Your preschooler will have fun and prepare for kindergarten in our “play based with a purpose” Junior Kindergarten programs for 3s and 4s.
Schedule a TourThe next application deadline for Junior Kindergarten 3 is Tuesday, February 3, for our assessment day on Monday, February 9. The initial application deadline for Junior Kindergarten 4 and Kindergarten is March 1, 2026. For all grades, we will continue to accept applications after those deadlines until the grade is full.
CIS’ early childhood programs, which we call Junior Kindergarten 4 and Junior Kindergarten 3, are full-day, five-day programs that balance active, participatory learning with plenty of time to play.
Junior Kindergarten 4
Junior Kindergarten 4 (JK4) is a class for students who are age 4 by September 1 of the year they enroll. We have three classes of JK4, with one teacher and 10 students per class. The daily schedule will include an introduction to academics, arts, recess, lunch, and a one-hour rest time. Students must be toilet trained prior to enrollment.
Junior Kindergarten 3
Junior Kindergarten 3 (JK3) is a class for students who are age 3 by September 1 of the year they enroll. We have three classes of JK4, with one teacher and 10 students per class, plus an assistant teacher who supports all three classes. The daily schedule will include an introduction to academics, arts, recess, lunch, and a 90-minute rest time. Students must be toilet trained prior to enrollment.
Admissions ProcessWhat differentiates the CIS Early Childhood programs from daycare or preschool?
Degreed teachers
- Our early childhood educators truly understand child development.
Balance of learning and play
- Students are introduced to academics and develop social, fine motor, and gross motor skills through play.
Getting familiar
- Students will get comfortable with the CIS curriculum, campus, and daily routines so they are prepared for kindergarten.
Early entry
- Enrollment in our Early Childhood programs positions your child for a spot in our competitive kindergarten classes.
Get to Know CIS Early Childhood Programs
Want to know what a typical day at CIS might be like for your student?
Access a sample class scheduleThe application process is designed to ensure we’re a good fit for your child! Get started by applying online and paying the $70 application fee, and the admissions office will help you with the rest of the process. The next application deadline for Junior Kindergarten 3 is February 3, 2026, and the initial application deadline for Junior Kindergarten 4 and Kindergarten is March 1, 2026. For all grades, we will continue to accept applications after those deadlines until the grade is full.
Apply OnlineOur classes are intentionally small to ensure teachers can give each student individual attention. In both Early Childhood programs, there are ten students and one teacher per classroom. There is is also an assistant teacher supporting the Junior Kindergarten 3 classrooms.
Full tuition for the 2025-26 school year is $12,750 for JK3 and $15,750 for JK4 and Kindergarten. Families may choose to apply for a lower tuition rate for JK4-12th Grade through our Flexible Tuition program. Sorry, we do not offer Flexible Tuition for JK3.
Our blend of play and discovery promotes healthy child development
- CIS’ Early Childhood programs help support cognitive, fine and gross motor, and social skills and ensure children are well prepared to enter kindergarten. Junior Kindergarten 3 (for students age three by September 1) and Junior Kindergarten 4 (for students age 4 by September 1) blend play and discovery to make learning fun.
- Early Childhood students are introduced to literacy, math, social studies, and science in an age-appropriate way. They will have weekly opportunities to participate in art, music, physical education, and world language instruction. Outside play, center time, rest time, lunch and snacks, and character-building activities are offered daily.
- Enrollment in CIS’ Early Childhood programs ensures your child becomes familiar with the building, faculty and staff, curriculum, and expectations they will encounter in kindergarten and beyond.
Ask any CIS family, and they’ll tell you the quality and dedication of our teachers is what sets us apart from other schools. They give individual attention to every student and are truly invested in their success.
Early Childhood Faculty
Nicole Blume
JK3 Teacher
Amy Buckley
JK3 Teacher
Mrs. Buckley first joined CIS in 2013, teaching kindergarten for 9 years, before coming back to the new Early Childhood Center in 2024. She has a bachelor of science degree in elementary education from Baker University, and a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction from the University of Missouri. She is entering year nineteen in the education field, and loves the welcoming spirit of CIS, where she is surrounded by sweet smiles every day.
Kristin Floyd
JK4 Teacher
Jill Hancock
JK4 Teacher
Mrs. Hancock has been teaching some of our youngest CIS students since 2010. She has a bachelor of arts degree in child studies and a bachelor of science in early childhood education from Stephen’s College. She loves CIS because she feels supported and she gets to work with the best families!
Thaiana Martins
JK3 Assistant Teacher
Ms. Webb joined the new Early Childhood Center of CIS in 2024. She has a bachelor of arts degree in communication from the University of Missouri, and plans to pursue a masters of education degree soon. Her favorite part of CIS is that it feels like one big family. The people here genuinely want to see others succeed, and encourage them to be the best they can possibly be. Ms. Webb loves teaching because of the pure joy and excitement when a student is figuring out their capabilities.
Gina Pruis
Junior Kindergarten 3 Teacher
Mrs. Pruis joined the new Early Childhood Center at CIS in 2024. She has a bachelor of arts degree in Cultural Studies and Western Civilization from Concordia University, and a master of arts in education degree from Western Governors University. She has twenty years of experience teaching students from age 2 to first grade, and spent eight years at a similar ISAAC school in Indiana. Her favorite part of CIS is the community, and being able to watch her students’ wheels turn as they find their aha! moment while learning something new.
Kara Rohr
JK4 Teacher
Mrs. Rohr joined CIS in 2009. She has a bachelor’s degree in child development and education, and a master’s degree in teaching. Mrs. Rohr loves the beginning of the school year, when her class starts building their community by learning about each other and what makes each student unique. She thinks CIS is special because of the opportunities to build such close relationships with her students.
