About PDS
Presbyterian Day School is located at 1100 Highway 8 West in Cleveland, Mississippi. As a Christian Day School, PDS is governed by a Board of Trustees elected by the Session of First Presbyterian Church. The school strives to provide a superior education in a Christian atmosphere. It is our conviction that an education is superior only as it relates all truth to God’s Truth. We believe that as each child masters academic goals, he will mature in Christian grace and learn to lean upon God in all situations.
Presbyterian Day School has been accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Council on Accreditation and School Improvement (SACS CASI) since 1980. PDS is also fully accredited, and in good standing, with a rating of Class AA by the Mississippi Association of Independent Schools (MAIS).
The school’s academic excellence is exemplified by its students’ outstanding performance in scholastic and creative competitions, achievements in community and civic programs, and by achievement test scores that are consistently above the national average.
Our Mission
Presbyterian Day School was founded upon the desire for a superior education in a Christian atmosphere. It is our fundamental belief that each student is gifted by God with special characteristics, unique needs, learning capabilities, talents and aspirations. We believe that it is our responsibility to develop to the fullest the individual student’s spiritual, intellectual, physical and social potential in an environment where each student feels secure, respected and has the opportunity to feel successful each day.
Our Philosophy
Presbyterian Day School was founded upon the desire for a superior education in a Christian atmosphere. Basic to this philosophy is the affirmation ofGod, the Creator, who made man in His image and the belief that all things are “of Him, through Him, and to Him”.
It is also a fundamental belief that each student is gifted by God with special characteristics, unique needs, learning capabilities, talents, and aspirations. Thus, the curriculum is designed to develop to the fullest, the student’s spiritual, intellectual, physical, and social potential.
In a Christian educational setting, the student learns how to respond to God; how to understand, appreciate, and adjust to the environment; and how to solve problems, meet new situations, and function effectively as a Christian citizen in our democratic society. He is also taught the basic academic skills which include intellectual processes, physical skills, study habits, communication skills, mathematical and scientific skills, good work habits, and aesthetic appreciation. Varied experiences that facilitate the learning processes are provided through special activities and projects.
The interpersonal relationships among administration, faculty, and student body exemplify the Christian characteristics of love, friendship, forgiveness, cooperation, understanding, patience, perseverance, and a strong leaning on God for wisdom and guidance.
Maintaining good communication among faculty, staff, student body, parents, and the community is a vital responsibility of the school. Since the parents are an integral supportive element, the school endeavors to keep them informed about its purposes and programs.
In summary, Presbyterian Day School strives to provide a quality education in a Christian atmosphere which will spread the gospel message not only among the students but also into their homes, the community, the nation, and the world.
Our History
The school was founded by the Session after a complete and exhaustive study was made of the feasibility and need for a Christian Day School.
The first year of operation began in 1965, with the Kindergarten Day School under the direction of Mrs. Pearl Outlaw. The projected plans for the school are now complete. Grades one and two were added in the fall of 1968, grades three and four in the fall of 1969, grade five in the fall of 1970, and grade six in the fall of 1971. A four year-old kindergarten was added in the fall of 1990, and a three year-old program was added in the fall of 2000. Three year-old kindergarten through five-year-old kindergarten constitute our pre-school, first and second grade make up our lower school, third and fourth grade make up our middle school, and fifth and sixth grade make up our upper school.
The School is Christian and parochial. Government aid is neither sought nor accepted. A yearly, non-refundable registration fee of $100 is required, along with a signed contract, to hold a spot for your child for the coming year. A tuition and fee schedule is available in the school office.
Teachers are required to have a Class A certificate and most have, or are working toward, a Class AA certificate. They must excel in educational, spiritual, and practical qualifications. The teachers must prescribe to the standards and philosophy of the school.
Although the school is sponsored and guided by the Session of the First Presbyterian Church, any denominational emphasis is absent. We seek instead to present Christ and Christian teaching in the daily periods of Bible study. It is a Christian philosophy we share, not denominational doctrines.
THE FOLLOWING ARE PAST AND PRESENT PRINCIPALS OF PRESBYTERIAN DAY SCHOOL:
Mrs. D.L. (Elizabeth) Dean 1965-1977
Dr. Myrtis Tabb 1977-1990
Mrs. Linda Russell 1990-1995
Mrs. Claudia Nisbett 1995-1999
Mr. Tommy Naron 1999-2008
Mrs. Diane Burd 2008-2023
Mr. Steven Craddock 2023-2024
Mrs. Renee LaMastus 2024-present