Playful Learning in a Christian Atmosphere
Choosing the right Preschool environment lays the foundation for a lifetime of learning and growth. At NLA, our Early Education program includes Preschool Prep (31+ months), Preschool (age 3), and Pre-K (ages 4-5). During these years, children learn how to communicate effectively, work collaboratively, and become creative problem solvers.
Early Ed at a Glance
The Early Education program at NLA supports every aspect of early childhood development. This is a season of rapid cognitive and physical development. It’s also a time when children develop social and emotional skills and learn about their place in God’s world. Our goal is to help students maximize their growth in each of these areas, so they can thrive in school and beyond.
Discover More about Early Ed at NLA:
NLA was voted “Best Preschool Program” in 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2023, and 2025.
Exploring. Discovering. Growing.
The Learning Environment at NLA
NLA partners with parents to provide a holistic, age-appropriate Early Education experience, meeting each young learner where they are at. In the Preschool program at NLA, students are known and loved by caring teachers who foster an authentic love for learning.
INSIDE OUR EARLY EDUCATION CLASSROOMS, YOU WILL FIND:
Low Student-to-Teacher Ratios:
Our teachers and aides can provide a high level of individualized attention because we keep class sizes small.
A Strong Emphasis on Safety:
We have a highly secure campus, conduct thorough background checks on all staff, and provide first-aid and CPR training for staff.
Vibrant Learning Centers:
When you enter our classrooms, you will see thematic centers that allow for dramatic play, reading nooks, and free play areas that encourage hands-on activities. Students also have access to various learning spaces throughout our school building including the gym, art room, music room, and more. Energetic learners aren’t meant to stay in one room all day. Offering diverse settings to explore promotes adaptability and enhances learning.
Christ-Centered Foundations:
Early Education at NLA nurtures not only curiosity but also faith. With Bible-based lessons, songs, and prayer time, children discover that learning about the world also means learning about God’s love.
Our Preschool students have their own playground area, drop-off/pick-up entrance, and designated classrooms on NLA’s campus, as well as access to all school facilities.
Early Ed Programs
Our school day runs from 8:05 a.m. to 2:40 p.m. Students may attend two days (Tuesday and Thursday), three days (Monday, Wednesday, and Friday), or five days a week.
Extended Care
Our Eaglet Club is available at an additional fee of $0.22/minute to parents who need morning or afternoon child care. Students may arrive as early as 7:00 a.m. and be picked up as late as 5:30 p.m.*
*Preschool Prep must be picked up by 5:00 p.m.
What really sets New Life Academy apart from any other Early Ed center is the feeling you get when you drop your child off for the first time. It’s an incredible place where all the staff and teachers know your child and your family. I can’t say enough wonderful things about New Life.
WHY NLA EARLY ED?
Play-Based Learning
Early Ed students are not made to sit still for long! Our active learning approach allows students in Preschool Prep (31+ months), Preschool (age 3), and Pre-K (ages 4–5) to develop key competencies through engaging, hands-on activities that feel like fun. Play-based learning reinforces a positive attitude about school and promotes intellectual curiosity.
At the Early Education level, our core focus areas are:
Nurtured Social Growth
Wondering what your child’s day might look like in Early Ed? Our programs follow this general schedule:
8:05 — Arrival/Free Play
8:30 — Morning Meeting/Prayer/Calendar
8:50 — Movement
9:00 — Bible Lesson
9:20 — Specialist Class: Art, Music, Library, or PE (for 3/5 day classes)
9:45 — Centers (Dramatic Play, Sensory Experiences, Art Projects, Science Experiments, etc.)
10:30 — Read Aloud
10:45 — Lunch
11:15 — Thematic Mini-Lesson, Handwriting, or Social Studies
11:30 — Open Gym
11:45 — Bathroom Break/Recess Prep
12:00 — Recess
12:35 — Quiet Book Look and Activities
1:00 — Rest Time
1:45 — Snack
2:05 — Afternoon Circle Time
2:25 — Pack up and Dismissal
Communication with Parents
We approach education as a partnership between home and school and value communication with our families. Students have daily take-home folders that allow teachers to provide updates on the day, class projects, special events, and more. Weekly emails are also sent out to recap the week and keep parents informed about what their children are learning. We also use Schoology, a learning management system that helps us securely share photos, assignments, and updates for parents.
