St. Mark's Ark — Child Development Center
St. Mark’s Ark provides the highest quality child care in a Christian atmosphere for children eight weeks through five years of age. "St. Mark's Ark" has been an important outreach ministry of St. Mark's Lutheran Church for over 20 years.
Our commitment to providing a safe, happy, educational environment assures parents the peace of mind they seek when choosing a “home away from home” for their children. The children at the Ark are secure and growing in a world of laughter, learning, and lots of love.
St. Mark’s Ark Child Development Center
Patrice Roux-Neal, Director
3976 Hendricks Avenue
Jacksonville, FL 32207
Office: (904) 346-0404
Fax: (904) 425-3516
We offer Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten (VPK), a state of Florida-sponsored program, for eligible four-year-old children free of charge. Call us for details (904-346-0404).
Visit us
Come, visit Saint Mark’s Ark. Call our office at (904) 346-0404 to schedule a time to view the facility and discuss any questions you may have.
School hours
The Ark is open Monday through Friday from 7:15am to 6:00pm. See the Holiday closures below for specific dates of closure.
Tuition
Weekly tuition ranges from $115 to $210 per child. An $80 non-refundable registration fee per child is due upon enrollment. Call our office at (904) 346-0404 with questions.
Our goals
- An appreciation of the value of beauty, truth, and the love of God;
- Creativity;
- A positive self-concept;
- Communication skills;
- Physical development;
- Basic skills needed for life-long learning;
- Forming habits of respect, safety, courtesy, responsibility, and cooperation.
Our staff
Our staff makes the Ark such a special place. Our teachers are experienced professionals, who nurture the children and provide them with age-appropriate materials and activities. Annual training and education is required for the staff.
Curriculum and activities
Our program is designed to take advantage of a child’s natural desire to learn. Each child participates in a variety of learning centers: art, blocks, dramatic play, music, science, nature, manipulatives and library. These activities promote growth in all areas of development: social, emotional, cognitive, physical and language.
Meals and snacks
Meals and snacks are included in the cost of tuition, and follow the USDA and Florida Department of Children and Families guidelines on nutrition. Children receive half of their daily nutritional needs while enjoying a well-balanced breakfast, lunch and snack. Meals are served family style in our dining room. Weekly menus are posted on the parent’s bulletin board in the entry to our school.
Communicating with parents
A spirit of friendliness and cooperation among parents and staff helps provide a growing and learning environment for children. Parents are welcome at the Ark any time. Reports showing your child’s activities are sent home daily. Calendar newsletters are sent home at the beginning of each month.
Financial information
We are a self-supporting, non-profit organization operating on funds provided by tuition fees. We are an out-reach ministry of St. Mark’s Lutheran Church who supplements with the use of the facilities. All fees are used to provide quality equipment, supplies, food and staff. Call our office at (904) 346-0404.
Limited enrollment
The Ark has space for 100 children. All spaces are filled on a first-come, first-served basis. If you wish to enroll a child, but there are no openings, we are happy to place your child on our waiting list.
Holiday closures
St. Mark's Ark will be closed on the following days. Please check the parent's bulletin board for details and updates.
- New Year’s Day
- Martin Luther King Day
- President’s Day
- Good Friday
- Memorial Day
- July 4th
- Labor Day
- Thanksgiving and the day after (Thurs. & Fri.)
- Christmas Eve
- Christmas Day
- New Year’s Eve
page created: 17 JUN 2011
page updated: 08 NOV 2011
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