Our Story

Peak Beginnings was founded in 2021 by a Wake County teacher who recognized the educational barriers faced by children from under-resourced families in our community. “God put this issue on my heart and was faithful to bring the people and experiences into my life that would lead me to launch this program.”

The name “Peak Beginnings” was chosen because of the geographic location in Apex, NC and to represent the potential that all children have to achieve when provided with the right opportunities. 

The first cohort of two-year-olds launched in the fall of 2022. Peak Beginnings currently rents classroom space at The Peak Church. The similar name is just a wonderful coincidence! Although we have benefited greatly from the generosity of the church and its congregation, Peak Beginnings operates independently of any church or affiliation.

Our Vision

To close the achievement gap for children from economically disadvantaged families.

Our Mission

To provide opportunities for children from under-resourced families to gain the skills and confidence needed to reach their unique potential, by offering free early childhood education in a Christ-centered, nurturing, and stable environment.

Our Beliefs

  • All children have unique gifts and talents given by God and should be provided the opportunity to develop these gifts regardless of their economic situation.
  • All children deserve high-quality early childhood education that will nurture their spiritual, social, emotional, physical, and academic growth, regardless of economic status.
  • All too often children fail in school and life, not because they lack the brainpower and desire to succeed, but because they lack the experiences, opportunities, and support that every child deserves.
  • Early childhood education has a profound correlation to success in school and beyond, particularly for economically disadvantaged children.
  • No family in Wake County should have to choose between food for their family or education for their child.
  • Providing resources that enable families and their children to achieve their highest potential, live lives of dignity, and maximize their choices is the truest way to show the love of Christ.
  • It is our calling as Christ followers to “Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy.” [Proverbs 31:8-9 (NIV)]

Our Commitment

Each Peak Beginnings child will have:

  • The opportunity to know the love of Christ.
  • The resources to support their spiritual, social, and academic growth.
  • Reliable and safe transportation to and from school.
  • Nutritionally balanced meals.
  • A resource-rich learning environment that includes exceptional educators.
  • A safe outdoor space to learn through play.
  • Educational opportunities outside of the classroom.

Each Peak Beginnings family will have:

  • Opportunities to help their children grow their relationship with Christ.
  • The training needed to provide academic enrichment in the home.
  • Consistent support and communication from their classroom teachers.
  • Access to additional community programs that provide a variety of support and resources.

Peak Beginnings will have:

  • A board of directors who leads with honesty, integrity, and dedication, with a Christ centered commitment to each child and their family.
  • Consistent and sustainable financial support from community donors.

Our Why

Low income families have minimal access to quality early childhood education programs because of the limited funding and space in state-operated 4-year-old Pre-K programs and the high cost of private 0 to 4-year-old programs. According to research, 90% of brain growth happens from ages 0 to 5 and these early childhood experiences lay the foundation for school success. According to The Gates Foundation, students who do not attend an early childhood program enter Kindergarten one full year behind in the academic and social skills that are vital for school success, and are very rarely able to catch up. All children deserve high-quality early childhood education to prepare them physically, academically, socially, and emotionally for success in school and life.

The Facts

  • All too often children fail in school and life, not because they lack the brainpower and desire to succeed, but because they lack the experiences, opportunities, and support that every child deserves. 67% of economically disadvantaged 4 year-olds in Wake county are not enrolled in a pre-school program.
  • Research suggests access to quality early childhood programs is highly unequal across income groups in NC.
  • The fees charged for an early childhood program can absorb 30 percent or more of the budget of a lower-income working family, but just seven percent of the household budgets of higher-income families.

Other Barriers to Access

  • Geographic proximity of early care & education programs.
  • Limited parent & caregiver knowledge & access to information about the availability of early care and education.
  • Reliable transportation & the alignment of center hours with parent work hours.
  • Language barriers & fear of deportation for immigrant families, regardless of immigration status.

Our Plan

  • Enroll a cohort of year-old children every three years and work with this same group of children through age four, 3.5 hours a day, 4 days a week; providing  early childhood enrichment to the students and cultivating strong relationships with students’ families.
  • Implement a fully-integrated, age-appropriate, and language-enriched curriculum, including: play, songs, books, social interaction, imaginative role play, outdoor time, exploration, field trips, and experiential learning.
  • Provide daily transportation to and from school for all students.
  • Supply well-balanced, nutritious hot breakfasts and lunches to provide energy and promote brain development.
  • Help students develop conflict-resolution skills and a strong sense of independence and self-assurance.
  • Educate students’ families, offering opportunities to engage in their child’s experience.
  • Provide curriculum related materials for at-home enrichment for all families.
  • Provide academic and health screenings on an annual basis.
  • Provide all services free-of-charge by soliciting donations and grants to fund operations.

Target Families

  • Families who experience barriers to early childhood education.
  • Children who are 2 years old by August 31st.
  • Families that live in a five-mile radius of our location at The Peak Church.
  • Parents who are committed to helping their child succeed, willing to be involved when requested, and can commit to regular attendance.

Our Partners

  • The Peak Beginnings classroom is currently located at The Peak Church at 1200 North Salem Street in Apex.
  • The Peak provides access to classroom space, their kitchen, their playground, and volunteers.
  • Peak Beginnings and The Peak Church are two sperate organization who happen to have “Peak” in the name!
  • Connects Peak Beginnings with families who can benefit from our program.
  • Connects Peak Beginnings with families who can benefit from our program.