CareCompass
At a Glance
Trust Score
Based on comprehensive analysis of reviews, safety records, and operations.
About Oak Hill United Methodist Church
Oak Hill United Methodist Preschool
Established in 1987, Oak Hill United Methodist Preschool provides a nurturing morning program for children ages 12 months through 5 years. Operating Monday through Friday from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM, the program emphasizes social-emotional development through a play-based curriculum. The school maintains a small-community atmosphere under the leadership of Director Maureen Birdsell and her dedicated staff of 14 teachers. The preschool facility features 11 specialized classrooms, a dedicated library, and multiple outdoor play areas on the church campus. While rooted in Christian values, the program focuses on creating an inclusive environment where children can engage in structured discovery and age-appropriate play. Families in Southwest Austin appreciate the stable teaching team and the school's focus on kindergarten readiness within a flexible morning schedule.
What Parents Say
5 reviews from parents
Oak Hill United Methodist Church in Austin welcomes all and is enormously supportive through volunteer work with community at large, especially those in need.
Our kids love going to Sunday school and enjoyed the VBS program. The message during service is always thoughtful. The congregation and pastors are all very welcoming.
I love this church! We stumbled into it when we moved to Austin and immediately felt at home. This is a congregation that puts its faith in action and makes all feel welcome.
We stumbled across Oak Hill United Methodist Church about a year and a half ago and we absolutely love it! Their nursery started taking care of our son during service when he was about 4 or 5 months old. They'll gladly accept any baby of any age and have excellent nursery staff. They have the most loving and considerate community. In the mornings before service, the fellowship hall usually offers a full breakfast instead of the normal don't stand most churches offer. It's an extra opportunity to connect with church members you might not have met before. The services are good and the Sunday School classes are great! We absolutely love our Family Faith class which is full of parents with younger kids like us!
This Methodist church has 3 regular services that span traditional to contemporary. There is a strong children's program with a building dedicated to the kids. The music is really good. The people care for their congregation and also participate in numerous outreach programs.
Web Report
Aggregated insights from public records & parent discussions
Safety Record
No safety concerns found. Verification of Texas Health and Human Services records confirms the facility is a licensed center (Operation #234176) with a capacity of 93 children and has been in operation since April 1987. No news reports of incidents, closures, or legal issues were identified for this specific preschool.
Parent Reputation
The preschool maintains a positive reputation among parents, who describe it as a 'sweet,' nurturing, and tight-knit community. Common themes in reviews include appreciation for the play-based environment, the school's inclusive approach to children with food allergies, and the 'phenomenal' leadership of the director. Parents frequently recommend the program for its focus on social-emotional growth and its welcoming, faith-based atmosphere.
Staff Insights
Staff experiences are described as positive, with parent testimonials highlighting that teachers are 'treasures' who often return 'year after year.' The preschool is led by Director Jennifer Barkis and employs 7 lead teachers, 7 assistant teachers, and a librarian. While specific third-party employee reviews are scarce, the internal culture is noted for its stability and nurturing approach to both children and staff.
Quick Information
Varies by age and schedule
