Promiseland Christian Learning Center, a longtime Auburn institution for early child development, has come far in just a short period of time at its new location.

Promiseland – a Christian-emphasized, family-supported, Montessori/traditional blend program – will celebrate its first year of operation at its new campus with an anniversary party today.

“It’s a way to say thank you to the community, to those who supported us,” said Diane Simons, director of the center, which currently supports 65 boys and girls, preschool through the first grade. “We love it (here). We love the atmosphere, and the children seem to love it, too.”

Simons, in her sixth year at Promiseland, secured a half-acre of property behind Pioneer Elementary School on K Street Southeast as the center’s new home over a year ago. The campus has two buildings, with tentative future plans of expanding to a third to accommodate a growing student body. Promiseland will offer programs to kids preschool through third grade beginning next year.

The new campus continues to be a work in progress. The center features plenty of room for learning, including a kitchen, a spacious playground with a row for gardens.

Simons, whose burgeoning program outgrew its roots as a ministry of Grace Community Church, is thankful for the support during the busy and challenging transition.

“It’s has become a family,” she said. “Some (families) were able to follow us here, and Grace has been able to support us also.

“All the parents have made a difference in my life, as well as all the staff who work here,” Simons said. “We want to thank them for their support and effort.”