The Growing Place

First United Methodist- The Growing Place is a Christian early childhood center, serving children ages one through Kindergarten. Established in 1963 as a ministry of First United Methodist Church of Coral Gables, our school is founded on Christian beliefs, values, and traditions.
We value community and family involvement and take great pride in providing high quality early childhood education in a nurturing, stimulating, and anti-bias environment. First United Methodist- The Growing Place welcomes families from all backgrounds, faiths, ethnicities, and nationalities as we value being part of a culturally diverse community in the greater Miami area.

Quick Stats (2024-25)

  • Top Ranked FL School
  • Grades: Prekindergarten-1
  • Enrollment: 330 students
  • Application Deadline: None / Rolling
  • Source: Verified school update

Top Rankings

The Growing Place ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Florida for:

Category
Attribute
School History

School Overview

Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-1
Year Founded
1963

Student Body

Total Students
330 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
80%
State avg.: 47%
Students by Grade
The Growing Place Student By Grade

Academics and Faculty

Total Classroom Teachers
4 teachers
Classroom Dress Code
Casual
school uniform

Tuition and Acceptance Rate

Admission Deadline
None / Rolling

School Notes

  • Building on our educational philosophy, First United Methodist-The Growing Place is starting the process of implementing HighScope curriculum, a research based, and innovative approach to learning and development for toddler, preschool and elementary age children.
  • HighScope's educational approach emphasizes "active participatory learning." Active learning means students have direct, hands-on experiences with people, objects, events, and ideas. Children`s interests and choices are at the heart of HighScope programs. They construct their own knowledge through interactions with the world and the people around them. Children take the first step in the learning process by making choices and following through on their plans and decisions. Teachers, caregivers, and parents offer physical, emotional, and intellectual support. In active learning settings, adults expand children`s thinking with diverse materials and nurturing interactions. Excerpts: HighScope. To read and learn more about HighScope, please visit: http://www.highscope.org.
Source: Verified school update

Frequently Asked Questions

What is The Growing Place's ranking?
The Growing Place ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Florida for: Largest student body and Oldest founding date.
When is the application deadline for The Growing Place?
The application deadline for The Growing Place is rolling (applications are reviewed as they are received year-round).

School Reviews

  5.00 out of 5  (4 reviews)
5  
My child is in his third year at The Growing Place. As a parent, you always want your child in a nurturing, safe, joyful, and intellectually stimulating environment. The compassion from the teachers and administration impresses me beyond what I could have hoped for. There seems to be a strong focus on teaching children to foster a love of learning, to be critical thinkers, to have necessary life skills, to be good citizens in the world, to be kind to one another, and to learn how to manage the, at times, difficult emotions that come with growing up. The teachers that my son has had over the years have been beyond amazing. He still runs up and gives his prior years' teachers hugs when he sees them. I look forward to him remaining a student at this school through fifth grade.
- Posted by
5  
If your child is quiet, simple, and doesn`t challenge the tired staff then you will be fine. Overall it seems fine but any hint of disruption will not assist and pass the burden. The school seemed more family-oriented 5 years ago but as of recently seems a bit more focused on institutional growth than on nurturing and creating a positive early start for young ones.
- Posted by
5  
loving, nurturing school, with a great focus on academics and individualization for each child. Small class sizes. They now have an elementary program!
- Posted by
5  
I had my children at The Growing Place for 5 years (total time between the 2 of them). It is an absolutely wonderful place, the teachers are very caring and motherly towards the children. The religious aspect is as much as you want or as little as you want. I have spoken with many other parents from other schools and I sorta feel sorry for them and especially for their children. Many of the schools just cant compare.....
- Posted by

Endorse The Growing Place. Endorsements should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:

  • Quality of academic programs, teachers, and facilities
  • Availability of music, art, sports and other extracurricular activities
  • Academic or athletic awards
Endorse this school:

Recent Articles

Expelled for Smoking Pot: What Parents Need to Know
Expelled for Smoking Pot: What Parents Need to Know
We explore the consequences of marijuana use in private schools, discussing expulsion policies, legal implications, and impacts on college admissions. This Q&A format article provides insights for parents navigating disciplinary actions and offers advice on prevention and support for students.
U.S. Private Schools: A Guide for International Students
U.S. Private Schools: A Guide for International Students
Dive into the nitty-gritty of attending U.S. private schools as an international student. From tackling the admissions maze to conquering the TOEFL, this guide's got you covered. We'll walk you through visa hurdles, financial realities, and even virtual campus tours. Buckle up for an insider's look at making your American education dreams a reality!
Early Childhood Education: A Guide for Parents of 1 and 2 Year Olds
Early Childhood Education: A Guide for Parents of 1 and 2 Year Olds
In this article we explore three popular approaches to early childhood education: Montessori, Reggio Emilia, and Waldorf. It provides parents of toddlers with essential information about each method, helping them make informed decisions about their child's early education.

Quick Stats (2024-25)

  • Top Ranked FL School
  • Grades: Prekindergarten-1
  • Enrollment: 330 students
  • Application Deadline: None / Rolling
  • Source: Verified school update

Request Information

Did You Know?

The average private school tuition in Miami, FL is $20,048 for elementary schools and $22,457 for high schools (read more about average private school tuition across the country).
The average acceptance rate in Miami, FL is 79% (read more about average acceptance rates across the country).

Quick Links