DISCOVERY PRESCHOOL

(Ages 3 to 5 years)

Northminster is proud to provide the finest preschool program in the area! Our preschool is a unique program offering children opportunities to develop cognitive, spiritual, and social skills through a variety of research based practices. This program is for children who are between 3 and 5 years of age on September 1st. 



Click here to review the DCFS Licensing Standards. 





Discovery Preschool

Choose your schedule:

Half-Day Preschool  

Morning (8:30–11:15am) or Afternoon (12:30–3:15pm) sessions are available. You may choose to have your child attend three days per week (Tuesday–Thursday PM ONLY), four days per week (Monday–Thursday) or five days per week (Monday–Friday). 


Full-Day Preschool

Meets five days per week from 8:00am–3:00pm. Tuition for this program includes hot lunch. This class enrolls 20 students with two teachers. Full-day preschool benefits children who are age-eligible but not ready to move on to kindergarten, children with English as their second language, and children at all developmental levels who would benefit from additional time spent at school. If you are interested in the full-day program, please mark your application accordingly. Pre- and post-care options are available for this group of preschoolers only.    


All NLC programs follow the Dunlap School calendar regarding vacation days.



We are proud of our:

  • Curriculum featuring "The Project Approach."
  • Mixed age classes.
  • Performance-based portfolio assessment.
  • Certified teachers with up-to-date training.
  • Literacy & Language development through "Shared Reading" program.
  • Facilities including "Nature Explore Classroom," hiking trail, art studio and large indoor recreation space.
  • Program's inclusion of several working field trips every year.
  • "Godly Play" which introduces the children to the foundational stories of the Bible. 

DISCOVERY PRESCHOOL 2024-2025 HANDBOOK



Our Philosophy

As early childhood educators, we know children learn best through active, engaged, meaningful play; therefore, we firmly believe play is the children's work. We understand children are naturally curious and learn best when allowed to actively explore, involve all their senses, manipulate real objects, work together with adults and other children, make meaningful plans, and build upon what they already know. Our curriculum reflects these needs while fostering independence, empathy, cooperation, and creativity. In-depth explorations of a topic which are motivated by the child's interest, excitement, and curiosity allow the curriculum to be presented in a developmentally appropriate manner.  Families support the classroom by their collaboration and participation. Parents are considered partners in the learning journey and the program is dedicated to building strong family partnerships.


For more information, please call Michelle Lundquist or Jessica Stanton, at 691-6322x129. We are happy to answer your questions or provide you with a tour of our facility.