At Arundel Christian School, our preschool program is designed to support your child’s academic, emotional, physical, and spiritual development in a nurturing, Christ-centered environment. Each stage—PreK2, PreK3, and PreK4—is thoughtfully structured to meet the unique developmental needs of young learners and to prepare them for future success.

PreK2: Building Foundations Through Play and Routine

In our PreK2 program, we create a warm and engaging space where our youngest learners explore the world through purposeful play and consistent routines.

Focus Areas:

• Early Language Skills: Introduction to letter sounds and vocabulary through our “Letter of the Week” program and interactive storytelling.

• Early Numeracy: Basic counting, number recognition, and numerical exploration through age-appropriate games and activities.

• Shape Adventures: Exploration of common shapes through hands-on activities that promote cognitive development.

• Weekly Themes: Engaging weekly themes (e.g., animals, weather, transportation) bring learning to life across subjects.

• Healthy Routines: Predictable schedules with built-in potty training support foster independence and self-regulation.

• Movement & Motor Skills: Activities that promote both gross and fine motor development through play and physical movement.

• Biblical Focus: Bible stories and songs help children begin to understand God's love and character.
  
  

PreK3: Growing in Skills and Confidence

Our PreK3 program supports children as they build school-readiness skills through structured learning and creative discovery.

Focus Areas:

• Phonetic Awareness: Emphasis on letter recognition and sounds to build early literacy skills.

• Beginning Math Skills: Counting, number games, pattern recognition, and simple math operations.

• Shape & Color Recognition: Hands-on exploration of shapes and colors in various environments.

• Theme of the Week: Imaginative weekly themes integrate learning across content areas.

• Classroom Routines: Structured daily routines provide consistency and promote a secure learning environment.
  Motor Development: Activities targeting fine motor (e.g., tracing, cutting) and gross motor (e.g., running, hopping) skills.

• Biblical Integration: Bible lessons, character-building stories, and memory verses that foster Christlike values.

PreK4: Kindergarten Readiness in a Christ-Centered Environment

Our PreK4 program focuses on preparing students for kindergarten through academic instruction, structured routines, and biblical truth.

Focus Areas:

• Daily Math Lessons: Rote counting, number identification, patterns, and introduction to addition and subtraction.

• Daily Language Lessons: Storytelling, phonics, vocabulary development, and sentence building.

• Word Building: Sight word recognition and introductory spelling concepts to promote literacy.

• Science & Social Studies: Hands-on exploration and discussion-based learning of basic science and community topics.

• Group Collaboration: Cooperative play and group projects that develop teamwork and communication.

• Theme of the Week: Continued thematic instruction to support interdisciplinary learning.

• Biblical Focus: Daily Bible integration that encourages spiritual growth, kindness, and respect for others.
  
  

Kindergarten Readiness Goals:
By the end of PreK4, students will demonstrate:

• Foundational skills in reading and math

• Confidence in daily classroom routines

• Positive social-emotional behaviors

• A basic understanding of biblical principles

Clear and consistent communication between school and home is essential to your child’s success at Arundel Christian School. In Lower School, we use the following official platforms to keep families informed and connected:

Official Communication Platforms

• Gradelink: Our student information system where families can view grades, assignments, attendance, and school-wide announcements.

• ClassDojo: Used for daily classroom updates, behavior tracking, and direct communication with your child’s teacher. Please ensure you are connected to your child’s class and check regularly.

• Phone Calls: When needed, teachers or administrators may call to discuss important or urgent matters regarding your child.

General Communication Guidelines

• ClassDojo is the best way to contact your child’s teacher. Teachers are not able to leave the classroom during the school day to answer phone calls. They will respond to messages during school hours or as soon as they are able.

• If a matter cannot be resolved via Dojo message or email, the teacher will schedule a phone call or in-person meeting. The department director may also be included as appropriate.

• Please do not approach teachers or staff during drop-off, pick-up, or in informal settings (such as the parking lot) to discuss student matters. For the privacy and professionalism of all students, we ask that communication be handled through formal channels.

• ACS faculty and staff do not share personal cell phone numbers with families. All school-related communication will take place through the platforms listed above.

All preschool students at Arundel Christian School must bring a packed lunch from home each day. In addition to lunch, preschoolers require at least one additional snack during the school day due to their longer hours and developmental needs. If your child is enrolled in the PM Club program, please also include an extra snack for the afternoon.

Important Guidelines:

• ACS does NOT provide snacks for students. Due to a growing number of food allergies, all food must be supplied by the family.

• Please pack a nutritious, filling lunch to help your child stay energized, focused, and ready to learn.

• We recommend ensuring your child has a healthy breakfast before arriving at school to prevent hunger before snack or lunch.

Food Safety:

• ACS cannot heat or refrigerate student food. Please use:
  
  

  • An ice pack for items that need to stay cool.

  • A thermos or insulated container for items that should remain warm.

Please be sure to label all food containers, lunchboxes, and water bottles with your child’s name.