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Early Learning Center

Northside Catholic Academy Preschool

Northside Catholic Academy’s preschool provides a child-centered learning program where children participate in meaningful play in a stimulating and joyful environment that enables them to make a comfortable transition from home to school. Our preschool program differentiates learning to suit the age and development of each learner to ensure complete preparation for kindergarten and beyond. 


Preschool for 3 & 4-year-olds

Our preschool program prepares students to think and act critically, creatively, and collaboratively through meaningful play in a vibrant and engaging environment. To be considered, children must be toilet trained and 3 years old by Sept 1.


Preschool Program:

Preschool Curriculum

We are dedicated to educating the whole child. Our unique and comprehensive program sparks discovery and curiosity in each child while developing their social-emotional, physical, spiritual, cognitive growth. Our preschool emphasizes language activity and focuses on the creative process more than the finished product. Our teachers facilitate a setting that strengthens self-esteem and instills a love of learning. Throughout the day, our teachers engage early learners in a variety of activities that foster independence, self-regulation, problem-solving, and decision-making. Our diverse curriculum is filled with early literacy, math, science, social studies, Spanish, art, music, and physical education.

Why NCA Preschool?

Junior Kindergarten Program

NCA is committed to fostering growth and excellence while meeting individual students at their levels. With this as our core mission, NCA offers a Junior Kindergarten Program.

Providing high-quality early childhood education is invaluable in setting our learners up for growth and success throughout their academic careers. Junior Kindergarten builds on the educational, social, and emotional skills and abilities that have been developed in the preschool program. 

Our Junior Kindergarten program allows for a more student-led initiative in planning for their center work, in addition to intentional and individualized instruction in language development. Junior Kindergarteners also develop learning traits they will need in school such as:

      – Creativity

      – Curiosity

      – Mindfulness

      – Independence

      – Decision-making

      – Self-regulation

      – Positive peer interaction

Junior kindergarten curriculum

NCA strives to grow passionate learners in Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math through engaging activities that create a foundation for furthering STEAM education. An instrumental part of Junior Kindergarten play is making observations in the natural and physical world. By taking advantage of their inherent curiosity, teachers facilitate students learning to classify, experiment, predict, and draw conclusions as a result of their observations. 

Students will explore technology tools using iPad apps and a variety of digital hands-on coding tools that empower the innovative spirit. NCA’s technology in Early Learning Center programs is carefully and thoughtfully managed according to early childhood guidelines. Our philosophy is utilizing technology and innovation as a complement and tool while fostering unplugged inquisitiveness. 

We understand how busy and active four and five-year-olds can be! NCA Junior Kindergarten recognizes the importance of physical development and healthy behaviors. Alongside their academic pursuits, students will be supported as they develop fine and gross motor skills and learn personal care habits.

Art is indispensable to a well-rounded curriculum, and the creative arts are a prominent feature of our program. Children are encouraged to tap into their creativity and express themselves through art, music, movement, and dramatic play. Creative expression is integrated into the daily routines of Junior Kindergarten, so students have every opportunity to explore different media, enjoy songs and rhythms, participate in weekly Yippee Yoga, and collaborate with their peers in pretend play and imaginative expansion.

Schedule A Private Tour

Our private tours provide an opportunity to experience first-hand the dynamic culture of our Early Learning Center, meet our staff, and learn more about our program and application process. We offer tours during the school year from Monday through Friday from 8:30 am- 3:00 pm. To schedule a tour, please call or email Brad Gschwendtner, Director of Marketing and Admissions, at [email protected] or 773-743-6277.