The HBUMP Difference
HBUMP stands out within our community because of our small size, experienced educators, and exciting curriculum.
SMALL CLASSES
With fewer than 170 students in our school, we have created a close-knit Hayes Barton United Methodist Preschool family. Children and parents are greeted by name, individual needs are met in the classroom, and our teachers collaborate to provide the best education for our students.
EXPERT STAFF
All of our lead teachers hold degrees in Education or Early Childhood-related fields, with many years of experience and a shared passion for teaching. HBUMP requires continuing education for all teachers so that they can bring the latest developments and research into their classrooms.
EMERGENT CURRICULUM
Our teachers use an emergent curriculum approach, responding to the unique interests, needs, and developmental stages of their students. Learning experiences are guided by curiosity and exploration, helping children build deep, meaningful connections through play-based and inquiry-driven learning.
GROUNDED IN FAITH
Our students participate in Chapel twice a month. These lessons are designed to give children a foundation in Christian education and teach the Bible’s messages of love and kindness in an engaging and age-appropriate way. Our Chapel lessons are led by our Preschool Director and volunteers.
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MUSIC and MOVEMENT INSTRUCTION
We have adopted MusiCanopy, a fun and engaging preschool Music curriculum that prioritizes creativity and expression through a wide variety of tonalities, rhythms, instruments, and cultural styles taught by our highly trained music teacher. Musical immersion is a vital part of early childhood education due to its positive impact on social, emotional, and cognitive development. Music is a part of daily instruction in our classrooms at HBUMP, and students participate in a more formal music class twice a month.
We also integrate music into our bi-monthly Movement class, held in our on-campus gymnasium. These classes are led by our movement teacher, a licensed pediatric physical therapist, who not only supports students' physical development through engaging, whole-body activities, but also helps track any concerns related to gross motor skills and coordination. Our movement curriculum focuses on physical well-being, builds teamwork, enhances body awareness, and fosters joyful, energetic learning.
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SCIENCE and LEGO LEARNING
Once a month, a Lego-certified instructor expands our four-year-olds’ and Kindergartners' literacy and math skills through hands-on problem solving with Lego manipulatives, reinforcing our learning-through-play model at HBUMP. Students also participate in monthly Science class led by a licensed Science teacher, where they are encouraged to think critically, expand their vocabulary, participate in thoughtful discussions, and develop observation and questioning skills. These inquiry-based lessons support literacy, scientific, and mathematical development.
MOVEMENT-BASED SOCIAL SKILLS GROUP
We also offer Move & Mingle, a small-group enrichment program led by our in-house pediatric physical therapist and in-house early interventionist. Designed for 3s and 4s who would benefit from extra support in motor coordination, sensory processing, and emotional regulation, Move & Mingle provides targeted instruction through play-based movement activities. Teachers and parents collaborate to guide goals, and families receive weekly updates to help reinforce skills at home.