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About us

For many years Blacksburg United Methodist Church has provided an excellent program of educational enrichment for young children of the Blacksburg area.

In 1949, before kindergarten classes were part of Virginia's public school program, individuals in the Church realized the need for a kindergarten program in the area. They requested and received support of the Blacksburg United Methodist Women to open one of the first kindergartens in Montgomery County that same year, under the directorship of Virginia Kincaid. Margaret Atkins Worley was notably instrumental in this early endeavor. Marian Allen and Mildred Elmore followed Mrs. Kincaid as directors during the early years.

After approximately 10 years in operation, the sponsorship of the school was assumed by the Church at the request of the women's organization. A Board of Directors under the Committee on Education was elected to oversee the operation of the school.

In 1974, after public kindergartens were legislated in Virginia, the church's program was redesigned for children 3-5 years of age and kindergartens were discontinued. At this time, the school's name was changed to Blacksburg Untied Methodist Preschool or BUMP. Mildred Ellmore remained Director until 1983 and was followed by Lynn Shaffer (1983-1985). Juniata Kornegay (1985- 1996) and Louise Ridenour (1996-1999) Marcia Barrow was appointed director June 1999.


The goals of Blacksburg United Methodist Preschool are to:

• Provide a happy, secure, and safe environment in which each child will develop socially, emotionally, cognitively, and physically.

• Value play as one of the most important means of learning.

• Provide opportunities for the child to develop confidence and self-esteem.

• Foster, value and encourage creativity and language development.

• Provide challenges for self-expression, investigation, reasoning and generalizing.

• Provide appropriate opportunities for growth in self-direction, independence, and self-discipline.

• Promote understanding and respect for social and cultural diversity.

• Provide opportunities for teachers and parents to work together for the welfare of children.
• Help bridge the gap between home and public school.