Route 66 Closure

Dear Preschool Families,

It is with deep sadness that we share an important and difficult update regarding Foothill Christian Preschool.

After much prayer, discussion, and an honest evaluation of our enrollment and finances, we have made the heartbreaking decision to close Foothill Christian Preschool. Our final day of operation will be Friday, November 20, 2026.

This is not a decision we take lightly. We know how much this preschool means to our families, children, teachers, and staff. For nearly forty years, FCP has been far more than a school, it has been a community where children have been loved, nurtured, taught, and cared for by an extraordinary team.

Unfortunately, circumstances beyond our control have made continuing operations at our Route 66 campus financially unsustainable. California’s expansion of Universal Transitional Kindergarten has significantly affected private preschool enrollment throughout the state. At Foothill Christian Preschool, enrollment has declined from 480 children before COVID to 157 this fall—a decline of nearly 70%.

We have spent down our preschool reserves, reduced expenses, increased marketing, and launched new programs in an effort to reverse this trend. Despite those efforts, the preschool has operated at significant deficits in four of the last five years, including more than $700,000 in combined deficits over the past two years. We have reached the painful point where we simply no longer have the resources to continue operating at our current location.

What families need to know:

• November 20, 2026 is our planned final day. Christi Navarrette will continue providing day-to-day leadership until then. If declining enrollment or staffing makes it impossible to remain open through that date, we will communicate with you immediately.
• We intend to provide the same level of care, instruction, learning, and love for your children for as long as they are with us.
• Registration fees for the coming year will be fully refunded. Refunds are being processed this week, and credits should appear on accounts within approximately 10 days.
• Families remaining through November 20 will continue paying normal tuition during that period. Families who leave earlier will only be charged pro rata for the days their child is enrolled.
• Our goal over the coming months is to care for your family and help make this transition as smooth as possible.
• Some preschool TK students may have an opportunity to enroll in Jr. K at our Baseline Campus. Space is limited, and we will provide more information soon.
• School records and tuition receipts will remain available through the school offices after the preschool closes.

We are also exploring the possibility of reopening a much smaller preschool at Foothill Church’s newly renovated Kid’s Cottage on our Baseline Campus. We want to be careful not to create false expectations: this is a possibility, not a promise. It will depend on state licensing approval and sufficient family interest to make the program financially sustainable. We will keep you informed as we learn more.

We know this announcement brings sadness, disappointment, and many questions. We share that sadness with you. In the coming days, we will provide a way for families to submit questions, and weekly updates will begin next week so that you are kept informed throughout this transition.

Most importantly, thank you for entrusting your children to us. It has been an incredible privilege to serve your families and be part of your children’s lives. We are deeply grateful for the trust, relationships, and memories that have made Foothill Christian Preschool such a special place.

Please join us in praying for our preschool faculty and staff during this especially difficult time. We will also be praying for each of your families—that God would provide for you, guide you, and give you peace as you determine what comes next for your children.

With deep gratitude and sadness,

--

Chris Lewis
Lead Pastor, Foothill Church

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We know this announcement will not answer every question, and the truth is, there are some answers we simply do not have yet. We hope the information we’ve shared reflects our commitment to being transparent with you and keeping you informed as we navigate this difficult transition together.

For additional questions you may have, please submit them to questions@foothillchristian.org