Our School

Highlands Christian Preschool strives to positively impact our youth
by imparting the principles of self-responsibility,
respect for authority as well as for peers, manners,
cheerful obedience and above all truth about God and His will for our lives. 

HCP provides a quality program in a non-competitive environment for preschool students, primarily ages 2-6,
promoting individual growth based on the personality and learning style of each student. 
Our training centers on self-control through positive discipline methods, character development,
reading readiness, math instruction, sensory motor development and knowledge of Biblical truths.

Using a series of themes, we teach the following skills
over a 3-year period: alphabet (as letters and sound symbols – phonics),
numbers, shapes, colors, hygiene, safety, health related topics, earth science, and cognitive skills.
In addition, there is a strong emphasis on character development, family and ethnic traditions.

Preschool Assessments are done at the beginning and end of the school year, October and April. 
We evaluate how your student is doing in various skill areas including letter, shape and number recognition,
counting, physical development, social development and language development.  Our director schedules parent 
conferences following the April assessments.
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Highlands Christian Preschool is located on Petrified Forest Road, near the intersection of Foothill Blvd.
We are on the West side of the street and can easily be seen when
coming into Calistoga from Mark West Springs Road or Calistoga Road.   

Vilma Moreno Dodds
Highlands Director

Jodi M. Farres
​Lead Teacher/Pre- K  

My name is Jodi Farres and I have had the privilege of being a part of Highlands Christian Preschool since 2012. I began my adventure as the school’s portrait photographer and was blessed when a teaching position became available. I am married to my husband of 22 years and we have two children currently in college. I have spent a lifetime working with children in various organizations as well as my community elementary school. I have had the opportunity to be a one on one aide for a student with special needs, an assistant director for a local dance/community arts center and Girl Scout Leader. My education for Early Childhood was completed through Mendocino College and Yuba College in Lake County California. Children bring so much happiness to my daily life. It is my goal to be a Godly inspiration to our students and families as well as making sure our children are safe and loved while growing both academically and spiritually. Jesus loves the little children and through Him they will learn how to love others and to develop a relationship with Him to last a lifetime.

Monica Merida Tolentino
​Teacher/Extended Learning ​Afternoon Program

¡Hola! I am Monica Merida Tolentino. It’s always been my passion to be a Teacher. My Nana who taught K-8 th grade for decades inspired me to learn, teach and serve at a very young age. I saw the difference it made, as I wanted to be a part of that beautiful journey. My God and family are my life. Our family ministry started in 1992 when my beloved Parents planted a deeper seed to my spiritual growth that will last forever. After teaching 15 years. I got married in 2012 to my supportive Husband, we have two precious children, Melia (almost 5) and Ikaiah (almost 3). They are my heart. My husband and I made the sacrifice for me to stay home with our children. My children and I are so blessed to join our HCP family. Thank you for the loving welcome at school and church. We have a special spot for our community in Calistoga since we lived here when I taught in town in 2011. My degree is in Early Childhood Education with a minor in Exercise Science and Religious Studies. My intentional teaching experiences come from Private, Public, Head Start & Montessori Schools. My calling is to share Jesus, as a speaker, youth leader and on mission trips. I’m most blessed serving our children, families and our community. Thank you for allowing us to be a part of your family as we have fun learning and experiencing Jesus together. Aloha!

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