CareCompass
At a Glance
Trust Score
Based on comprehensive analysis of reviews, safety records, and operations.
About Shepherd of the Hills Presbyterian Church
Shepherd of the Hills Church Preschool
Founded in 1987, Shepherd of the Hills Presbyterian Church Preschool provides a dedicated part-time morning schedule for children aged 12 months through Pre-K. Operating Monday through Friday from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM, the program emphasizes a play-based curriculum rooted in Christian values. The campus features dedicated learning classrooms and a chapel space used for music and movement, fostering a gentle introduction to social environments for young children. Director Patricia Lawrence leads a team focused on low teacher-to-student ratios, which parents report to be as low as 1:3 for toddler groups. The school is a staple in the South Austin community, recognized for its warm atmosphere and focus on spiritual and cognitive growth. Registration typically opens in the spring for the upcoming academic year, with a waitlist maintained for its 60-student capacity.
What Parents Say
5 reviews from parents
This church has done a lot of work to ensure equality for all! Ensuring the most vulnerable areas in Central America have the skills and supplies needed for running water and electricity is fantastic work done with love!
I was a first-time visitor at Shepherd of the Hills this morning, and it was such a positive experience. I was greeted warmly at the door and given a quick introduction to the church so that I would be comfortable with the service. (And I was given a loaf of pecan pumpkin bread - and it's yummy.) That introduction really wasn't necessary because the service was very easy to follow, and the sermon was engaging and witty. As a transgender woman, I tend to be a little nervous in new situations, but everyone I met this morning made me feel very welcome.
Love this place and how the spirit of God moves and inspires the people to love everybody. The service I attended contained both traditional and contemporary music, all led very well. The people are warm and caring. The staff and welcome team will help you not only fit in but take your next steps of faith. If you are in South Austin this is an amazing church and community. Check it out.
I literally felt Gods spirit touch my heart the first time I went to this Presbyterian Church. I’ve not missed a Sunday service in the 16 months I’ve been going as a member. Pastor Leon Bloder is an outstanding Pastor. Love God...Love everyone.
Great minister but "traditional" service going by wayside. Communion every Sunday started "for Lent" 2 years ago but never went away. Hymn deleted to accommodate. 11 am service pushed back to 11:11 because of early service running over. Now 11:11 service still doesn't always start on time. Worst of all is the children's play area installed IN THE SANCTUARY, again supposedly temporary, but became permanent also. Kids playing, talking, and walking around during service. Way too distracting and simply put, inappropriate. Sadly, we're looking for another church.
Web Report
Aggregated insights from public records & parent discussions
Safety Record
No major safety concerns, accidents, or legal incidents were found in public news records or licensing summaries for Shepherd Of The Hills Presbyterian Church Preschool. The facility is a licensed child care center (Operation #233714) that has been in operation since March 1988 with no reported history of high-risk violations or closures. Public records confirm it maintains a capacity of 60 children and adheres to part-time safety regulations.
Parent Reputation
The preschool holds a highly positive reputation among parents, evidenced by a 4.8-star rating from 24 reviews on Google. Parent discussions on forums like Reddit and testimonials on the school's website consistently highlight the 'nurturing Christian environment,' low student-to-teacher ratios, and an 'invested' community. Common themes in reviews include deep appreciation for the long-tenured staff and the school's focus on both social and spiritual growth.
Staff Insights
While direct employee reviews on sites like Glassdoor or Indeed for the Austin location are not available, parent testimonials frequently praise the teachers as 'warm,' 'supportive,' and 'dedicated.' Families often report that teachers know every student by name and maintain a low ratio (e.g., 1:3 for toddlers), suggesting a stable and attentive work environment. No mentions of high staff turnover or management issues were found in available public feedback.
Quick Information
Varies by age and schedule
