Banner Elk Presbyterian Preschool

Enroll Now: Preschool Ages 2-5!

Banner Elk Presbyterian Church has taught and cared for local children since the late 1800s, founding the college, hospital and children’s home. This tradition continues with our Preschool – providing intellectual, emotional, physical, social, and spiritual development through hands-on creative play and a joyful environment:

  • Innovative theme-based curriculum teaches art, music, language, math, technology, science and social interaction.
  • Skilled teachers and small classes form friendships, teach kindness and build community in spacious facilities.
  • Special teaching guests including fireman, policemen, musicians, bakers, artists and more.
  • Structured days teach routine, and each week ends with a Friday dance party!
  • Outdoor exploration includes a private playground and the adjacent college campus.
  • In addition to weekly chapel time, there’s plenty of singing and playing instruments together.

August-May, Monday-Friday, 9 AM – 1 PM
$50 registration, $330/month
(Affordable thanks to funding by church and community fundraisers.)

Enroll now! Email Jarrett Koski for more information, check details below or call the church office at 828-898-5406.

Preschool Parent’s Handbook & Forms

Preschool Staff 2024

Jarrett W. Koski: Preschool Director & Four-Year-Old Teacher
Mr. K is an alumnus of Lees-McRae College where he obtained his B.F.A. in Musical Theater with an emphasis in Theater Arts Education K-12! Originally from Florida, he came back to Banner Elk after he performed and taught musical theater and dance for 7 years. Mr. K has also been in several Lees-McRae Summer Theatre productions over the years. In his spare time, he enjoys running, reading scripts in addition to singing and dancing almost everything while always working on his craft. His favorite children’s book is “The One and Only Owen” by Nicole Evans Haumesser and his favorite color is green!

Lucy Corning: Three-Year-Old Teacher
Mrs. Lucy moved up the mountains with her husband of 41 years after he took a job in the golf industry. They have four wonderful married children and are blessed with five grandchildren. Those grandchildren are their pride and joy! Lucy started teaching preschool in Jacksonville, Florida where she attended school and eventually met and married her Navy husband. Being a military wife she has moved a “few” times which gave her the opportunity to meet many new friends along the way. In addition to teaching preschool Lucy has a passion for water fitness. She has coached many swim teams in her career and taught both the young and old to swim. Lucy loves being a part of the Banner Elk Presbyterian Preschool and is a great addition to the team. She loves to sing and talk in rhymes. Teaching children and loving Jesus all the time! Lucy loves all shades of purple and has many favorite books, but acting out “Pete The Cat I Love My White Shoes” is at the top!

Kathleen Goldberg: Two-Year-Old Teacher
Mrs. Kathleen is originally from New Jersey but  had lived in Raleigh, NC for over 30 years. She recently moved with her husband of 23 years and her mother to Newland, NC after her 2 children were off to college. She has a BS in Human Services from Elmira College  and a Masters in Social Work from Boston University. She has worked in mental health and geriatrics in various roles until deciding to be a stay at home mom to her son and daughter. She started teaching preschool in Raleigh several years ago and  just loved working with the little ones! Kathleen is excited to have the opportunity to continue teaching after moving to the mountains and starting this new life adventure. In her free time she enjoys cooking, taking long walks with her Golden Retriever, Murphy, and exploring the high country with her husband. Her favorite children’s books that she remembers reading to her own children are Dr. Seuss’ “Oh the Places You’ll Go” and Eric Carle’s “The Hungry Caterpillar.”

Erin Beretsky: Two-Year-Old Teacher
Mrs. Erin loves living in the mountains. Originally from Concord, NC. Mrs. Erin comes to us with a creative education background with a BA in child development and family relation. And a M.A in marriage and family therapy. She also holds a graduate certificate in expressive arts. She has three beautiful children that currently attend Banner Elk Elementary together. As a family, they love to be together especially at the beach. One of Mrs. Erin’s goals is to continue to be the best teacher that she can be. Her favorite activities include exercising, being outdoors and playing! Her favorite children’s book is “Do Princesses wear hiking boots?” Her favorite color is gray!