home> Academics > Preschool Information

Preschool Information

Frequently Asked Questions about NCA's Preschool

At what age does the program start?

What are the times?

Will my child learn to read in NCA Preschool?

Does my child have to be a Roman Catholic to attend NCA Preschool?

How much religion is taught in NCA Preschool?

What ‘special’ classes are offered to children in NCA Preschool?

What is the student to teacher ratio in NCA Preschool?      

Does NCA Preschool include outdoor/recess activities?

What discipline measures are used in the NCA Preschool classroom?

How are separation issues handled in NCA Preschool?

How much is tutition? 

How do I apply? 

Camp Firefly Summer Camp
Preschool Physical Exam Information



At what age does the program start?
Children must be 3 years old by Sept. 1st to begin our preschool program.
Back to top

What are the times?
Full Day M-F 8:00AM-3:00PM (option of extended care)
Half Day 3 year old mornings 8:00AM-11:00AM
     5 days/wk or 3 days (T, W, Th) for continuity
Half Day 4 year old afternoons M-F 12noon-3:00PM
Back to top

Will my child learn to read in NCA Preschool?
Your child will be engaged in many activities that promote age-appropriate pre-reading skills. These activities will also help your child learn other academic and social skills. Learning to read is not a specific goal of the program due to the wide age-variance for reading readiness among preschool children.
Back to top

Does my child have to be a Roman Catholic to attend NCA Preschool?
We welcome children of diverse racial, religious and ethnic backgrounds. Roughly 17% of our students are not Roman Catholic.
Back to top

How much religion is taught in NCA Preschool?
The religious instruction in NCA Preschool is geared toward the young child. This includes prayers that are in keeping with the developmental stage of the students, such as a blessing before snack time. Religious holidays of all faiths are discussed and celebrated.
Back to top

What ‘special’ classes are offered to children in NCA Preschool?
As part of the NCA Preschool program, we offer Art with the school Art teacher, Music with the school music teacher, gross motor skill activities, computer time, fun with science, and many other opportunities to learn through play.
Back to top

What is the student to teacher ratio in NCA Preschool?
NAEYC regulations require a student to adult ratio of no more than 10:1. We strictly adhere to this guideline since it contributes to a more favorable learning environment and social atmosphere.
Back to top

Does NCA Preschool include outdoor/recess activities?
All NCA Preschool classes spend time outdoors every day, weather permitting.
Back to top

What discipline measures are used in the NCA Preschool classroom?
NCA Preschool teachers utilize redirection of behavior methods in a positive, age-appropriate manner. The early childhood classrooms are designed to provide a variety of activities that keep children engaged and happy.
Back to top

How are separation issues handled in NCA Preschool?
We encourage families to establish a simple routine for dropping off their children each day, keeping good-byes brief and reminding the children that they are in a safe and fun place. NCA Preschool teachers are senstitive to the difficulties of separation and make every effort to accommodate each child to make him or her feel comfortable in the new preschool environment. By providing a consistent and reassuring routine, the children adapt very quickly to school.
Back to top

How much is tuition?
Tuition varies depending on the program you choose. Click here for more information.
Back to top

How do I apply?
Please visit out Admissions Page for more information.
Back to top

Apply TODAY!

Contact Kristi Erickson at 773-743-6277 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 773-743-6277 end_of_the_skype_highlightingfor more information.