Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Christ-Centered Preschool & Elementary Education in Downey
Founded in 1966, Kirkwood Christian Schools has been dedicated to providing a Christ-centered education that integrates academic excellence with spiritual growth. Our mission is to lay a foundation for every child's success through Christian character development and rigorous academics. Accredited by the Association of Christian Schools International and Western Association of Schools and Colleges, we offer preschool and elementary programs designed to nurture young minds in a safe, faith-based environment. With campuses in Downey, California, our experienced educators partner with families to create a supportive community where children thrive. Our curriculum emphasizes leadership skills, service, and a growth mindset, preparing students for future academic and personal success.Over five decades of experience inform our approach, combining proven teaching methods with modern educational practices. We maintain transparent communication with parents and prioritize individualized attention to meet each child's unique needs. Testimonials highlight our staff's dedication, the strong sense of community, and the lasting impact of our programs on students' lives. Through summer programs and extracurricular activities, we extend learning beyond traditional classroom boundaries. Our commitment to continuous improvement ensures our educational offerings remain relevant while staying true to core Christian values.
Services
Preschool Education
Elementary Education
Summer Program
After School Program
Christian Character Development
Details
- Year established: 1966
Highlights and features
- We offer dual accreditation from leading educational associations
- Our educators integrate Christian values with academic instruction
- We maintain small class sizes for personalized attention
- Our curriculum develops leadership and service-oriented mindsets
- We provide continuous support from preschool through elementary years
Associations and certifications
- Association of Christian Schools International
- Western Association of Schools and Colleges
What people say
Safe environment
Solid foundation of faith
Positive difference
Educational success
Christian family atmosphere
Services
Preschool Education
Our preschool program develops foundational academic and social skills through Christ-centered curriculum. Certified teachers create nurturing environments where children learn through play, structured activities, and spiritual guidance. The program focuses on early literacy, numeracy, and character development in a safe, supportive setting.
Elementary Education
Our elementary program combines academic rigor with biblical principles for grades K-6. Certified educators deliver comprehensive instruction in core subjects while integrating Christian values throughout the curriculum. Small class sizes ensure individualized attention and foster spiritual growth alongside academic achievement.
Summer Program
Our summer program reinforces learning through Bible-based themes and leadership development activities. Children engage in educational projects, team-building exercises, and character-building lessons while maintaining essential academic skills during school breaks in a fun, faith-filled environment.
After School Program
This program provides supervised care and homework assistance beyond regular school hours. Certified staff support academic reinforcement while maintaining Christ-centered values. Activities promote responsibility, teamwork, and continued spiritual development in a secure after-school environment.
Christian Character Development
Character development is woven into daily instruction through biblical teachings and service opportunities. Students learn leadership principles, develop growth mindsets, and practice Christian values through classroom activities, community service projects, and faith-based curriculum components.
People
Jennifer Kirkwood Hartl
Head of School
As Head of School, Jennifer continues her parents' legacy of Christ-centered education. With decades of experience in educational leadership, she oversees curriculum development and maintains the school's mission of academic excellence and spiritual growth.
William Kirkwood
Founder
Co-founder William Kirkwood established the school's educational foundation in 1966. His vision for Christ-centered education shaped the institution's approach, combining academic rigor with spiritual development through facility improvements and curriculum innovation.
Connie Kirkwood
Founder
Co-founder Connie Kirkwood pioneered the preschool program while serving as teacher and administrator. Her dedication to early childhood education and spiritual formation established the school's enduring commitment to nurturing young learners in faith and academics.
Questions
What age groups do you serve?
We serve children aged 2-5 in our preschool and grades K-6 in our elementary program.
Are you affiliated with any church?
We are an interdenominational Christian school partnered with local churches to provide faith-based education.
Do you follow state educational standards?
Our curriculum exceeds California state standards while integrating Christian principles across all subjects.
What safety measures do you have?
We maintain secure campuses with controlled access, trained staff, and regular safety protocols for all students.
Can non-Christian families enroll?
We welcome families of all backgrounds who support our mission of character development and academic excellence.
Do you offer financial assistance?
We provide pastoral discounts and flexible payment options to help make Christ-centered education accessible.
