DCA Littles

Our Pre-K and Kindergarten Offerings

May 6, 2026

At Dublin Christian Academy, we offer a high-quality, Christ-centered education for students of all ages. This includes our youngest learners in Pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten.

This article will focus on the big things we provide for our smallest students: from a comprehensive curriculum to fun and educational field trips, and the different program options we offer families.

Lastly, it provides answers to some of the most common questions from parents who have expressed interest in having their young ones come to DCA.

About our Pre-K and Kindergarten Programs

Both our Pre-K and Kindergarten programs offer a balance of learning, fun, and faith. This well-rounded approach will prepare our young ones for the years ahead as they continue their DCA education.

Preschool (Pre-K)

The Dublin Christian Academy preschool program fosters a love of learning through play and structured instruction in a nurturing environment.

Four-year-olds explore foundational academics, Bible stories, and creative arts, while hands-on science and campus exploration instill a deep respect for God’s creation. This half-day program runs from 8 a.m. to noon, with optional aftercare available until 3 p.m. To accommodate families’ needs, schedules are flexible, and tuition costs vary based on your selected enrollment plan. Preschool students may attend two, three, four, or five days per week.

Kindergarten

The kindergarten program at Dublin Christian Academy builds upon the foundation of our preschool, transitioning students into a more comprehensive educational experience.

Students take a readiness test for kindergarten, testing for things like number and letter recognition, fine and gross motor skills, and the ability to follow instructions.

While maintaining a high level of hands-on engagement, our Kindergarten program bridges the gap to the full-day lower school experience. Students begin transitioning to longer periods of focus and age-appropriate seatwork, carefully balanced with active learning to build academic stamina.

At Dublin Christian Academy, our pre-k and kindergarten programs work in harmony to provide a Christ-centered foundation that prepares every child to thrive academically and grow spiritually.

The Littles Get to Have Fun, Too!

Kids who work hard get to play hard too, and our pre-k and kindergarten students do plenty of that as well! We offer both programs and exciting field trip opportunities that add to the DCA experience.

Programs

We involve our youngest students in many of the programs their older counterparts participate in. Our kindergarteners participate in Grandparents Day each November and our Christmas Vespers right before Christmas break, along with the rest of the school. They also participate in the Elementary Program each year.

All of our pre-k and kindergarten students participate in the Annual Service Project, as we feel it is very important to teach our students about service, generosity, and community from an early age.

Field Trips

No school experience would be complete without field trips, and we have some fun ones. Fall offers opportunities for apple picking—a favorite pastime for many New Englanders. Our little ones also get to take trips to children’s museums and working farms to mix some learning in with the fun.

Sometimes, the field trip comes to DCA, with guest visitors sharing their knowledge and experiences, giving our students a wider perspective on the world around them. Some of our more popular guests are our local first responders. They come to teach students about safety, what to do in an emergency, and demonstrate how their equipment is used.

Whether exploring their own community or welcoming local heroes to our campus, these experiences ensure our youngest students develop a joyful curiosity and a servant’s heart from the very start of their DCA journey.

FAQs for Preschool and Kindergarten Parents

We thought it might be helpful to compile some commonly asked questions we get from parents looking into our pre-k and kindergarten programs:

Q: Do you offer full-day programs or half-day programs?

A: Our pre-k and kindergarten classes are both half-day programs. We find that 4 and 5-year-olds still greatly benefit from a nap in the middle of the day, and many students in this age group do not yet have the stamina to handle a full school day.

Q: How many days a week do preschoolers attend DCA?

A: We offer flexible preschool schedules of two, three, four, or five days per week. While the core concepts remain the same each week, the daily activities and exercises vary so that every day is a fresh experience. This flexibility is ideal for younger four-year-olds who may not be ready for a full five-day program. Families also have the option to increase their schedule in future quarters (e.g., moving from two days to three days), provided space is available.

Q: Do you offer after-care services?

A: Yes, both the pre-k and kindergarten programs offer an optional after-care program, allowing students to stay for the duration of the school day. Beyond rest time and free play, our program includes enrichment activities designed to reinforce core learning, though not through direct instruction. This schedule serves as an excellent transition to a full-day academic environment and offers a convenient solution for working parents by aligning with standard school hours (8 a.m. to 3 p.m.).

Q: I am interested in applying for my child to attend DCA. What is the application process?

A: The first step in our admissions process is coming to visit. The initial visit includes a tour, including a visit to the preschool and kindergarten classrooms, and an ed consult.. The application includes basic information, agreements, and a pastoral reference. If your child is enrolling in kindergarten, we have them complete a readiness test, followed by acceptance if they pass. There is no readiness test for pre-k students.

We encourage prospective families to contact our admissions department for additional information and hope you can join us for a tour!

Nurturing Young Hearts

Nurturing a student’s heart and mindstarts on day one. Our pre-k and kindergarten programs at DCA build the essential groundwork that students will carry with them for the rest of their lives.

We believe in cherishing the smallest members of our community, just as Jesus reminded his followers to receive the children as they would receive Him.

“And whoso shall receive one such little child in my name receiveth me” (Matthew 18:5).

DCA Littles

Our Pre-K and Kindergarten Offerings