NLC KINDERGARTEN

(5 years old by Sept. 1) 

We are seeking to return Kindergarten to what it truly and developmentally should be. With a firm focus on preparing our students for first grade, our classroom has woven into its daily schedule ample time for the children to spend in classroom centers where true, play-based, practical learning takes place. 

This is a full-day program for children who are kindergarten-eligible and those looking for a "redshirt" year. 

A "redshirt" or "gap" year is for those families that feel it best to wait and have their child start Kindergarten after they turn six years old.  These children receive a full year of authentic Kindergarten and then enter into their neighborhood school more fully prepared both academically and socially/emotionally.

To learn more about the benefits of a class like this click here.

For a Parent's perspective click here for an article excerpted from Your Modern Family magazine.



Click here to see a copy of the DCFS Licensing Standards.




Full-day Kindergarten

Meets five days per week from 8:00am-3:00pm.  Tuition for this program includes hot lunch. This class enrolls 15 students with a teacher who has her Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood Education or Elementary Education. Full-day Kindergarten benefits children through its smaller class size, developmentally-appropriate instruction, and hands-on learning while still meeting Illinois Early Learning and Common Core Standards. If you are interested in this program, please mark your application accordingly. Pre-care (7:30) and Post-care (5:30) options are available for Kindergarten.






We are proud of our:

  • Curriculum featuring "The Project Approach."
  • Developmentally-appropriate learning.  
  • 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. 

KINDERGARTEN 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 Lunduist or Jessica Stanton, at 691-6322x129. We are happy to answer your questions or provide you with a tour of our facility.