Serving beautiful Willow Glen since 2007
License #434408891
Testimonials
Early education that builds confidence, character, and a love of learning – one child at a time.
First Discoveries was founded with a simple conviction: children grow best where they are known, seen, and given the space to explore and discover at their own pace. For 19 years, we have chosen to remain intentionally relational.
Located in San Jose, next to Willow Glen Middle School, we have served local families since 2007 with an intentionally relational approach to early education. We are a steady community where children, teachers, and families build trust over time.
For many families, we are their child’s first experience of school — their first separation, their first classroom rhythm, their first trusted adult outside the home. Over time, many return with younger siblings. Whether we have just met your family or have partnered together before, caring for children is a privilege we do not take lightly.
We believe preschool is not simply preparation for kindergarten — it is the beginning of how a child learns to see themselves: capable, valued, responsible, and able to try again.
Since 2007, First Discoveries has supported hundreds of children and families through the dedication of our teaching team. The school began from a vision Terry received in 2005 to bring God’s love to young children and opened in 2007 with the support of her mother, Rose, Administrative Director. Together with Araceli, Head Teacher, they continue to lead and care for the program with intention and heart.
Rev. Terry Santizo brings over 27 years of experience in early childhood education and family support. As a Licensed and Ordained Minister in Education, licensed Foster Resource Parent, and Certified Professional Parent Coach in the From Fear to Love™ parenting model, she leads with a relationship-centered approach that supports both academic readiness and emotional development. As a mother and grandmother, Terry brings a deep understanding of children, family life, and nurturing relationships to the First Discoveries community.
Araceli has been part of First Discoveries for 12 years and has over 18 years of experience as a Montessori-certified teacher. She brings creativity, experience, and a natural connection with children that we deeply value.
“Only through freedom and environmental experience is it practically possible for human development to occur.”
~ Maria Montessori
We see children as capable, curious, and deeply relational.
Learning happens when children feel safe, understood, and guided with clarity. Our classrooms are structured yet warm. Expectations are clear. Boundaries are consistent. Relationships come first.
We believe:
Our approach is connection -based and responsive to children’s emotional needs, supporting regulation alongside academic growth. When children feel secure, they learn more freely.
Our goal is reaches beyond kindergarten readiness. It’s about inspiring children to think independently, speak kindly, care for others, take responsibility, and try again when something feels hard.
That work begins in the small, daily rhythms of preschool — and we consider it a privilege to participate in these foundational years.
Purposeful Play & Discovery
Children at First Discoveries are invited to explore, question, build, and think. Through dramatic play, Montessori-inspired work cycles, early literacy development, hands-on science exploration, and creative expression, children strengthen focus, problem-solving skills, and sustained attention.
Learning is cultivated through structure, repetition, and meaningful engagement.
Live Gardens, Music & Movement
Our campus includes a variety of outdoor learning environments, including gardens, climbing structures, sand areas, and open grass fields that support coordination, balance, teamwork, and resilience. Children explore Monarch butterfly nurseries, plant and tend gardens, and rotate through different outdoor play areas throughout the week. Outdoor learning is an intentional and enriching part of their development.
Early Music Awareness classes provide weekly exposure to instruments, rhythm, and worship. Music and movement are woven throughout the week, strengthening memory, listening skills, coordination, and joyful participation. Children engage their whole bodies in learning, building confidence through movement and practice.
Live Gardens, Music & Movement
Our campus includes a variety of outdoor learning environments, including gardens, climbing structures, sand areas, and open grass fields that support coordination, balance, teamwork, and resilience. Children explore Monarch butterfly nurseries, plant and tend gardens, and rotate through different outdoor play areas throughout the week. Outdoor learning is an intentional and enriching part of their development.
Early Music Awareness classes provide weekly exposure to instruments, rhythm, and worship. Music and movement are woven throughout the week, strengthening memory, listening skills, coordination, and joyful participation. Children engage their whole bodies in learning, building confidence through movement and practice.
Character & Community
Character development is woven into daily life. Through shared routines, guided conversations, biblical teaching, and relational coaching, children practice patience, kindness, responsibility, and self-control.
We believe laying a foundation for faith is part of our responsibility during these formative years. Through prayer, Bible stories, and daily modeling of gratitude and compassion, children are introduced to a relationship with God in developmentally appropriate ways grounded in love.
Formation happens in ordinary moments — around tables, during conflict resolution, in friendships, and in opportunities to lead and serve. These experiences shape not only school readiness, but lifelong habits of character.
For families who desire deeper spiritual connection, we host Encounter Worship Nights on the last Wednesday of each month in partnership with Lovewalk Ministries.
Why Multi-Age Matters
Our classrooms are intentionally mixed-age. Younger students observe language, problem-solving, and social skills modeled by older peers. Older students take on small leadership roles within our classroom community, strengthening empathy, responsibility, and confidence. Multi-age environments are associated with stronger cooperation, peer mentoring, and self-regulation — skills that extend beyond preschool and prepare children for real-world group settings.
Our partnership with Valley Christian Schools demonstrates our commitment to academic excellence. The VCS Exemplary Preschool Scholar Award recognizes our dedication to preparing young minds for their educational journey ahead.
Reading is fun! Our reading room encourages reading at all levels. Our PreKinder Program also customizes their learning at 3 different levels, whether they are getting started, writing their name already or reading sentences, we can support and encourage growth and learning!
We interchange English and Spanish during the day to introduce or reinforce the children’s Spanish at their own pace. Children who already know Spanish are welcome to use it, and those who are starting to learn will get the benefit of both languages. We have found that when children experience the introduction of a new skill without too much frustration, they are more open to it, and they feel better about themselves and their ability to learn it. Our Spanish Program starts at 3pm. With the use of props and body language, songs, activities, stories, games and conversations, the children quickly pick up the language.
Visit during the school day and see firsthand how children learn, connect, and grow within the daily rhythm of First Discoveries.
Visit during the school day and see firsthand how children learn, connect, and grow within the daily rhythm of First Discoveries.
Serving Willow Glen since 2007
Licensed by the State of California
License #434408891
© 2007–2026 Terry Santizo and First Discoveries Christian Preschool. All rights reserved. No portion of this site may be reproduced or distributed without written permission.