PreKINDERGARTEN

Our PreKindergarten program will provide many experiences to aid the growth and development of your child, helping him or her to become a creative decision-maker, constructive problem-solver, cooperative playmate, and an appreciative child of God’s creation – exploring and investigating His world. Christ is the center of our program. His world is our playground.

Goals of Our Prekindergarten Program

Goal #1

To develop a sense of wonder, excitement, and appreciation for God’s creation.

Goal #2

To encourage the growth of a positive self-image, problem-solving strategies, and mutual respect by allowing children to explore, choose, and express themselves.

Goal #3

To encourage each child to develop his or her own creativity and uniqueness by giving them the freedom to try new ideas.

Goal #4

To encourage artistic exploration through various media and open-ended activities.

Goal #5

To encourage the development of small and large muscle skills, visual and auditory discrimination, and cognitive development.

Goal #6

To develop an assurance of God’s love for the child and encourage a loving response to God and others.

Goal #7

To establish a sense of social responsibility by encouraging cooperation and sensitivity to others.

Goal #8

To encourage good listening and work habits.

Goal #9

Above all, to build an atmosphere of Christian love and acceptance that will enable all other goals to be achieved.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average class size for three- and four-year PreKindergarten?

The 3s classes are capped at 16 children, the teacher, and a paraprofessional.
The 4s classes are capped 18 children, the teacher, and a paraprofessional.

Do the parents need to provide any supplies for the PreKindergarten classes?

Dutton Christian School generously supplies our learning materials. Parents are given the opportunity to donate project supplies during the school year. We appreciate their generosity.

Will my child eat during class? How do you handle snacks?

Students in the 3s classes have a snack calendar and parents take turns bringing snacks for the whole class.

Students in the 4s classes bring his or her own healthy snacks and water bottles each day.

How many field trips do the children participate in each semester? Does DCS provide transportation or do the parents need to bring their child to/from each field trip?

  • The three-year-old class will take two field trips per school year. Michigan state law requires that each student must be accompanied by his or her parent on the field trip.
  • The four-year-olds take approximately 5 field trips per school year which expand on our classroom themes. Michigan state law requires that each student must be accompanied by his or her parent to the field trips.
  • The four-year-old nature-based class will take 2 formal field trips a year. Michigan state law requires that each student must be accompanied by his or her parent to the field trips.

Does my child need to be potty trained before they start preschool? What if they have an accident?

Yes, your child must be potty trained before coming to preschool. Each classroom has its own bathroom, and your child is free to use it at any time. If your child has an accident at school, we will lovingly and efficiently take care of it.

How do I know if my child is ready to start PreKindergarten?

Children who are 3 years old by September 1 and potty trained meet our entrance requirements for our 3-year-old PreKindergarten program. Children who are 4 years old by September 1 meet our entrance requirements for our four-year-old PreKindergarten program.

Do the children have recess or get to play on the playground? If so, how often?

YES! We use the playground as often as we can during the school year.

What time does school start and end?

3s PreKindergarten:                      

  • Tues/Thurs 8:15-10:30am
  • Wed/Fri 8:15-10:30am
  • Tues/Wed/Fri 10:45-1:00pm

Traditional 4s PreKindergarten:

  • Mon/Wed/Fri 8:15-11:15am
  • Mon/Wed/Fri 12:00-3:00pm
  • Mon-Fri 12:00-3:00pm

Nature-based 4s PreKindergarten:

  • Mon/Tues/Thurs 8:15-11:15am
  • Mon/Tues/Thurs 12:00-3:00pm

Hurry, Enrollment for PreK Begins Jan 1st – APPLY NOW!

Children are enrolled on a yearly basis. Enrollment is done online. Please click on the Apply button at the top of the page to fill out an application at no cost. Parents will be notified by email when class lists are formed in mid-February. At that time, parents will complete the enrollment process and submit a $150 non-refundable enrollment fee.

Sign Up For A Campus Tour

We would love to have you visit our campus. After completing the form, you will be contacted to arrange a time to meet our staff and receive a tour of our campus.

Why Dutton Christian School

Hear what some of our parents have to say about their experience here.

20 Years & Counting

“In the Fall of 1985, the first of our 3 boys started Kindergarten. We were so impressed with the staff and the commitment of the parents sending their children to DCS. As years passed, we became very involved in the school which gave us an inside look at how the school was run. We loved DCS over all the years our boys were there (1985-1999).

Now, here we are 20+ years later, so grateful and blessed to have grandchildren at DCS. And guess what, it is STILL the great school it was many years ago! Thank you administrators and staff for staying faithful & true to the mission of Dutton Christian School! To God be the glory!”

-Pat Ringnalda

They're Amazing

“Teachers and staff are amazing! We love DCS and everything they have done for our kids!”

-Rachael Brinks

Great Community

“Such a great community. Thankful my children are being educated and nurtured in their faith at this great school.”

-Rebecca Helmus

Greatly Impacted My Life

“Dutton Christian School has greatly impacted my life. As a former student of DCS, I have experienced the amazing commitment to Christian Education from each of my teachers. They diligently walked alongside me to nurture not only my mind but also my spirit. In addition, as a parent of 3 children who attended preschool through 8th grade at Dutton Christian School, I have always felt that my children were valued by their teachers as a unique child of God. Furthermore, I have been blessed to be a teacher at Dutton Christian for over 11 years. As a teacher, I have experienced the loving support of the DCS community, a community deeply rooted in their faith. In many seasons of my life, Dutton Christian School has made a great difference and an eternal impact!”

-Kerri Nitz, 6th grade English and Language Arts teacher

I Have Created Great Friendships

“My experience at Dutton Christian has significantly impacted my life to live for Christ. The teachers genuinely care about students, and I have created great friendships. Biblical knowledge is incorporated through each class, and I will always remember the important life lessons that I have been taught by Dutton Christian.”

-Nicole V., DCS Student

We Were Welcomed With Open Arms

“Our children transferred in from a local public school and were welcomed with open arms. The staff is awesome, the location great, and incorporating faith based curriculum was an important consideration to our family. As uncomfortable as it was for our children to come into a new school, teachers and students reached out to them and us to make the transition as comfortable, seamless, and welcoming as possible.”

-Kevin James, DCS Parent

I Recommend Dutton Christian School

“I had a wonderful morning with 5th grade PE. Many adults could learn from these children who showed love, kindness, and support to each other. They showed love with one another as Jesus has taught us!”

-Cheryl Kaiser VanderMolen, DCS Parent

“Our world belongs to God and all truth comes from Him.”