We are thrilled to share that SEU has received a $20,000 grant from the George W. Jenkins Fund within the GiveWell Community Foundation to support the Robert & Sandra Graper Early Childhood Center, set to open in the spring of 2027.
Investing in Early Learning
The grant will help launch the center’s classical education program through the purchase of curriculum materials, educational resources, and classroom furnishings. By equipping classrooms with high-quality educational materials, these funds will create engaging learning environments that support children’s academic, social, and developmental growth.
“We are deeply grateful to the GiveWell Community Foundation for this generous grant. These funds will directly support the development of our classical education program by providing essential curriculum resources and classroom materials that enrich the learning experience for our students,” said Sarah Rodgers, director of the center. “This investment helps us create a strong educational foundation for young children and expands opportunities for meaningful engagement and discovery in the classroom.”
A Strong Foundation for the Next Generation
The Robert & Sandra Graper Early Childhood Center will serve children ages 6 weeks to 4 years old by providing a creative, nurturing, and Christ-centered learning environment. Designed to serve families throughout Central Florida, the center will offer high-quality early childhood education grounded in faith, academic excellence, and whole-child development during children’s most formative years.
The center comes at a critical time for the region, serving a community of more than 40,000 children under the age of five. Through purpose-built classrooms, engaging outdoor learning spaces, and a classical, play-based educational model, children will be encouraged to explore; discover; and grow socially, emotionally, physically, and cognitively. The center’s research-backed approach balances structure and curiosity, creating meaningful learning experiences that foster both confidence and character.
It will also serve as a model center connected to SEU’s College of Education, providing education students with valuable hands-on teaching experience.
The waitlist for the center’s inaugural year is now open.
Learn More
Join the Waitlist
College of Education at SEU
SEU’s BS in Early Childhood Education
Classical Conversations Plus at SEU
MA in Classical Studies at SEU
Apply to SEU
