Playful learning in a Christian atmosphere
Choosing the right Early Education environment sets your child up for a successful academic journey. During these critical years, children grow in so many ways — they learn how to communicate effectively, work collaboratively with others, and become creative problem solvers. You want them to develop a strong foundation for Kindergarten but realize that there is much more to Early Education than academics.
At NLA, our Early Education program supports every aspect of early childhood development. This is a season of rapid cognitive and physical development. It’s also a time when children hone 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.
Below, you’ll find a brief overview of what we offer, including:
New Life Academy was voted “Best Preschool Program” in 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, and 2023. We are so grateful to serve the Woodbury community through of Early Education program!
Exploring, Discovering, Growing.
The learning environment at NLA
We partner with parents to provide a holistic, age-appropriate Early Education experience, meeting each young learner where they are at. In the Early Ed 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 allow for hands-on activities. Students also have access to various learning spaces throughout our school building. Energetic learners aren’t meant to stay in one room all day. Offering diverse settings to explore promotes adaptability and enhances learning.
Happy kids:
Because we offer a play-based program, every day is an exciting adventure where students discover how fun it is to learn.
Our Early Education students have their own playground area, drop-off/pick-up entrance, and designated classrooms on NLA’s campus in addition to access to all our 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 $0.18/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.
Questions about our programs?
Schedule a conversation with Admissions by emailing admissions@newlifeacademy.org.
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.
TIFFANI, NLA Parent
WHY OUR SCHOOL?
Play-Based Learning
Early Ed students are not made to sit still for long! Our active learning approach allows them 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 see 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!
See first-hand why families choose New Life Academy for their kids.