Fall 2026 – A New Chapter
Starting next school year, Abbotsford Christian School will be introducing a change to the structure of our kindergarten classes. After a comprehensive look at our current program, we identified opportunities to strengthen our Kindergarten experience and align it with current educational research and the growing need for consistency and flexibility in early learning. Our goal is to provide a program that is responsive to today’s realities, inclusive, and aligned with best practices, while continuing to offer the warm, play-based environment you value.
Program Highlights
Full-Time Program: Five days per week, blending foundational learning and discovery experiences.
Part-Time Program: Three days per week (Monday, Wednesday, Friday) in the same classroom as fulltime peers, with 6–8 part-time students per class.
Foundation & Discovery Days
- Foundation Days (Monday, Wednesday, Friday): Core skills in literacy, numeracy, Bible
lessons, and purposeful play. All kindergarten students attend. - Discovery Days (Tuesday and Thursday): Inquiry adventures, outdoor exploration, science, art,
and music. For part of the day students learn with kindergarten subject specialists (like a
Nature Teacher). Some kindergarten students attend.
Play-Based Learning: Embedded across all subjects to spark curiosity and creativity.
Faith Formation: Intentionally woven into daily routines and activities as well as daily devotions,
opportunities for worship, prayer, reading and talking about Bible stories, and learning about God and
His story of people and the world.
Flexible Onboarding: Families may adjust their program choice (part-time ↔ full-time) after Christmas
Break or Spring Break, based on availability.
FAQs
Wait, why are you making this change?
Our goal is to ensure every student gains the skills they need to succeed in the next 12 years of school. This change creates more consistency across all kindergarten classes and focuses our time on the most essential skills students need to enter grade 1 with confidence.
Not only does this change help our kindergarten students thrive, but it also creates a more unified and sustainable program at ACS. This way, we can truly live up to our mission and vision!
I really wanted my child in Tuesday/Thursday/Friday and now that's not an option. What do I do?
We understand some families may need to adjust their schedules with this change and for that, we are sorry. While we've loved offering so many options for kindergarten, it has become increasingly unsustainable. We'd love to have your child apply for full-time or part-time kindergarten on Monday/Wednesday/Friday.
What if I really wanted nature kindergarten?
We agree our nature kindergarten program is awesome – which is why we're now including it for all our kindergarten students! Full-time students will benefit from having more intentional outdoor exploration on discovery days – and of course, part-time parents have the flexibility to use their "home days" to spend even MORE time outside.
I really hoped my child would be with a specific teacher next year – now I'm not sure what to ask for. What do I do?
We completely understand connecting well with one of our incredible teachers; however, accommodating everyone's requests can be challenging. We thoughtfully place students with teachers we feel are the best fit for their needs. We appreciate your understanding as we work to build supportive classroom communities for all students.
Won't doing part-time mean that my child will miss out on the fun stuff? Monday/Wednesday/Friday sounds boring!
Don't forget, all of kindergarten is play-based learning! Making learning safe and fun for ALL students is a priority. We will continue to teach in dynamic ways, like learning our numbers with cars and blocks, or practicing letters in sand, rather than completing pages in a workbook. We encourage part-time families to create their own learning adventures on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and our teaching staff will provide prompts and ideas that align with the discovery days curriculum to help make this happen.
Have more questions?
We would be happy to connect with you about these changes.
For questions and concerns, please contact Karin Riemer, ACS elementary principal –
To inquire about switching your current program selection or discussing your options, please contact Stacey Kloosterhof, ACS admissions coordinator –