FOLSOM – Known for its exceptional academic program for TK-5th grade students, small class sizes, and nurturing community, Folsom Preparatory School (Folsom Prep) will expand in the 2026-2027 school year by adding a 6th grade class. Plans are in place to grow to 7th and 8th grade in the following years.
Parents have asked for the middle school expansion, given limited options in town. The middle school years are so crucial to a child’s development, and having a safe, nurturing place where students can thrive and not get lost in the crowd is important to parents.
“What makes the school so unique is our focus on educating and nurturing the whole child. While test scores are important, we believe in helping every student become a well-rounded individual. Each child has varied needs and with an average student-to-teacher ratio of 16:1, our teachers can truly differentiate instruction. Whether a child needs additional support to master grade-level content or is ready for more challenging coursework, we’re able to meet them where they are. Here, no child gets lost in a cumbersome system,” says Candis Murawski, Principal of Folsom Prep.
Folsom Prep offers dedicated enrichment classes, including STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art & Math), Music/Drama, Technology, PE, Art, and Life Lab (Social & Emotional Learning). Each student participates in all of the enrichment classes each week, with some being offered multiple times per week. There’s also a strong emphasis on building leadership and life skills through their character education program. Students study The 7 Habits of Happy Kids, an adaptation of Stephen Covey’s The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, and participate in leadership teams where they work on projects to improve the school or community.
“I enjoy the flexibility we are given at Folsom Prep to teach to the individual and not just the class. We’re able to customize our lessons when needed to support both students who need assistance and students who need a challenge,” says Andrew Smith, STEAM, Technology & PE teacher at Folsom Prep.
What else do parents, teachers, and students all enjoy about the school? The strong sense of community.
From monthly family dinner nights to their annual events like the Harvest Festival, STEM Day, and Student Showcase, these opportunities to connect outside of school make Folsom Prep special. Beverly Mitchell, 3rd/4th grade teacher shares, “I love teaching at Folsom Prep because of its supportive community, its inclusive environment, and the joy I get from seeing my students grow and succeed. Folsom Prep is truly my home away from home!”
A Folsom Prep parent, who teaches middle school locally, echoed Mrs. Mitchell’s sentiment when she celebrated how, “Every adult on campus knows my child (and every child) by name. They even know most of the children’s family members! An interconnected network of support is especially important for middle schoolers as they begin to navigate the emotional swings of the preteen years and envision how they want to contribute to the world when they grow up. The school’s whole-child approach helps each child grow and build confidence around their unique strengths.”
David, a parent of two Folsom Prep students, says, “I love how keyed in the staff is to each student. We can talk with our kids’ teachers anytime, and I feel like they have the best interest of every child in mind. After having our oldest in public school briefly last year, we can see a huge difference in how he’s doing at Folsom Prep. His test scores in both math and reading significantly increased, he loves having so many enrichment classes, and he’s excited to go to school every morning. I credit the exceptional teachers. They go above and beyond.”
Folsom Prep was recently recognized as Folsom’s #1 Private School by Style Magazine for the 7th time.
The school is hosting an Information Night on January 15, 2026 from 5:30-7:00pm at 650 Willard Drive. Register for the Info Night and learn more about Folsom Prep’s academic program, enrollment for next year, and its expansion to Middle School as well as meet teachers and current families. Folsom Prep also offers school tours on Tuesdays and shadow days for transfer students.
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