Life In Christ Preschool Teaches Kids Through Play

Melissa Gentz, the director and teacher at Life in Christ Preschool, talks about what the Albertville-based school has to offer.

• Business name: Life in Christ Preschool
• Business location: 5015 Main Avenue NE, Albertville
• Contact information: Melissa Gentz, 763-497-5174

St. Michael Patch: How did the preschool get its start?

Gentz: About eight years ago the church leaders decided they wanted to provide a quality Christian-based preschool as part of a community outreach program. From that goal, Life in Christ Preschool was born.

Patch: What’s the main focus of the preschool?

Gentz: We focus on giving kids a great Christian-based learning environment. Our love for Jesus is involved in all aspects of our curriculum. We feel it’s our job to help kids learn about their faith in a way that’s fun and educational at the same time.

Patch: What makes the preschool unique?

Gentz: We are a very small preschool. We only accept about 50 kids each year, ranging in age from 3 to 5. We keep it small on purpose because we want to offer a personal touch. Our kids aren’t just numbers, they are members of a family.

Patch: What makes the curriculum at Life in Christ standout?

Gentz: We’re very proud of our curriculum. We offer play-based learning. We believe kids learn best when they’re enjoying the lesson. Our curriculum is also hands-on. In other words, when we’re learning about pumpkins, we bring in pumpkins for the kids to see and touch.

Patch: Does the preschool have any plans for expansion?

Gentz: We looked into expansion this year because our class for 3-year-olds does have a waiting list, but we decided it’s best to keep our small class sizes. We don’t have any plans to expand. We think having about 18 kids per class is perfect.

Patch: What’s the best way for parents to learn more about the program?

Gentz: Parents can call the preschool at 763-497-5174 for more information.

To get a better feel for the classes offered, here is a quick breakdown:

Fish class

• 3 Day Class: Monday, Wednesday, Friday morning
  
• 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
• This class is for older 3-year-olds with some previous preschool experience and 4 to 5-year-olds who are heading to kindergarten in fall 2014. Children enrolling in this class must be 4 years old by Dec. 1, 2013.

 Butterfly Class

• 4 Day Class: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday afternoon
• 12:30 to 3 p.m.
• This class is for 4 to 5-year-olds that will be heading to kindergarten in fall 2014. This is a Pre-K Plus class. Children enrolling in this class must be 4 years old by Sept. 1, 2013. 

• 2 Day Class: Tuesday, Thursday morning
  
• 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
• This class is for 3-year-olds. Children enrolling in this class must be fully potty-trained and 3 years old by Dec. 1, 2013.