Q: What age children does your program serve?

A: A.L.M.A. Preschool & Kindergarten is DCFS-licensed for children ages 3-6. Children must be three years old to begin attending. If your child is still a little too young for our program, you can apply to our waitlist to secure your family’s future spot.

Q: Do you have separate classrooms for different aged children?

A: No, all children learn together in one classroom community. Our individualized three-year curriculum enables each child to learn at their own pace without feeling ahead or behind. Working within a dynamic peer group also creates beautiful opportunities for mentorship, leadership, and collaborative community building.

Q: Are you a Montessori school?

A: No. We do draw from the Montessori method for some of our pedagogical approach, including an emphasis on child-led learning and independence. We also use some Montessori materials in our classroom to support the children’s academic learning. However, our program is more than Montessori — it features a unique blend of best-practice approaches with a strong focus on play, nature, art, and project-based learning. 

Q: What does your curriculum cover?

A: Our three-year program nurtures your child’s whole self, including their academic, cognitive, social-emotional, physical, and personal development. Our curriculum meets or exceeds state standards in all areas: math, language arts, science, social science, physical development, fine arts, and world language. Your child can move through the curriculum at their own pace, according to their unique strengths and needs, with the benefits of both group and individual instruction.

Q: How do you handle discipline?

A: We teach problem-solving utilizing Non-Violent Communication and use natural consequences as our primary approach to discipline. Disciplinary measures are always designed and carried out in a way that helps children develop self-control and assume responsibility for their own actions. Corporal punishment is never applied. You can read our full Discipline Policy here.

Q: Does my child need to be vaccinated?

A: Yes. We are a DCFS-licensed program and every enrolled child must meet DCFS requirements, including: 

1. Doctor’s examination no more than 6 months prior to admission 
2. Tuberculosis test within six months prior to admission
3. Lead screening
4. Chickenpox vaccination 

Q: What are your hours? 

A: Our school day is from 8:30 am to 3:00 pm Monday through Friday, with a half-day option of 8:30 am to 12:00 pm for three year olds. Additional care is available before school from 7:30 to 8:30 am, and after school from 3:00 to 4:30 pm. 

Q: Do you charge late pick-up fees?

A: Yes. You can read our full Late Policy here.

Q: Do you offer a part-time option?

A: For the sake of continuity and community, we typically ask that your child attend school for the entire 5-day week. 

Q: What is your school year calendar?

A: Our 2024/2025 school year runs August 28, 2024 to June 6, 2025. We observe a fall, winter, spring, and summer break.