Our Programs
All of our classes are below recommended teacher:student ratios. Small class sizes help teachers focus on students' individual needs and meet them where they are developmentally. The typical daily schedule includes indoor and outdoor learning time, snacks, reading, music, and rotating play centers where children can explore art, dramatic and imaginative play, building, home living, sensory tables/activities, and much more. Our wonderful and experienced staff use consistent routines that foster independence and social-emotional growth, while keeping young minds engaged and excited about learning. NFCNS has partnerships with True North and D29 to help with any necessary developmental screenings throughout the year.
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Parent and Tot
An interactive program for parents (or caregivers) and their young child/ren. Music, movement and sensory play, promotes bonding, learning and early development.
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Younger 2s
A wonderful introduction to preschool. Loving teachers help children gain confidence and adjust to the new environment. Through stories, songs, and friendships, the children develop social and language skills. They also engage in tactile and active play, making it a valuable first school experience.
2-day or 4-day attendance option
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Older 2s
Designed for children who are close to turning 3 but miss the cut-off for 3s preschool (turn 2 before March 1st, 2026). Children play with friends, and learn through creativity, routines and exploration.
3-day or 4-day attendance option
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3s
Preschool is a perfect fit for 3-year-olds. Children come to learn through hands-on, playful experiences, music, discovery, stories and discussion, so they can make friends and develop a sense of the world around them.
4-day or 5-day attendance option
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Pre-Kindergarten
A time for fostering confidence and curiosity in children. They explore, experiment, problem-solve, create and move in an environment that prepares them for success in Kindergarten. Mistakes are embraced as learning opportunities, and children are encouraged to test new ideas.
5-day attendance
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Extended Day Enrichments
Our Extended Day Enrichment Program is an add-on to your child’s school day that enriches their early childhood experience and extends the time they spend at school. Enrichments are created and run by the amazing staff at NFCNS and include activities outside the typical school day.
ENROLLMENT
FAQs
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All registrations are processed on a first come, first served basis.
Registration is 100% online through Playground. Current families (families that currently have a student enrolled at NFCNS) and members of Northfield Community Church are able to register starting January 12th at 10am. Families must complete their registration by January 17th at 5pm. (The application will be unavailable from 1/20 5pm until 1/22 10am). Families will be emailed a link, it will also appear in their Playground Parent Portal. Members of Northfield Community Church who are not current families should email VP Enrollment Samantha Tideman for information: enrollment@nfcns.org
New Families may register beginning January 20th at 10am. A link will be posted on our website once enrollment is live.
Playground link here: https://app.tryplayground.com/directory/school/NFCNS
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We’d love to welcome you for a tour of our school! While we do not offer walk-in tours, our Director, Katie Spicuzza, would be happy to schedule a visit with you. You can reach her by email at director@nfcns.org or by phone at 224-216-6532.
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Any class that has reached capacity will be closed and a waitlist option will be available on the application. For waitlist questions please contact VP Enrollment, Samatha Tideman at enrollment@nfcns.org
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At the time of registration, you will be required to sign a copy of the NFCNS Enrollment Contract which outlines the NFCNS withdrawal and refund policy. A full refund, minus the application fee, is available for withdrawals before April 2026. All withdrawal inquiries should be sent to the NFCNS Director, director@nfcns.org
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At the time of registration, a $100 application fee and $500 deposit is due per child, it is nonrefundable and nontransferable. We use an online portal called Playground for our applications, class lists, required documents and forms, and for online payments. For 3’s and Pre-K students that are registering for extended day activities, additional deposits are required.
All registrations are processed on a first come, first served basis. Credit or Debit cards have a 3% fee + $0.30 per transaction, ACH transfers have a flat $1 fee. Offline payments have zero fees. Please be sure to have a method of payment ready at the time of registration. If you are registering multiple children, you will need to fill out a separate application for each child.
Current families need to be up to date on tuition and enrichment payments in order for their application to be processed. Your application will not be processed until all of your invoices are paid or have a payment plan in place.
EXTENDED DAY
FAQs
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An extended day enrichment is an add-on to your child’s school day that enriches their early childhood experience and extends the time they spend at school. Enrichments are created and run by the amazing staff at NFCNS and include activities outside the typical school day.
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Students in our 3s and Pre-K programs are able to enroll in extended day enrichments. Enrichments are not available for our younger students in the 2s and Older 2s classes.
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Enrichments occur immediately after (for 3’s) or before (for Pre-K) your child’s preschool day from 11:00am-12:30pm. On days when your child is signed up for enrichments, NFCNS teachers will bring them from their preschool class, to their enrichment class. You will pick them up from school when their enrichment class is over. It’s a fun way to give them a little bit of a longer school day.
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Extended Day registration is on a first come, first served basis and is completed during your school year application. Registration will remain open until the class fills.
For updated availability or questions, please contact the NFCNS Director.
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LUNCH BUNCH: Students enjoy socializing with their friends over lunch brought from home, followed by unstructured play.
3s ENRICHMENTS: Content will be finalized in the spring. Past classes have included STEM, yoga, and sports classes.
DISCOVERY DAYS: Designed for the NFCNS Pre-K student, Discovery Days include literacy, science and math activities, along with Lunch Bunch (lunch brought from home). Yoga, nature exploration and cooking are also a part of the program.
Extended Day Enrichment Programs
Pre-Pre-K (in partnership with the Northfield Park District)