Give Your Child the Perfect Start: Small Classes, Big Hearts, Bright Futures
At Emmanuel Lutheran School in Asheville, NC, we understand that choosing the right kindergarten program is one of the most important decisions you'll make for your child. Our Christ-centered kindergarten program combines academic excellence with character development, providing the foundation your child needs to thrive both today and tomorrow.
Ready to see the Emmanuel difference for yourself?
Schedule Your Kindergarten Tour Today
Call Emily Leatherwood, Director of Admissions: (828) 378-0721
Why Choose Emmanuel's Kindergarten Program?
Academic Excellence Meets Christian Values
For over 65 years, Emmanuel Lutheran School has been preparing kindergarten students for lifelong success. Our kindergarten program follows North Carolina State Standards while integrating biblical principles into every aspect of learning. Your child will develop strong academic skills alongside Christian character traits like kindness, respect, and integrity.
Our kindergarten students consistently demonstrate readiness for first grade and beyond, thanks to our comprehensive curriculum that includes:
- Foundational Reading Skills using research-based Fundations phonics program
- Mathematical Concepts through hands-on Go Math curriculum
- Creative Expression in art, music, and dramatic play
- STEAM Education introducing science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics
- Physical Development through structured PE and outdoor play
Small Classes, Individual Attention
With individual attention, your kindergartner receives the personalized attention they deserve. Our experienced teachers, each holding at least a Bachelor's degree, get to know every child's unique learning style, interests, and needs. This individualized approach ensures no child falls through the cracks and every student can reach their full potential.
Faith-Based Foundation
At Emmanuel, we believe that academic success and spiritual growth go hand in hand. Your kindergartner will begin each day with prayer, learn Bible stories that teach important life lessons, and participate in weekly chapel services designed specifically for young learners. We help children understand that they are fearfully and wonderfully made by God, building confidence and self-worth that lasts a lifetime.
What Your Kindergartner Will Experience
Comprehensive Curriculum Designed for Success
Our kindergarten program provides a rich, well-rounded educational experience that prepares students for future academic challenges while keeping learning fun and engaging.
Language Arts and Reading
Your child will develop strong literacy skills through our Fundations program, which teaches phonics, spelling, and handwriting in a systematic, multisensory approach. Daily guided reading sessions allow teachers to work with small groups, ensuring every child develops at their own pace. We also incorporate creative writing activities that spark imagination and self-expression.
Mathematics Excellence
Through the Go Math curriculum, kindergartners explore mathematical concepts using manipulatives, games, and real-world applications. Students learn number recognition, counting, basic addition and subtraction, shapes, patterns, and measurement through hands-on activities that make math enjoyable and accessible.
Science and Discovery
Our STEAM program begins in kindergarten, introducing young learners to scientific thinking and problem-solving. Students conduct simple experiments, observe nature, and learn about the world around them while developing critical thinking skills that will serve them throughout their educational journey.
Creative Arts Integration
Kindergartners participate in music and art classes twice weekly, exploring their creativity while developing fine motor skills and cultural appreciation. From learning simple songs to creating colorful masterpieces, these experiences enrich your child's overall development.
Technology Integration for Modern Learning
Even our youngest students begin developing digital literacy skills through age-appropriate use of iPads and educational technology. We teach proper use and digital citizenship while leveraging technology to enhance learning experiences, preparing students for our increasingly digital world.
Character Development and Social Skills
Beyond academics, kindergarten is crucial for developing social and emotional skills. Our teachers guide students in learning how to share, take turns, resolve conflicts peacefully, and show kindness to others. Through daily interactions and structured activities, children develop the interpersonal skills essential for future success.
The Emmanuel Advantage
Proven Track Record of Excellence
Emmanuel Lutheran School has been serving families in Western North Carolina since 1958, earning dual accreditation from both the National Lutheran School Accreditation (NLSA) and Cognia (formerly AdvancED). This recognition demonstrates our commitment to maintaining the highest educational standards while staying true to our Christian mission.
Smooth Transition to Elementary Success
Our kindergarten program is specifically designed to prepare students for first grade and beyond. The strong foundation we provide ensures your child will be academically ready and confident as they progress through elementary school. Many of our kindergarten families continue their Emmanuel journey through eighth grade, creating lasting friendships and a strong sense of community.
