Bold. Distinctive. Biblical.
A Principle-Approach® Pre-K–12 Christian School in Lancaster County, PA
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Fast Facts About Kindergarten

✓ Who: Ages 5 and 6 (must be 5 by September 1st of the school year)

✓ When: 3-Day (Mon/Wed/Fri) and 5-Day Programs are available; both are Full-Day Kindergarten

✓ Location: Conveniently located just 1 minute from the Mountville exit of Route 30 in Lancaster County, PA

Using The Principle Approach® (historic, biblical method of education that helped forge our nation), Dayspring Christian Academy’s Full Day Kindergarten classes provide a refreshing answer to families who seriously desire to launch their child’s education in an academically rigorous, loving, nurturing environment.

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Early Childhood Education at Dayspring

At Dayspring Christian Academy, we provide three levels of early childhood education:

  • Preschool: 2-Days/Week (mornings, for ages 3 & 4)
  • Pre-K: 3 & 5-Day/Week Programs (full day, for ages 4 & 5)
  • Kindergarten: 3 & 5-Day/Week Programs (full day, for ages 5 & 6)

Kindergarten is a 3-day program that comes with an optional 2 additional enrichment days (creating a full week, 5-day Kindergarten program).

Purpose of the Full-Day Christian Kindergarten Program

  • To fortify the love for God that is being taught at home.
  • To instill a love for the special gift of learning that God has given to each of us.
  • To assist parents in training their child in Christian manners and habits.
  • To begin the process of fitting the child for usefulness in his/her future.

There are clear distinctions that only a Principle Approach® school offers. This philosophy of education finds its very core in the Word of God. Ours is not simply a cursory nod at the Bible or a rote recitation of biblical directives. Rather, our approach involves a dynamic search for and application of biblical truth as it relates to this life and beyond.

A smiling kindergarten student at Dayspring Christian Academy in Lancaster, PA

General Kindergarten Information

  • Class Size: 24
  • Number of Classes: 1
  • After School Programs: Dayspring offers an afterschool program for grades Pre-K to 5, which starts at 3:00 p.m. and ends at 5:00 p.m. The program is designed for parents who are unable to pick up their students due to work obligations. Note, we are unable to provide after school services on holidays, snow days, or early dismissal days. The after school program consists of:
  • Programs for gifted or students with special needs: Dayspring provides alternative methods of instructions in order to provide each student a unique learning experience. We offer several programs through P139 Student Support, named after Psalm 139:14, that aim to help student’s reach their potential. Please check our P139 Student Support page for additional details.
  • School Security/Safety protocols, etc. Dayspring’s Kindergarten classroom is large, bright, welcoming, and friendly. Appropriate security measures are in place to ensure that our families feel confident that their precious children are safe, loved and well-cared for.
  • Field Studies: Dayspring’s field studies provide students the ability to learn in an out-of-classroom environment that furthers their understanding of their curriculum. The costs of field studies are included in their tuition cost. Kindergarten Students attend several places for their science-focused unit, including Zoo America, The North Museum of Nature and Science, Long’s Park, Cherry Hill Orchard and more!
  • Tuition: $6,168 for 3-day Kindergarten
  • Financial Aid Info: Tuition Assistance is available. Call John Riddell at 717-285-2000 for details.

Christian Kindergarten in Lancaster, PA Pledge of Allegiance

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Christian Kindergarten Curriculum & Program Options (3-Day & 5-Day)

This level is appropriate for those students who are 5 years old through early 6 years of age developmentally at the start of the school year.

  • Students will be taught to view God as the author of every subject, with a purpose and plan for each one in our modern world.
  • Students begin to learn the rudiments of the subjects like science, history, and geography.
  • They record their learning in their own hand
  • They even begin to reason from the Bible in every subject area.

This intentional method of teaching and learning trains students to think and reason, not just regurgitate facts.

BASE 3-DAY KINDERGARTEN PROGRAM
(FULL DAYS, MON/WED/FRI)

Christian Kindergarten in Lancaster, PA Children Learn TogetherThe program is activity-oriented, but more emphasis is placed on paper-and-pencil activities and structured seat work. The seeds of wisdom are sown in every academic subject to inspire a love of learning and appreciation for God’s hand in all we do.

  • Reading, Writing & Literature:
    • A Classical literature focus on studying A.A. Milne’s literary classic (and children’s favorite), Winnie the Pooh
    • The Writing Road to Reading© literacy program is introduced
    • Students expand their phonetic awareness and segmentation in preparation for beginning to read (many children learn to read before completing academic kindergarten)
    • The student notebook is expanded and built upon as a tool for scholarship
  • Science:
    • Unit about mammals and reptiles, with a trip to ZooAmerica in Hershey, PA
    • Exciting look at the five senses
    • Solar system
  • Bible/Character:
    • Fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5)
    • God’s Principle of Individuality
    • Examination of internal vs. external character traits
  • Technology is brought directly into the classroom curriculum
  • Key field studies include trips to Zoo America, The North Museum, Long’s Park, Lancaster County Park, Kitchen Kettle Village, and Cherry Hill Orchard

Our Supplemental 5-Day Kindergarten Program is a Base 3-Day Program plus 2 Full Enrichment Days

In addition to the curriculum of the 3-day program mentioned above, parents may supplement their child’s learning by enrolling them in our 2 day/week I.D.E.A.! program to create a 5 full-day Kindergarten schedule.

