Medford Methodist Pre-K: A Hidden Gem for Early Childhood Education
Medford Methodist Pre-K is more than a school—it’s a community. With caring teachers and beloved traditions like hatching chicks and Bedtime Story Night, it fosters creativity, confidence, and wonder. Spots fill fast, so don’t wait—once you’re here, you’ll see why it’s so special!
As a parent, finding the right preschool is a deeply personal and often daunting decision. You want a place where your child will be nurtured, safe, and given the tools to grow—both academically and emotionally. For me, that place has always been Medford Methodist Pre-K. Since 2019, three of my four children have attended this incredible school, and as our youngest prepares to move on to kindergarten, I find myself reflecting on just how special this experience has been.
The only child's face I'm sharing is my own!
I recently had the opportunity to sit down with the school’s director, Kaitlin Thornton, to discuss what makes Medford Methodist such a unique and cherished institution. Kaitlin’s journey with the school began much like my own—as a parent looking for a preschool where she could feel completely comfortable leaving her child.
“I had never let anyone, except my parents, take care of my daughter, so I knew I was going to be picky,” Kaitlin shared. “When I found out Medford Methodist accepted parent volunteers, I thought it was a great way to see what really happens in the classroom.” Medford Met
I love the amount of creativity that they get to express! My kiddo brings home the best art projects!
Her experience was so positive that she eventually joined the staff, and she isn’t alone. Many of the teachers at Medford Methodist started as parents who simply couldn’t bear to leave the school community behind. That speaks volumes about the warmth and dedication of the staff.
Our youngest is presently the Transitional Kindergarten class, after attending Medford Methodist for 3 years. Seeing as he is a September birthday, we were uncomfortable with the idea of sending him to Kindergarten as a 4 year old, who would turn 5 the first month of school. As a mom who consistently worries about uncontrollable future outcomes I imagined him at 17 going off to college to turn 18 on a college campus. We decided, much like we did with our summer birthday daughter, to keep him and put him in Transitional Kindergarten for the year. Giving our child an extra year of childhood is the single best decision we could have made, and one I will never regret. Now he will be on the older end of the kids in his class. The extra year of TK has helped his skills develop so drastically that we now feel he is 100% ready for kindergarten. I'm not sure that I am emotionally ready to send my last baby to kindergarten, but, that's another story!
What Sets Medford Methodist Pre-K Apart?
Beyond the loving environment, Medford Methodist provides support not just for students, but for parents as well. “Raising children can be tough, and sometimes you’re not sure if you’re making the right decisions for them,” Kaitlin explained. “Our teachers are here to help parents navigate the many changes and challenges that come with preschool-age children. We’re their #1 fans!”.
The school also fosters a sense of wonder and discovery through its many beloved traditions. Kaitlin personally loves the chick-hatching experience, so much so that she got her own chicks after the first year! They are presently hatching chicks, and that has been the highlight of my little guys week for sure! Other cherished traditions include Bedtime Story Night, the PK/TK play, Nursery’s Mother’s Day Tea, and raising butterflies. “We love watching the children grow throughout the year and sharing these moments with families—it brings us such joy,” said one of the teachers, Mrs. Hoguet.
We as parents also get all these amazing pics through an app they use, so we can see what they're doing in school!
A Day in the Life at Medford Methodist
A typical day at Medford Methodist is filled with fun, structure, and opportunities for hands-on learning. “Each morning includes at least 45 minutes of outdoor playtime, followed by projects and free play in the classroom,” Kaitlin described. “We have circle time to introduce the day’s theme, activities, and music and movement. Snack time is another favorite, often paired with a story read aloud by the teachers.”
Each classroom is thoughtfully designed to encourage play-based learning, where children build social skills and independence alongside their academic foundation. Whether it’s exploring new concepts through art, hands-on activities, or guided lessons, the children are engaged in meaningful experiences every day.
These kids have had the best, most creative & enriching years here at Medford Methodist!
Considering Enrollment? Come See for Yourself!
If you’re looking for a preschool where your child will be loved, supported, and encouraged to grow, I truly couldn’t recommend Medford Methodist Pre-K enough. “One of my favorite parts of my job is welcoming new families to tour the school,” Kaitlin said. “Seeing our classrooms in action—whether it’s children playing outside, working on projects, or a teacher helping a child through big emotions—it’s all real, and it’s all us. Our teachers absolutely love what they do, and it shows in everything they do.”
As we reach the end of our family’s journey with Medford Methodist, I feel nothing but gratitude for the incredible teachers and the warm, loving environment they have created. I'm sure I'll be expressing that gratitude mostly with tears, because I was already crying last year knowing this year was our last! So if you’re searching for a preschool that feels like home, I highly encourage you to check out this hidden gem before they fill up —you won’t regret it. If I could turn back time, I'd do it all over again!