Preschool and Daycare Guide

Polk County Catholic Schools has 4 preschools serving children entering Pre-K3, Pre-K4, and VPK. Neumann Early Learning Academy and Resurrection Catholic School are located in south Lakeland. St. Anthony Catholic School is located in north Lakeland and St. Joseph Catholic School in Winter Haven. For more information about our preschools, please visit us at www.polkcountycahtolicschools.com

Schools Include: 

• Neumann Early Learning Academy (Pre-K3, Pre-K4 and VPK) – 501 E Carter Rd, Lakeland, FL 33813
• Resurrection Catholic School (PreK – 8th) – 3720 Old Hwy 37, Lakeland, FL33813
• St. Anthony Catholic School (PreK – 8th) – 820 Marcum Road, Lakeland, Florida33809
• St. Joseph Catholic School – Winter Haven (Pre-K3 – 8th) – 535 Ave. M NW, Winter Haven, FL33881
• Santa Fe Catholic High School (9-12) – 3110 US-92, Lakeland, FL33801

The Louise Hizer Early Childhood Center at All Saints Academy includes three sections: PreSchool for 2- and 3-year-olds; and PreKindergarten for 4-year-olds. Classroom work extends to other parts of the campus and the community, including the Great Room, where imaginations flourish; the state-of-the-art playground, where lifelong friendships evolve; and the Outdoor Classroom, where nature speaks and young minds listen.

What makes your school unique?
Our PreSchool 2 and PreSchool 3 classes foster the development of a growth mindset as the children are introduced to a broad range of intellectual, physical, artistic, and social experiences to provide a solid foundation.  Goals include reading readiness; a basis for understanding mathematics; good physical and personal habits; appreciation of music, art, and poetry; cultural and environmental sensitivity; and responsible sharing and conversation with other children and adults. Students are given an introduction to Spanish through participation in songs and games as early as Preschool 2.

The formal curriculum begins in PreKindergarten for 4-year-olds through an integrated hands-on approach that includes the academic disciplines and is aligned with national preschool learning expectations.  The program is enhanced by a variety of experiences including art, physical education, music, Spanish, Mandarin Chinese, robotics, and media.

Family involvement is a hallmark of the Early Childhood division.  Parents participate in a weekly Morning Opening where the children practice their speaking and listening skills through musical presentations.  In addition, there are monthly special events where families come together and participate in engaging activities.  Favorites include Father’s Day Olympics, Fall Hoedown, International Morning, Big Truck Day, the Easter Parade, and Mother’s Day Picnic.

Ages Served:
Ages 2 – PreK 4 in the Early Childhood Center. All Saints Academy serves through 12h grade.

School Hours / Schedule: All Sains Academy runs on a traditional school schedule with Summer Camp programs available in June and July.

Open Houses / Tours: Campus tours are available throughout the year.  Contact the Admission Office with interest, questions, or to set up an on-campus experience.

Registration Dates / Details: ASA encourages all interested families to schedule a personal visit and tour or attend an Open House event. Applications are accepted throughout the year.

Click here to learn more about All Saints Academy for grades K – 12.

Excel Christian Academy’s Early Childhood Center accepts infants and children from 6 weeks through 4 years old. It is part of Excel Christian Academy private school that serves ages infant through 12th Grade.

Every classroom in the preschool presents a unique community of learners that varies not only in abilities, but also in learning styles. We believe that each child is unique and needs a secure, caring, and stimulating atmosphere in which to grow and mature emotionally, intellectually, physically, and socially. Our teachers use strategies that allow our students to meet their fullest potential in these areas by providing an environment that is safe, supports risk-taking, and invites a sharing of ideas.

Our play-based, child centered program reflects the integration of physical, cognitive, social, emotional, language, and spiritual areas for the total development of the child. Meaningful play encourages curiosity, risk taking, discovery and problem solving which allows individual growth and development of a positive self worth.

Ages Served:
Excel Christian Academy’s Early Childhood Center accepts infants and children from 6 weeks through 4 years old (PreK4). Excel Christian Academy serves students from Kindergarten-12th grade.

Open Houses or Tours: Prospective families are invited to schedule tours (currently virtual) by calling the school at  863-853-9235.

Affiliations / Type of Preschool (if applicable): Florida League of Christian Schools

School Hours / Schedule:
Preschool Hours: 6:30 am- 5:30 pm (with aftercare until 6pm)  10 hour maximum stay
Academy Hours: 7:50 am to 3:20 pm with aftercare until 6pm for additional fee

Registration Dates / Details:
The Early Childhood Center offers ongoing enrollment based on space. Complete the application process; acceptance conditional upon space availability and meeting the admission criteria.

Additional Information:  All students are eligible for free breakfast, snack, and lunch through the National School Lunch CEP program. Students beginning in PreK3 must be potty trained.

Do you offer scholarships for preschool age?
Families can apply for ELC via elcpolk.org

Click here to learn more about Excel Christian Academy for grades K – 12.