What is the early childhood program at LSA like?
- Certified, experienced teachers know, love, and inspire each child to do their best.
- Your student is important—our youngest learners participate in the life of the school by joining us in weekly worship and doing activities with their “buddies” in grade school.
- Kids learn how they fit into God’s big world through a fully integrated Christian curriculum.
Learning to fit into God’s big world
At LSA, students in our early childhood program are an integral part of our learning community.
This isn’t just day care—it’s important learning and foundational experiences.
Learning that’s exciting
The preschool class learns through play-based exploration, activity centers, Bible stories, and recess. They also go on field trips to an apple orchard, pumpkin patch, the zoo, and Camp Roger.
Ready for kindergarten
Are you looking for an option with a bit more structure? Our pre-kindergarten classroom will prepare students for kindergarten with early literacy and math skills.
Part of the community
When your child joins one of our early childhood classes, they are joining a school community. Learn more about LSA and how students grow.
Early Childhood Schedule options
Preschool
3-4 year-olds will explore God’s world through play. The focus of this program is social-emotional learning. Students will also be introduced to the basics of letters and numbers
Tues/Thurs Mornings
8:05 am – 11:05 am
Tuesday and Thursday
$2,325 per school year
Tues/Thurs All Day
8:05 am – 3:05 pm
Tuesday and Thursday
$4,185 per school year
Pre-Kindergarten A
This class is for for children ages 4 (by September 1) and 5. Children will be ready for kindergarten through lots of hands on learning.
M/W/F Mornings
8:05 am – 11:05 am
Monday, Wednesday and Friday
$3,255 per school year
M/W/F All Day
8:05 am – 3:05 pm
Monday, Wednesday, and Friday
$6,045 per school year
Pre-Kindergarten B
Also for students ages 4 (by September 1) and 5, this class meets every day. Children will be ready for kindergarten through lots of hands on learning.
M - F Mornings
8:05 am – 11:05 am
Monday through Friday
$5,115 per school year
M - F All Day
8:05 am – 3:05 pm
Monday through Friday
$9,300 per school year
Meet the Early Childhood Staff
Early Childhood Director and Teacher
Lorna Vander Sluis
Lorna has been shaping young hearts and minds since 1985, including in Japan and China. She prays that every child that comes to her classroom will experience the love of God through her words and actions. “Every person who comes into my room is an image bearer of God and is worthy of God’s great love.”
Pre-Kindergarten Teacher
Kim Knoester
Kim was drawn to Living Stones Academy because of our commitment to breaking down barriers for children and families. Ms. Knoester is a skilled teacher, trusted colleague, and has a passion for LSA’s mission.
Pre-Kindergarten Teacher
Becky van der Woerd
Becky has been part of the Living Stones Academy community for many years, first as a parent, and now as a teacher. She loves the close-knit nature of LSA, where she knows her students deeply and shares life with their families both in and beyond the classroom. Becky earned a degree in elementary education from Calvin University, with minors in art and communication, and previously taught first grade in Chicago Public Schools and was a Pre-K lead teacher at Eastminster Preschool. In the classroom, Becky values daily rhythms and has a knack for creating moments where students feel safe to express themselves creatively.
“I see God at work in my classroom through each of the unique relationships I have with my students, especially with quiet or reserved students. I love watching them open up and connecting on a fun, personal level, ” Becky says.
Preschool Teacher
Kathy Wiegers
Kathy brings decades of experience, deep joy, and a love for young children to her work at Living Stones Academy. A longtime member of the LSA community, Kathy is the parent of two Living Stones alumni and has witnessed the school’s growth from its earliest days. She has spent nearly 30 years working in early childhood education, including operating a licensed home daycare, serving as a lead Preschool and Pre-K teacher at Eastminster Preschool, and teaching in the YMCA’s Great Start Readiness Program. Kathy loves learning alongside young children through play, music, books, art, and time outdoors, and she delights in the daily relationships that form as children grow, learn, and care for one another.
“I love to teach the students how they are amazingly made by God and how they are a part of a community. No matter their size or age they all have an important part of the larger group. They are a friend to classmates, a helper for their parents, and a good neighbor to those that live in their community,” Kathy says.
Ways to connect
Schedule a visit
Meet the staff, get your nitty gritty questions answered, and even hear from student ambassadors on your tour.
Connect with our email list
Get important reminders about enrollment deadlines and hear inspiring stories about families at LSA.
Apply for admission
Applications for the 2026-2027 school year will be available in mid-January.