Experienced, Caring Teachers
Our kindergarten teachers bring both professional expertise and genuine love for young children to their classrooms. Mrs. Noel, for example, integrates STEAM activities into her kindergarten classroom, helping students explore engineering concepts through hands-on building projects. All of our teachers maintain continuing education and stay current with best practices in early childhood education.
Safe, Nurturing Environment
We understand that kindergarten may be your child's first extended time away from home. Our campus prioritizes safety with secure entry systems, monitored hallways, and comprehensive emergency procedures. More importantly, we create a warm, welcoming atmosphere where every child feels valued, loved, and excited to learn.
Schedule Your Kindergarten Tour
See the Emmanuel Difference Firsthand
The best way to understand what makes Emmanuel Lutheran School special is to visit our campus and meet our kindergarten team. During your personalized tour, you'll:
- Meet Our Kindergarten Teacher and discuss your child's specific needs and interests
- Visit Active Classrooms to see our curriculum in action and observe our teaching methods
- Explore Our Facilities, including the kindergarten classroom, playground, cafeteria, and special areas
- Learn About Daily Routines from arrival procedures to afternoon pickup
- Ask Questions about anything important to your family's decision
Tour Information
Tours are available throughout the school year and can be scheduled at your convenience. Emily Leatherwood, our Director of Admissions, personally conducts tours and is available to answer any questions you may have about our kindergarten program, the enrollment process, or the school community.
What to Bring: Feel free to bring your kindergartner along! We love meeting prospective students and they often enjoy seeing their potential new classroom and meeting their possible teacher.
Duration: Tours typically last 45-60 minutes, allowing plenty of time to see everything and have your questions answered thoroughly.
Take the Next Step Today
Your child's kindergarten experience sets the foundation for their entire educational journey. At Emmanuel Lutheran School, we're committed to providing the excellent academics, Christian values, and individual attention your child needs to thrive.
Don't wait to secure your child's spot in our nurturing kindergarten program. Contact us today to schedule your personal tour and discover why Emmanuel Lutheran School has been the choice of discerning families in Western North Carolina for over six decades.
Schedule Your Tour Now:
School Office Hours: 7:30 AM - 4:00 PM, Monday through Friday Main School Phone: (828) 281-8182
Emmanuel Lutheran School admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin to all rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school.
Sign-up for an in-person tour!
Contact me first without setting up a tour (K-8 Only)
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I schedule a tour for kindergarten enrollment?
We recommend scheduling your tour as early as possible, ideally in the fall or winter before your child's kindergarten year. Our priority re-enrollment period for current families runs from January 6-February 16, after which we begin reviewing new applications. Early tours allow you to make an informed decision and complete the enrollment process with plenty of time.
What should my child know before starting kindergarten?
While we welcome students at various developmental levels, kindergarten readiness typically includes basic skills like recognizing letters and numbers, following simple instructions, using the bathroom independently, and playing cooperatively with others. Our teachers are skilled at meeting children where they are and helping them grow from that point.
What does a typical kindergarten day look like?
Kindergarten students arrive at 8:00 AM and are dismissed at 3:00 PM. The day includes structured learning time, outdoor play, lunch, rest/quiet time, and participation in special classes like art, music, and PE. We balance academic instruction with age-appropriate activities that keep young learners engaged and excited about school.
Do you offer before and after school care?
Yes! We provide extended care from 7:30 AM and aftercare until 5:30 PM. Aftercare includes snack time, homework help for older students, games, and outdoor play when weather permits. This service is available for $10 per hour or $275 per month.
How do you handle lunch for kindergarten students?
Kindergarten tuition includes a daily snack. For lunch, families can send home lunches or purchase school lunches for $3.50 per day. On Wednesdays and Fridays, we offer special lunch options from local restaurants. All lunch purchases are charged to your FACTS incidental account for convenient billing.
What makes your kindergarten program different from public school options?
Our small class sizes allow for individualized instruction that's often not possible in larger public school settings. Additionally, our Christian foundation provides a values-based education that emphasizes character development alongside academic achievement. We also begin STEAM education in kindergarten and maintain the same caring teachers and classmates throughout the elementary years, creating stability and strong relationships.
How do you prepare students for first grade?
Our kindergarten curriculum is specifically aligned with North Carolina Standards and designed to ensure students are academically and socially ready for first grade success. By the end of kindergarten, students typically read at or above grade level, understand basic math concepts, and have developed the independence and social skills needed for continued academic success.
