A teacher works with students as they exercise their creativity in the classroom.

Early Childhood

PreK-3 - 1st Grade

Your child starts their journey in a research based, developmentally-appropriate program. They learn foundational life skills in all areas of development: social, emotional, physical, cognitive, and spiritual. Some examples of these are problem solving, critical thinking, independence, cooperation, and collaboration with peers. Their hearts are also being shaped through weekly Bible stories about Jesus' love and through the environment that their teachers build for them.

Highlights of the Program

We are all unique.

In order for optimal growth to take place, children must engage in learning experiences that match who they are as individuals as well as their current state of development. Each child is unique and is guided through the educational journey in a way that meets his or her personal needs. Instruction is tailored to support each child as they climb the ladder of development.

We participate in our learning.

During the early childhood years, children learn best when they are allowed to observe, explore, and experiment with their environment. Teachers intentionally plan learning experiences that allow children to actively participate, using multiple senses and hands-on materials whenever possible. These active learning experiences help children to form the foundation of their development across all areas of the curriculum.

We are encouraged to grow.

We have a growth mindset regarding children’s learning and development. Our teachers look for ways to support our students as they take the next step in their learning journey. We also know the importance of partnering with parents and caregivers so that we form a team that works together to provide children with consistent guidance and support during this critical time in their educational journey.

PreK-3 & 4

Play-Based Learning

Our philosophy of early childhood education aligns with research which states that children's play is critical to their development. Children's play scenarios provide the setting through which children implement, practice, and extend their learning. Teachers intentionally create a play-based, active learning routine that encourages children's interactions with one another and fosters critical-thinking and problem-solving skills.

Areas of Development

Learning experiences at the PreK-3 and PreK-4 level foster children’s development in the following areas: early literacy, language, math, science, social studies, art, music, motor skills, social/emotional development, and spiritual development.

Parent Involvement

Parents/caregivers receive a weekly summary of their child’s work and experiences in the classroom, which includes photos and videos documenting their learning. We also host an annual parent workshop to demonstrate the PreK curriculum and build a strong partnership between each child’s home and school. Several fun family events are also planned throughout the school year, where all are invited to gather together as a DSA Family.

Kindergarten

Daily Schedule

The Kindergarten program maintains a commitment to hands-on, interactive learning experiences. The daily schedule consists of the following core subjects: Religion, Language Arts, Math, Science, and Social Studies. In addition, the students enjoy other classes taught by teachers who specialize in the following: Art, Music, Spanish, and Physical Education.

Differentiated Instruction

Teachers make use of a number of strategies and small group learning structures to differentiate instruction and match each individual student’s developmental level. Kindergarten is the first grade level where students take MAP Growth assessments, which provide teachers and parents with clear data on students’ progress and the content and skills they are ready to learn next. The program concludes with Kindergarten Graduation, a wonderful celebration of all the students have learned and accomplished during the school year.

1st Grade

Daily Schedule

First grade students build upon their learning and growth from previous years and increase their ability to work independently. Through differentiated instruction, students are challenged to master the next concepts and skills in their journey. In first grade, students continue with the core subjects: Religion, Language Arts, Math, Science, and Social Studies. In addition, the students enjoy other classes taught by teachers who specialize in the following: Art, Music, Spanish, and Physical Education.

Growth and Enrichment

Technology is integrated into the program with MAP Growth assessments. These provide teachers and parents with data used to track students’ progress and learning development. Students also use the IXL computer program for additional practice and enrichment in reading and math.

VISIT

Educating the Whole Student

DSA's early childhood program is committed to fostering development in every domain. This balanced approach to education ensures a strong foundation for future success in life.

Spiritual Development

The most important truth young children can learn is how much Jesus loves them! Our youngest students learn Bible stories and apply what they learn to daily life. These Biblical truths provide the foundation on which all learning takes place.

Social Development

It is vital that children encounter a wide range of social experiences in early childhood. This is how they learn to work with others productively, as well as how to independently solve social problems that arise in interactions with their peers.

Emotional Development

Emotional intelligence is a life skill that must be intentionally fostered during the early childhood year. Teachers coach children in the language and skills they need to regulate their emotions and respond in appropriate ways.

Cognitive Development

God created children to be incredibly inquisitive about the world around them. They are eager to actively observe, interact, and experiment as they make sense of this world. These experiences build a strong cognitive foundation for on-going learning.

Physical Development

Young children's physical development is connected to all other developmental domains, therefore this area gets special focus in our classrooms and playgrounds. Early childhood is the optimal time to refine children's large motor skills as they learn to manage and control their growing bodies.

SUPPORTIVE TEACHERS

Our teachers tailor their instruction to challenge each student, not a class average. They encourage, engage, and motivate students to use their unique abilities and talents.

INVOLVED FAMILIES

We love to have our parents and caregivers involved at school. We join together to celebrate our students' successes, watch them compete, and cheer them on as they perform.

Chaperone field trips
Volunteer with our Parent Teacher Organization
Attend weekly chapel services

EXTRACURRICULARS

There are a variety of after-school educational experiences that give your child the chance to explore their interests in a fun learning environment. Some examples include:

Athletics (ex. karate, soccer, tennis, gymnastics)
Fine Arts (ex. art, ballet, piano/music lessons)
Clubs (ex. chess, literacy learners)

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In This Section

Early Childhood

Highlights of the Program

We are all unique.

We participate in our learning.

We are encouraged to grow.

PreK-3 & 4

Play-Based Learning

Areas of Development

Parent Involvement

Kindergarten

Daily Schedule

Differentiated Instruction

1st Grade

Daily Schedule

Growth and Enrichment

Educating the Whole Student

Spiritual Development

Social Development

Emotional Development

Cognitive Development

Physical Development

SUPPORTIVE TEACHERS

INVOLVED FAMILIES

EXTRACURRICULARS

Get Started!

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Rachel Hoenecke

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