Meet a Teacher
Michelle Groeneweg
“My favorite part about being a Pre-K teacher is seeing my students’ excitement for learning. I love listening to them share from their hearts as they retell the Bible stories we are learning about. It is a joy for me to see my students’ confidence grow as they learn and explore through hands-on activities. The most important part of my day is ensuring my students know that they are loved – not only by me but also by God. I am truly blessed and very thankful for the opportunity to be their teacher!”
See for Yourself!
Experience first-hand why families choose NLA.
Frequently Asked Questions
View all FAQs-
What age does my child need to be to start preschool?
New Life Academy’s Early Education program welcomes children starting at 31 months for our Preschool Prep class. For Preschool, children must be 3 years old by September 1 and fully potty trained. Pre-Kindergarten is available for children who are 4 or 5 years old. Kindergarten enrollment requires children to be 5 years old by September 1. Each program is designed to meet your child where they are developmentally, nurturing their growth in a safe, faith-filled environment. Learn more about our Early Education program.
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What sets your preschool program apart from others?
New Life Academy’s preschool stands apart because we nurture the whole child — spiritually, academically, socially, and emotionally — in a safe, Christ-centered environment. Our program is led by licensed, experienced teachers who intentionally balance play-based learning with structured academic readiness, helping children grow confident and curious. Small class sizes (maximum of 15 students) mean every child is known, loved, and supported individually. Bible truths are woven into every day, laying a foundation of faith alongside foundational academic skills. We also offer a strong partnership with families, keeping parents informed and involved every step of the way. Learn more about our Early Education program.
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Is your preschool play-based or academic-focused?
Our preschool program is thoughtfully both — we believe that play is how young children learn best, and we integrate intentional academic preparation into every joyful, hands-on experience. Children explore literacy, math concepts, science, and the arts through play, storytelling, sensory activities, and creative projects. At the same time, we build foundational skills like letter recognition, number sense, and early writing in developmentally appropriate ways. Face-to-face interaction and relationship-building take priority over screen time, and Bible truths are woven throughout the day. Our goal is to send children to Kindergarten with a love of learning, strong social skills, and a growing faith. Learn more about our Early Education approach.
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What’s the age range for preschool enrollment?
New Life Academy’s Early Education program welcomes children starting at 31 months for our Preschool Prep class. For Preschool, children must be 3 years old by September 1 and fully potty trained. Pre-Kindergarten is available for children who are 4 or 5 years old. Kindergarten enrollment requires children to be 5 years old by September 1. Each program is designed to meet your child where they are developmentally, nurturing their growth in a safe, faith-filled environment. Learn more about our Early Education program.
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How do you handle potty training and bathroom breaks?
For our Preschool program (ages 3+), children must be fully potty trained before they begin. Our youngest students in Preschool Prep (starting at 31 months) are in the process of potty training, and our caring staff are trained and equipped to provide bathroom support for these little ones with patience and kindness. Scheduled bathroom breaks are built into the daily routine to help children stay comfortable and confident, and individual needs are always handled with care and dignity. Families are encouraged to communicate with teachers about their child’s specific needs during the transition. Learn more about our Early Education program.
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Are snacks or meals provided?
For Early Education students, families provide a snack from home each day. NLA does offer a hot lunch program that is available for purchase, and Early Education students who stay for extended care or a full day may participate. Students are also welcome to bring lunch from home. Snack and meal times are part of the daily routine and provide a wonderful opportunity for children to practice social skills, independence, and gratitude. For full-day students, care is taken to ensure children have adequate nutrition and rest throughout their time at school. Learn more about our Early Education program and daily routines.
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Do you offer half-day or full-day preschool options?
