"Surf City Christian seeks to foster the development of the whole child - social, emotional, academic and spiritual. We strive to build character through the embodiment of the fruits of the spirit while igniting a love for learning aimed at preparing children for academic success."
The Guppies Program is designed for our youngest learners, providing a nurturing, faith-filled environment for toddlers ages 18–36 months.
The Starfish Program supports children ages 24 months through early preschool years as they transition into a more structured learning environment.
The Sea Turtles Program provides a balanced preschool experience for children ages 3–4 years old, focusing on social-emotional growth, early academics, and creative exploration.
The Sea Otters Program provides a balanced preschool experience for children ages 3–4 years old, focusing on social-emotional growth, early academics, and creative exploration.
The Surfers Program is our Transitional Kindergarten classroom for children who are four years old by September 1.
The Sailors Program is a TK/Kindergarten combination class designed for children who are four years old by September 1 and ready for advanced academic and developmental challenges.
We realize how critical these early years are and what an important choice you have when choosing the best preschool program for your child. We have created a facility that makes our children feel as if this is their "Home away from Home" and an environment where Christ-like qualities are modeled, taught, and valued.
Here at Surf City Christian, we are more than a preschool... we are truly a family. We invite you to learn about our program through our website and then give us a call to schedule a tour. Come take a look at our school and see why our staff, our facility, and our program is the right choice for your child's early learning years.
"You can truly feel the care, intention, and heart that goes into this school every day. SCC has become a second home for our kids, and we feel incredibly lucky to be part of this community."
The Evans Family
Here at SCC we are truly a family. We strive to encourage, uplift, and support one another to make the whole school thrive.
Learn More About Our Staff
At Surf City Christian Child Development Preschool, we believe early childhood is a sacred season of growth. Our program intentionally blends Christian faith, strong academics, creative exploration, and a nurturing community to support the development of the whole child—spiritually, socially, emotionally, and academically.
What sets SCC apart is our purposeful approach to early education. Children build a strong academic foundation while also growing in character, confidence, and compassion. Faith is naturally woven into daily experiences through chapel, prayer, scripture, and the Fruit of the Spirit, helping children understand God’s love in meaningful, age-appropriate ways.
Our classrooms are warm, engaging environments where children feel known, valued, and safe. Through hands-on learning, creative expression, outdoor play, and family-style meals, children develop independence, resilience, and a genuine love for learning. Families choose SCC because we prepare children not only for their next academic step, but for a life grounded in faith, curiosity, and strong values.
SCC loves music! We are proud to bring music to the classroom daily in all different forms. Through Music & Movement, lessons in rhythm and beat, song and dance, experiences with various instruments, and more, SCC explores and celebrates music daily. Ms. Sharon is our gifted Music Lady bringing sweet music to each classroom. On site Music Presentations are an SCC favorite!
Exploring art in all shapes and sizes is a daily treat at SCC. We strive to foster creative and artistic minds and souls at SCC. Our SCC little ones love to explore the world of art through painting, molding, collaging, learning about famous artists and their works of art, and creating their own masterpieces as well!
SCC prides itself on an engaging, well rounded and stimulating curriculum. Each day is filled with new physical education and gross motor learning opportunities. In addition, we offer lessons in yoga, hand eye coordination ball skills, relay races, basketball, dance and more! Our gross motor program supports California Common Core standards.
SCC loves music! We are proud to bring music to the classroom daily in all different forms. Through Music & Movement, lessons in rhythm and beat, song and dance, experiences with various instruments, and more, SCC explores and celebrates music daily. Ms. Sharon is our gifted Music Lady bringing sweet music to each classroom. On site Music Presentations are an SCC favorite!
Exploring art in all shapes and sizes is a daily treat at SCC. We strive to foster creative and artistic minds and souls at SCC. Our SCC little ones love to explore the world of art through painting, molding, collaging, learning about famous artists and their works of art, and creating their own masterpieces as well!
SCC prides itself on an engaging, well rounded and stimulating curriculum. Each day is filled with new physical education and gross motor learning opportunities. In addition, we offer lessons in yoga, hand eye coordination ball skills, relay races, basketball, dance and more! Our gross motor program supports California Common Core standards.
At Surf City Christian Preschool, our outdoor environment is more than a playground — it is an extension of our classroom. Our Outdoor Learning Labs are thoughtfully designed stations where children rotate in small groups to explore, create, imagine, move, and connect with the world around them.
Each space invites joyful discovery, meaningful play, and hands-on learning in a beautiful, engaging setting.
Our sensory and STEM stations invite children to build, stack, pour, connect, and create. With rotating hands-on materials and open-ended challenges, students design structures, explore patterns, and experiment through playful problem-solving. Children strengthen fine motor skills, coordination, and early math concepts while using their imagination. This lab encourages creativity, persistence, teamwork, and confidence in a fun, engaging environment.
From the Owners – Tami & Don Hopkins
Welcome to Surf City Christian Preschool. We are Tami and Don Hopkins, and for the past 20 years it has been our honor and calling to serve families in our community through early childhood education. As parents of four children ourselves, family has always been at the center of everything we do. Our faith guides our mission, and we believe in putting Christ first in our school, our relationships, and the way we care for every child and family who walks through our doors. We strive to treat every family we meet like part of our own. Before entering the preschool world, Tami spent many years as an elementary school teacher and brings 28 years of experience in the education field. Tami serves as our Director of SCC and Don proudly serves as a Long Beach firefighter and also oversees the financial side of Surf City Christian as our CFO. Together, we share a passion for building a place where children are loved, families are supported, and excellence in education and care is the standard.
Over the past two decades, God has created something truly special here at Surf City Christian. What began as a preschool has grown into a beautiful community of families, teachers, and friendships that we are incredibly grateful to be part of. Our staff is not just a team—they are family. Many of the relationships we cherish most in life were formed right here within the SCC community. We believe what sets Surf City Christian apart is the heart behind everything we do. We are committed to providing exceptional customer service for our families and delivering elite early education and care that nurtures the whole child—academically, socially, and spiritually. Our own youngest sons were raised here at the preschool, and watching children grow, learn, and thrive has been one of the greatest blessings of our lives. Surf City Christian truly is a magical place, and it is our hope that when you join our community, you will feel that same warmth, joy, and sense of belonging. We are deeply thankful for the last 20 years and excited to see where God leads us in the future. With gratitude,
Tami & Don Hopkins
We are offering on campus tours for interested families. Please call our office to schedule a tour of our campus, where you will receive valuable information on our policies and procedures, curriculum, events, programs, and meet our teachers in each classroom.
Learn about our programs and events firsthand.
Get valuable insights into our educational approach.
Meet our passionate teachers in each classroom.
