Kindergarten at Bethany Christian Schools

A Warm and Nurturing Start

As a parent, your child’s transition to kindergarten comes with big questions:

Will they be ready for a full school day?

Will they make friends?

Will their teacher see and support their unique needs?

At Bethany Christian Schools, we understand these concerns and have designed our kindergarten program to nurture the whole child academically, socially, and spiritually. With small class sizes, a hands-on learning approach, and a tightly connected community, your child will thrive in a place where they are truly known and loved. Our Christ-focused curriculum meets each child where they are, fostering a love for learning in a safe and supportive environment.

An Engaging Kindergarten Schedule

At Bethany Christian Schools, we believe kindergarten should be a place where children feel safe, supported, and excited to learn. Our kindergarten program is part of our Lower School and provides small class sizes and a faith-centered learning environment.

8:45 a.m. – 3:10 p.m. (Mondays)
8:30 a.m. – 3:10 p.m. (Tuesday–Friday)

Daily Schedule

Each day at Bethany is filled with engaging, hands-on experiences that help children build confidence and curiosity. A typical day includes:

Morning Arrival & Settling In – Preparing for a day of exploration and learning
Outdoor Education – Discovery and nature-based learning
Morning Meeting & Calendar – Building a sense of community and reinforcing key skills
Writing & Phonics – Foundational literacy skills in a supportive, engaging way
Snack & Recess – Time for movement and social play
Reading & Math – Teaching that meets children at their individual levels
Lunch & Recess – A chance to refuel, play, and build friendships
Library, Music, or Art – Enrichment activities that spark creativity and joy
Science & Social Studies – Project-based exploration of the world around us
Bible & Closing Activities – Growing in faith and preparing to head home

A Learning Environment Centered on Loving Care

Whether your kindergartner is stepping into their first school experience or continuing from preschool, we provide the support and structure they need to thrive. Our program fosters growth and a strong sense of belonging through:

Personalized attention.With a 17:1 student-teacher ratio, our small class sizes allow teachers to develop a relationship with each child and provide individualized attention. To help all students transition smoothly into kindergarten, we dedicate significant time early in the year to learning routines and procedures, ensuring that children feel comfortable, confident, and ready to engage.

An active learning approach. Our kindergarten program is designed to engage young minds through exploration and play. Students build foundational skills in reading, writing, phonics, math, science, and social studies through a mix of whole-group and small-group activities and individual practice. Instead of rigidly structured centers, we offer a variety of learning choices that allow children to work at their own level, make their own choices, and develop independence.

A stimulating environment. From the gathering space for worship to the wooded outdoor education areas, Bethany’s campus provides kindergartners with rich learning environments that encourage both creativity and movement. Outdoor play is a priority, and students enjoy plenty of time learning outside the classroom.

Modeling kindness and Christian values. Our teachers model patience, empathy, and respect in every interaction. We foster a positive classroom culture where children learn how to express themselves, resolve conflicts, and care for one another.

Kindergarten comes with a lot of questions.

We’re happy to help you find answers.

“Choosing the right kindergarten for our son felt like such a big decision, and we spent a long time considering our options. Now, after choosing Bethany, we couldn’t be happier! We’ve been so impressed with the variety of specials he experiences — whether it’s exploring nature and baking biscuits in Outdoor Education, coming home singing Bible songs, or discovering a new favorite book series thanks to library time.”
— Brian and Rebekah Whirledge, BCS parents

A Private Christian School Curriculum that Inspires Young Learners

Our kindergarten curriculum is designed to nurture both academic growth and spiritual development, helping your child build a strong foundation for elementary school and beyond.

Kindergarteners are encouraged to explore, create, and develop problem-solving skills in a warm, connected learning environment where they feel valued and supported — even by students in other grades.

At the kindergarten level, students build essential skills in:

Phonics & Reading – Developing early literacy through Heggerty Phonemic Awareness and Secret Stories phonics strategies
Writing – Strengthening fine motor skills and early writing foundations
Math – Engaging in hands-on learning with Reveal Math to build number sense and problem-solving skills
Science & Social Studies – Exploring the world through Studies Weekly and Tabb & O’Brien curriculum
Bible – Learning foundational truths and building faith through daily lessons

In addition to these core subjects, students enjoy music, art, library time, and outdoor education, providing a well-rounded and enriching experience.

Technology In the Classroom

While keeping the focus on real-world exploration and interaction, technology is integrated thoughtfully to enhance learning without overstimulation. Projectors and tablets are used to supplement learning, such as for guided movement and music activities, relaxation exercises, and enrichment videos, all while ensuring that students are introduced to technology in a way that supports their development.

A Safe Environment

In addition to modern safety features, including a secure campus and background checks, we also prioritize emotional safety. Our guidance counselor regularly visits the kindergarten classroom, helping students develop healthy relationships, express their feelings, and set personal boundaries.

Meet a Teacher

“Parents are looking for a place where their child will be known as an individual within the community instead of feeling lost in the crowd. With such a small community focused on developing the whole child, it’s easy to demonstrate to families how their child will be cared for at Bethany, even as one of the youngest learners in the community.”

Lynelle Yoder Hofer, Elementary teacher, with 11 years of teaching experience.

See our Private Kindergarten in Goshen, IN, for Yourself

We know how important it is to align home and school at this early stage so children learn consistent lessons.
Schedule an on-campus tour and see first-hand why families choose Bethany Christian Schools for their kindergarteners.