiness curriculum, loving experienced and professional staff, creative art activities, Spanish language enrichment, music, and weekly chapel services provided by the FBC Children's Pastor. We are licensed by the State of Arkansas and exceed all requirements and recommendations.
First Place Academy is where children come first! Preparing for our children's future by establishing an educational foundation based on the principles and love of Jesus Christ.
Meet Our Pastor
At First Baptist Van Buren we believe God has called us to the mission of winning people to a life-changing, growing relationship with Jesus Christ.​​
We know young families in the River Valley need a place that will prepare their preschoolers intellectually, relationally, and spiritually for their next steps in life. That is why we have an amazing ministry called First Place Academy. Our teachers and leaders are phenomenal and the kids receive the best preschool experience you will find anywhere. My own daughter graduated from First Place and we were so thrilled about every aspect of her experience.
First Baptist Van Buren cares about you and your family and it would be our privilege to be able to serve you through First Place Academy! And if you don’t have a church home, we would love to welcome you home to First Baptist Van Buren.
Blessings,
Pastor Chris​​
OUR STAFF
Dianna Elkins
Founder
Brittany McNutt
Interim Program Director
Shannon Irwin
Pre-K Curriculum Coordinator
Shannon Ray
Pre-K Teacher
April Hiler
Pre-K Teacher
Emily Sykes
Pre-K Teacher
Amy Bender
MWF Pre-K Teacher
Lexi Williams
MWF Pre-K Teacher
Molly Freeman
3's Curriculum Coordinator
Kandra Selman
M - F 3 Year Old Teacher
Lauren Cobb
M - F 3 Year Old Teacher
Alicia Simmons
T/TH Three Year Old Teacher
Beth Bynum
T/TH Three Year Old Teacher
Tara Teague
2.5 - 3.5 Year Old Teacher
Allison Hopkins
Afternoon Teacher
Jessica Smith
Afternoon Teacher
Debi Chitwood
Afternoon Teacher
Lisa Beard
Afternoon Teacher
Cherry Newbold
Afternoon Teacher
Chelsea Sheffield
FBC Children's Director
FPA Chapel Leader
Our History
First Place Academy early childhood Christian educational program was developed and founded in 1992 by Dianna Elkins. First Place Academy was brought home to First Baptist in February of 2000. It is defined as a non-profit private Christian school that specializes in Early Childhood Education and is a very important outreach ministry of First Baptist Church in Van Buren.