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 and Pre-K at a Glance
The Early Education and Pre-K 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 and Pre-K at NLA:
NLA was voted “Best Preschool Program” in 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2023, and 2025.
Exploring. Discovering. Growing.
The Early Ed and Pre-K Learning Environment at NLA
NLA partners with parents to provide a holistic, age-appropriate Early Education and Pre-K experience, meeting each young learner where they are at. At NLA, Early Ed and Pre-K students are known and loved by caring teachers who foster an authentic love for learning.
INSIDE OUR EARLY EDUCATION AND PRE-K 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 Safe & Secure Environment:
We take a proactive, layered approach to safety and security, with secure building access, visitor screening, thorough staff background checks, and dedicated staff trained in first aid and CPR. These measures are part of a broader safety plan focused on preparedness, training, and ongoing evaluation. Learn more about Safety & Security.
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 and Pre-K 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 & Pre-K 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 AND PRE-K?
Play-Based Learning
Early Ed and Pre-K 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 Ed and Pre-K level, our core focus areas are:
Nurtured Social Growth
Wondering what your child’s day might look like in Early Ed and Pre-K? 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.