Chances are, if you hear someone in Rochester Hills say,
"You are having a proud day!"
They have spent some time with Mrs. Mann.
First Friends has educated hundreds of children since 1994. It was founded by Herb and Marrietta Mann, the parents of three wonderful children. First Friends is a family-owned business with a professional, talented, and dedicated staff. Marrietta Mann, the Director/Lead Teacher, received her education from Bowling Green State University. She holds a B.S. degree in Elementary Education and a B.S. degree in Learning and Behavioral Disorders.
First Friends is committed to providing young children with an exceptional education and it recognizes the important partnership between home and school. FF builds skills in literacy, math, music, art, science, and social studies.
The entry level Pre-K 3 program has an emphasis on socialization and emergent reading and writing skills. The Pre-K 4/5 program formalizes those reading and writing skills and provides all the necessary tools to ensure each child's smooth transition to kindergarten. A theme based project is available daily. The themes are relevant to young children, they are literature based, and most importantly, they are FUN!
If you are interested in a bit more, our Science Club is an enrichment program that we offer our Pre-K 4/5 students. It encourages children to explore and discover the world around them. The children will experience chemistry, physics, and rocket engineering, and the best part is that they will have a BLAST!
A Note from the Director
Preparing children for success in school happens long before that first day of kindergarten. Lessons learned at preschool, are today, the stepping stones to success.
At First Friends, we maintain a bright well-equipped classroom as the backdrop for our child-centered program. We offer a multi-sensory play-based curriculum, with a student/teacher ratio of 7:1. Through Learning Centers, children enjoy many hands-on experiences, terrific tactile textures, and materials that stimulate creative expression.
At First Friends we are committed to helping all children become good readers, good writers, good communicators, and good citizens! Each school day guides the children towards being the best that they can be. Each day is balanced with opportunities to promote confidence, self-esteem, and responsibility. There isn't a day that goes by that a child doesn't say, "I'm having a proud day..."
In addition, and most importantly, we offer an exemplary pro-social approach to behavior, with an emphasis on respecting themselves and respecting others. At First Friends, we don't look for gifted children, but the gifts that each child has. I tell my staff that everyone brings gifts to the party and it is our job to recognize and appreciate those gifts.
First Friends is a wonderful place to laugh, to learn, and to be loved! At First Friends children are excited EVERY day to come to school. Come share our program and find out why
"First Friends are BEST friends!"
Hours and Calendar
- Our program runs from September through June
- We offer a morning classes only
Pre-K 3 Program
- Pre - K 3 classes meets Tuesday / Thursday
- Classes are from 9AM - 11:30 AM
Pre-K 4/5 Program
We have two options for our Pre-K 4/5 program:
- Option one is our traditional program
Children come M/W/F from 9-11:30
- Option two is our Science Club option:
Children come to school 9-1:00 on Mondays/Wednesdays, and 9-11:30 on Fridays. Children have lunch at school on Mondays/Wednesdays, which is a wonderful segway to Kindergarten.
Our Science Club is an enrichment program that we offer our Pre-K 4/5 students. It encourages children to explore and discover the world around them. The children will experience chemistry, physics, and rocket engineering, and the best part is that they will have a BLAST!
Admission
- Pre-K 3: Children must be 3 years old by October 1st to attend
- Pre-K 4/5: Children must be 4 years old by October 1st to attend
- Children must be toilet trained (we allow pull-ups)
- Parents must complete a Registration Form, Health Appraisal, and Child Information Card
- There is a $115 registration fee
Tuition
See our Registration/Tuition Information on our Home Page
Testimonials- What Parents are
Saying About First Friends
Best preschool ever! Small, safe and loving. The boys had the best time here. Need a great and loving preschool come here! - A.R.
First Friends are Best Friends....this is a saying we learned at this amazing preschool and something that absolutely happened with the kids and the moms. We couldn't have picked a better preschool for our girls. The love we have for First Friends will stay with us always! - A.G.
Honestly, this was the absolute BEST start you can give your children. A kind, loving experience better than any others (and the kids went through 4 preschools...so we know the differences!) - B.U.
We LOVE this preschool SO much!! Can’t recommend it enough. - E.B.
This year has been a tremendous year of growth fro him as a learner and I'm so happy we sent him to First Friends. He loves learning and implementing and practicing what he does at school is never a power struggle at home. This year has been a perfect transitional year for him before we send him off to Kindergarten. Time and time again, people told me "First Friends is a really special place...it's hard to explain but you will understand what we mean once you experience it." Everyone was so right...we feel so incredibly blessed that he was able to experience preschool the way it should be experienced--a perfect balance of academics, playtime, crafts, a lot of love and plenty of room for silliness and laughter. - A.S.