OUR MISSION
As a ministry of Community Presbyterian Church of Portsmouth, the Thomas B. Hargrave Educational Center exists to serve families in our community by providing a quality Christian education.
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We CHALLENGE students to develop their analytic and creative capabilities
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We INSPIRE academic and spiritual curiosity
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We VALUE cooperation over self-interest
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We ENCOURAGE every member of our community to explore their place in the wider world
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We PROVIDE a nurturing environment where each child can maximize their potential, and have the opportunity to know Jesus Christ in a personal way
OUR PHILOSOPHY
The main purpose of the Educational Center is to extend the mission of the church into the community.
Faith-Based Readiness
We provide parents and guardians the opportunity to place their preschool children in an environment conducive to educational readiness and sound Christian principles.
Guided Discovery
We initiate structured activities designed to extend each child's knowledge of the world around them.
Core Foundations
We help children build the foundation skills they'll rely on in later learning.
WHO WE SERVE
The Thomas B. Hargrave Educational Center is designed to serve children without regard to race, creed, color, national origin, religion, or socio-economic status.
UNANIMOUS SUPPORT
Our History
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Conceptualized in 1971 by Rev. John E. Hollis, former pastor of Community Presbyterian Church
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Unanimously approved by the church Session as an extension of the church's mission into the community
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Welcomed its first group of children in September 1973
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Formally dedicated on June 17, 1974, providing both a daycare center and a space for community activities, including a scout troop
LICENSING & GOVERNANCE
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Licensed by the Virginia Department of Social Services
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Governed by a Day Care Board appointed by the Session of Community Presbyterian Church
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Led day to day by the Center's Director, who reports to the Day Care Board as a whole through monthly meetings
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Personnel matters are overseen by the Head of Personnel, Mr. Khalid Akram
2026–2027 SCHOOL YEAR CALENDAR
Calendar subject to change. All Federal Holidays are observed, and some holidays include an early dismissal the day before.
FALL
Date | Event |
|---|---|
August 17 | First Day of School |
September 4 | Early Dismissal, 1PM |
September 7 | Labor Day (School Closed) |
October 9 | Indigenous People Day |
October 30 | Halloween Festival |
WINTER
Date | Event |
|---|---|
November 11 | Veterans Day (School Closed) |
November 25 | Early Dismissal, 1PM |
November 26–27 | Thanksgiving Holiday (School Closed) |
December 21 | First Day of Winter |
December 23–26 | Christmas Break (School Closed) |
December 31 | Early Dismissal, 1PM |
NEW YEAR
Date | Event |
|---|---|
February 15 | President's Day (School Closed) |
January 18 | Martin Luther King Day (School Closed) |
January 4 | School Reopens |
January 1 | New Year's Day Observed (School Closed) |
SPRING
Date | Event |
|---|---|
May 31 | Memorial Day (School Closed) |
May 28 | Early Dismissal, 1PM |
May 7 | Mother or Significant Persons Tea |
May 3–7 | Teacher Appreciation Week |
April 22 | Earth Day |
March 26 | Good Friday (School Closed) |
SUMMER
Date | Event |
|---|---|
July 3 | Independence Day Observed (School Closed) |
June 19 | Juneteenth Observed (School Closed) |
June 17 | Father or Significant Person Dance |