Standing for Inspire, Discover, Explore, Achieve, IDEA! is Dayspring Christian Academy’s supplemental Kindergarten for 5- and 6-year-olds. This optional 4th and 5th day of learning-enriched Kindergarten takes place in a hands-on environment and is focused on STEM (science, technology, engineering, math). Having the class size capped at 17 means there’s more 1:1 time for your child with the teacher.

Supplemental Kindergarten

The guide behind the IDEA! supplemental Kindergarten program encompasses the following attributes:

Inspire

  • Community-style learning where children are able to share their ideas while also learning to listen to their neighbor.
  • Dedicated time where students can seek to apply biblical principles from direct Bible reading to their lives.
  • Planned brain breaks throughout the day to allow student to refresh their emotional and intellectual think tanks.

Discover

  • To expand the student’s knowledge in the areas of science and history and put into practice all they have learned through the use of STEM, collaborative group projects, history character studies, as well as other creative avenues.

Explore

  • Getting an opportunity to explore their God-given creative abilities through art, drama, and music.
  • Learning how to be good stewards of the world God has given us by exploring and learning about our National Parks as Jr. Rangers.

Achieve

  • To allow students to capitalize on language, spelling, and math skills already learned and to further their individual abilities in these foundational skills.

The IDEA! program is a stand-alone program which takes place on Tuesdays and Thursdays through the school year. The program may be added to our 3-day prekindergarten or kindergarten programs to create a full-day, 5-day kindergarten program.

Christian Kindergarten in Lancaster, PA Imagination Activity

FAQ

What days are Kindergarten offered at Dayspring Christian Academy?
Dayspring offers 3-Day (Mon/Wed/Fri) & 5-Day Kindergarten programs. (full day, for ages 5 & 6 - must be 5 by September 1st of the school year).
Are programs available for gifted or students with special needs?
At Dayspring, we see each child as a unique individual, created by a loving Creator, and valued as such. It is because of this that Dayspring has created the P139 Student Support program, named for Psalm 139:14, and designed to teach students at all levels who require alternative or differentiated methods of instruction, so they may work to their potential.
Are after school programs available to Kindergarten students?
Dayspring offers an afterschool program for grades Pre-K through 5. The program starts at 3 p.m. and ends at 5 p.m. We are unable to provide the program on holidays, snow days, and early dismissals.
What field studies are offered to Kindergarten students?
Dayspring offers several field studies in order to fully delve into curriculum topics. Some Kindergarten locations include, ZooAmerica, The North Museum, Lancaster County Park, Kitchen Kettle Village, and Cherry Hill Orchard.
Why should I seek Christian education for my child?
The Bible clearly teaches that the responsibility of education belongs to parents, not the State. Proverbs states that “the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.” Only by teaching our children the Truth as seen in God’s Word, will we ensure that they can adequately meet the challenges of a secular world and affect that world dynamically for the cause of Christ.
Will my child use the same textbook as government schools or other Christian schools?
Students do use textbooks for skill oriented subjects, by and large, though, textbooks are used as resource tools. Students and teachers alike develop highly specialized notebooks that become the primary teaching-learning tools. This enhances the internalization of the material to be learned and creates a sense of ownership which increases long-term retention and application.
Can I see the school and meet the Kindergarten teachers?

Yes! Visiting Dayspring is a great way to get your questions answered, learn more about the school, meet the kindergarten teachers and faculty, and see how we can meet your child's individual educational needs.

Schedule your tour today

What is the purpose of the Dayspring’s Full-Day Christian Kindergarten Program?
  • To fortify the love for God that is being taught at home.
  • To instill a love for the special gift of learning that God has given to each of us.
  • To assist parents in training their child in Christian manners and habits.
  • To begin the process of fitting the child for usefulness in his/her future.
What is the average Kindergarten class size?
The average Kindergarten class at Dayspring Christian Academy is 24 students.
What is the student-to-teacher ratio in kindergarten?
Our Dayspring Kindergarten classrooms have an aide to assist the teacher. Teacher to student ratio is 12:1
Do you have a special Kindergarten wing or designated playground?
Dayspring’s Kindergarten is an integral part of our school. Our student body remarks on the camaraderie and genuine care between the grades. Kindergarten students have recess at designated times on our school playground.
What about the playground? Will my child be playing with bigger kids?
Kindergarten students have morning recess with our Pre-K and 1st grade students. Kindergarten has afternoon recess with Pre-K, 1st and, 2nd grade students.
What is your afternoon pick-up procedure?
Dayspring parents may choose their child’s method of transportation. Parents may drop off and pick up their students. This means their child will be a car rider. Pick up for car riders is at the circle in front of the school. Parents are provided with a placard to place on their dashboard to identify them at pick up. Some districts provide busing to Dayspring. Please check our transportation page to find out which district buses are available. Additionally, Dayspring provides transportation to students who do not have access to district busing but can benefit from it. This information can also be found on our transportation page. A student who uses public school transportation or Dayspring transportation is a bus rider and will be guided to their bus at the end of the day.
What happens if my child gets sick or hurt?
Students who need first aid or to be evaluated for illness will go to the health room. The school nurse will triage the student, treat if necessary, and send an email home explaining the encounter to the parent. Parents will be notified by phone if there is an emergency if a student is too ill to be in school, or if parental input is needed for the situation.
What school safety/security measures are in place?

Dayspring’s Kindergarten classroom is large, bright, welcoming, and friendly. Appropriate security measures are in place to ensure that our families feel confident that their precious children are safe, loved, and well-cared for.

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Take a tour of Dayspring!

Private tours for you and your child are available. Additionally, middle and high school students are able to experience a day of school at Dayspring through our visitation program. Call Karol Hasting at 717-285-2000 or use the button below to register.

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