Bear Creek was the vision and dream in the heart and mind of Maetha Smith. She was the first director and BC was blessed to have her leadership for many years. 

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Her vision was that BC would be a place where:

• The children and parents would know that each child is special, accepted and loved unconditionally by God and their teachers.

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• Children were actively involved in learning by hands on, discovery learning.

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• The most important concept that a child develops from his school experience is an excitement and enthusiasm for learning that lasts a lifetime.

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• The natural curiosity of children would be fostered, nurtured and encouraged.

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• Children learn to make friends and learn to be a friend.

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• The foundational skills of literacy, math, science and social studies are taught every single day but are purposefully and intentionally taught in the way that children learn best-through play, through active involvement and interaction with concrete or real objects.

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• Activities, materials, teaching methods and environment are concrete, real things and appropriate to the children’s developmental age.

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• The process, the experience and joy of discovery and exploration is valued over product.

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• There is understanding that the most powerful basic need of children is play. Play is how children this age learn, different from any other age group.

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This became known as the Bear Creek Way. For more than thirty years, we have treasured and maintained these standards.