Now enrolling for Fall 2026

Preschool classes are available for children 3 and 4 years old. Half and full days are available.

Join us!

Open House

Thursday, March 19th
5:00-7:00 p.m.

Stop by to meet the teachers and see our classrooms at St. Paul’s UMC.
We are located at 400 Wayne Ave, Defiance.

Interested in learning more about our program?

Contact us to get a private tour of our classrooms and learn more about our program, which is celebrating 34 years.

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Letters & numbers

We teach age-appropriate letter and number recognition.

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Stories & songs

We teach songs and read stories at circle time.

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Socialization

We work on socialization and taking turns. The children help pick up and care for the toys, and they serve and clean up their snacks.

2026-2027
School Year

3 and 4 Year Olds

PRESCHOOL ONLY
Monday, Wednesday and Friday
8 a.m.-11:30 a.m.


ALL-DAY
Monday, Wednesday and Friday
8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

New mommy
& me class!

More information coming soon.

Daily Schedule

  • Drop-off begins at 8:00 a.m.

  • Classes begin at 8:30 a.m.

  • Preschool dismissal at 11:30 a.m.

  • All-day dismissal at 4:30 p.m.

    Additional Information:

    • All snacks will be provided. 

    • For the all-day, please bring a packed lunch.

REGISTRATION

  • Registration Fee is $50 per child.

  • Additional children are $25 per child.

  • Registration fee is nonrefundable.

About the Ark

The ARK Learning & Arts Academy is a non-profit preschool designed to provide the opportunity for three- and four-year-old children to develop socially, emotionally, physically, and intellectually in a Christian environment.

Based on professional standards of preschool education for academics, we provide creative child-centered group participation with an emphasis on the arts.

Mission

Foster the spiritual, academic, emotional, physical, and social development of preschool-aged children through the arts in a safe, nurturing, and faith-based environment.

35 YEARS

As a ministry of St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, the preschool has been in operation for 35 years. It is licensed by the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services and is inspected once a year. All staff members are required to take classes in First Aid/CPR, Child Abuse and Neglect, Common Childhood Illnesses, and are fingerprinted with the state, including a BCI and FBI check.