History

First Presbyterian Day School was founded in 1984 as a part of the mission of First Presbyterian Church, designed to serve the needs of working families on Hilton Head Island. At the time, there were very few formal childcare options available in the area. The center opened under the leadership of Katie Robertson, our founding Director, and Sissy Jarell, President of the FPDS Board of Directors. It was accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) in the early ‘90s, and followed best practices in early childhood education.

During a NAEYC conference visit one year, several of our educators were introduced to the Reggio Emilia approach. Inspired by what they learned, the team returned home energized and unified in their desire to evolve the school’s approach. This transformation was not immediate, it required hard work, passion, and deep commitment over time.

As the school began embracing Reggio-inspired practices, the educators’ passion continued to grow. Eventually, several staff members traveled to Reggio Emilia, Italy to participate in a study tour. They returned with a wealth of knowledge and inspiration, which they shared with their colleagues. From there, the Reggio philosophy became an integral part of our school’s identity.

Today, First Presbyterian Day School continues to grow in its Reggio-inspired practice, honoring the dedication and vision of the educators who helped shape its journey. We remain committed to preserving our school’s legacy while continually learning and evolving.