Richmond Beach pre-school adding afternoon classes

Kangaroos, lambs, doves and lions are living in harmony every morning at a Richmond Beach pre-school and kindergarten. Starting this fall, they can also learn and have fun in the afternoons.  

First Lutheran Preschool and Kindergarten is adding afternoon classes from 1 to 3:30pm for children ages 3 and 4 and from 1 to 4 for pre-kindergarten from the day after Labor Day through the second week of June.

Parents of preschoolers are invited to take a tour now and spend a day with their children to enroll for fall classes.Tours are Mondays through Thursdays from 9am to 4pm.

Kangaroos must turn 2 between March 1 and September 1 and a Kangaroo parent is required to attend school with their child. Lambs are between 2 and 3 years old and classes are scheduled on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Doves must be 3 by August 31 and Lions must be 4 by that date. Children who are 5 by the start of the school year are enrolled for the five-day kindergarten program.

Teacher Nancy Malek of Shoreline describes the curriculum as “play-based as a first time away from parents with an emphasis on self-esteem and safety.”

In addition to preparing children for first grade, the school features faith-based learning and has an all-female staff of 10 teachers, a director and an assistant. It is accredited through the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America and all faiths, races, are welcome. The program has been underway since 1972 and boasts low staff turnover.

“Our goal is to prepare the children for kindergarten or first grade … socially and educationally with a school routine,” explains Karen Beasley, pre-school director.

Beasley further explained that each child enjoys daily fresh air play time with a myriad of playground of equipment and tricycles and there is a focus on nutrition, physical fitness, personal hygiene and independence. Curriculum focuses on developmentally appropriate large and small motor skills with add-on enrichment classes in music, movement,  cooking, science and Spanish. Creativity, critical thinking, problem solving and an awareness of the five senses also are a strong part of the curriculum.

The school is located at 18354 8th Avenue NW, Shoreline. To schedule a tour, call 206-546-0320 or email.  More information at the church website.