New Life Academy offers flexible scheduling options for Early Education families. Preschool programs are available in 2-day, 3-day, and 5-day formats, allowing families to choose what works best for their child and schedule. Extended care is available from 7:00 AM to 5:30 PM for an additional fee, providing full-day coverage for families who need it. Learn more about our Early Education options and scheduling.
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How do you approach social and emotional development in preschool?
Social and emotional development is at the heart of our Early Education program. Our teachers create a warm, consistent, and nurturing environment where children feel safe to explore, take risks, and build relationships. We intentionally teach children how to express their feelings, resolve conflicts kindly, and show empathy and respect for others — all grounded in biblical values of love, kindness, and treating others the way we want to be treated. Small class sizes (maximum 15 students) allow teachers to know each child deeply and respond to their individual emotional needs. Daily routines, circle time, cooperative play, and Bible stories all reinforce social skills and help children develop a strong sense of identity and belonging. We partner closely with families to support consistency between home and school. Learn more about our Early Education program.
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How do you help young children transition into preschool?
We know that starting preschool is a big step for children and families, and we are here to make that transition as smooth and positive as possible. Before the school year begins, we host a Meet the Teacher night so families and children can visit the classroom, meet their teacher, and feel comfortable in the new space. Our teachers take time at the start of the year to build individual relationships with each child, learning their personalities, preferences, and what helps them feel secure. We use consistent routines and predictable schedules to help children know what to expect each day, which builds confidence and reduces anxiety. Parents are always welcome to communicate with teachers about how their child is adjusting, and we work together to support each child’s unique transition. Separation anxiety is normal and handled with patience, warmth, and care. Learn more about our Early Education program.
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What does a typical preschool day look like?
A typical day in our Early Education program is warm, structured, and full of wonder. While schedules vary slightly by age group, most days include a blend of the following:
- Welcome and Morning Routine: Children arrive, settle in, and engage in morning activities that build independence and social connection.
- Circle Time: Whole-group time for Bible story, prayer, calendar, weather, and shared learning.
- Learning Centers / Play-Based Exploration: Children rotate through intentional play centers focused on literacy, math, sensory, art, dramatic play, and building.
- Specialist Classes: Depending on the day, students may have Music, PE, Art, or STEAM/Makerspace.
- Snack Time: A social break to rest, refuel, and connect with friends.
- Outdoor Recess: Daily outdoor play on our Early Ed-specific gated playground supports gross motor development and joyful exploration.
- Read-Aloud and Closing: Story time and a warm send-off to end the day.
Every part of the day is intentional, faith-filled, and designed to help your child grow. Learn more about our Early Education program.
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What is the student-to-teacher ratio in your preschool classrooms?
Early Education classrooms at New Life Academy have a maximum of 15 students and are staffed by a full-time licensed teacher and a trained teacher’s aide. This small class size and dual-adult model ensures that every child receives personalized attention, care, and support throughout the day. It also allows teachers to build meaningful relationships with each child and respond quickly to individual needs. Learn more about our Early Education program.
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What kind of communication can I expect from my child’s preschool teacher?
At New Life Academy, we believe strong communication between teachers and families is essential, especially for our youngest learners. Early Education families can expect regular updates through daily take-home folders, which include notes, artwork, and information about what children are learning. Teachers send weekly classroom updates via email and use the Schoology platform to share photos, activities, and important announcements. Formal parent-teacher conferences are held each semester, and teachers are always available for conversations at drop-off, pickup, or via email to address any questions or concerns. We value a true partnership with families and want you to feel informed, connected, and supported every step of the way. Learn more about our Early Education program.
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What makes your preschool different from others in the area?
New Life Academy’s preschool stands apart because we nurture the whole child — spiritually, academically, socially, and emotionally — in a safe, Christ-centered environment. Our program is led by licensed, experienced teachers who intentionally balance play-based learning with structured academic readiness, helping children grow confident and curious. Small class sizes (maximum of 15 students) mean every child is known, loved, and supported individually. Bible truths are woven into every day, laying a foundation of faith alongside foundational academic skills. We also offer a strong partnership with families, keeping parents informed and involved every step of the way. Learn more about our Early Education program.
