ENGLISH
OUTDOOR
EDUCATION
SPANISH
IMMERSION
MANDARIN
IMMERSION
INCLUSIVE
EDUCATION
Young Fives (Y5s)
Our Young Fives program blends structured learning with imaginative play, hands-on projects, and engaging group activities to prepare kids for kindergarten. From interactive storytelling and creative art to nature walks and joyful music sessions, every moment in Young Fives is designed to make learning fun and memorable.
Children must be five years old by December 1 of the school year enrolled.
Y5s Schedule Options
Mornings
- Language Options: Spanish or English
- Program: Traditional with Nature-rich
- Schedule: All students attend 5 mornings/week from 8:40am-12:00pm and follow the K-8 calendar from August-June.
Nature-Rich Quick Glance
Our nature-rich Young Fives aims to provide a well-rounded and outdoor-enriched education, where young learners not only develop academically but also grow in their understanding of God's handiwork through meaningful interactions with His creation.
- All Young Fives classes partake in nature-rich learning
- Students learn outdoors twice per week
- ZCS provides special gear
Afternoons
- Language: English only
- Program: Nature-based or Traditional Y5s
- Schedule: There are three options available to all students.
- 1. Every afternoon
- 2. Transitional
- August // Two or Three Full Days: transitional students attend Tuesday & Thursday afternoons OR Tuesday, Wednesday, & Thursday
- January // option to add Wednesday afternoons
- April // option to add Monday and/or Friday afternoons
- 3. No afternoons
Nature-based Afternoon Add-on Quick Glance
Our nature-based programming intricately integrates outdoor experiences into subjects like science, math, language arts, and art. Students explore and engage with nature for the majority of their school day, fostering a love for learning that is rooted in the beauty and wonders of God's creation.
- Add-on for Y5s students
- Students learn outdoors the majority of the afternoon, in all weather (except extreme weather)
- Special gear is required and must be provided by students
Kindergarten
Kindergarteners at ZCS experience Project-Based Learning, an integral aspect of our K-8 grades. This helps children develop deep content knowledge as well as critical thinking, collaboration, creativity, and communication skills in reading, math, and science.
Children must be five years old by September 1.
English
Our English program is the foundation of learning at Zeeland Christian School. In this nurturing, Christ-centered learning experience, students of all abilities grow in curiosity, confidence, and foundational academic skills. With joyful classrooms, strong relationships, and intentional faith formation, children are equipped to thrive as lifelong learners who love God and others.
Mandarin
In our Mandarin Immersion program, students learn Mandarin naturally through everyday instruction, developing strong bilingual communication skills from an early age. As they explore Chinese culture and global perspectives within a Christian community, students grow into confident, compassionate learners ready to engage the world.
Nature-Based (English)
Our Nature-Based program brings learning beyond the classroom walls, with Kindergarten students spending about half of their school day outside learning in God’s creation. Hands-on experiences spark curiosity, build resilience, and foster care for creation while providing strong core academic learning through our English curriculum.
Spanish
In our Spanish Immersion program, students learn through full-school-day instruction in Spanish, becoming bilingual learners who can communicate and connect across cultures. Rooted in our Christ-centered mission, children in this program experience strong cognitive development, global understanding, deep joy, and high-quality academics.
Full-Time Kindergarten
Students attend kindergarten from 8:40 AM - 3:25 PM, Monday thru Friday, all year long.
Transitional Kindergarten Schedule Overview
Transitional Kindergarten is available in our Spanish & English programs.
Mornings
All transitional kindergarten students attend school Monday thru Friday from 8:40am - 12:00pm all year. Parents who choose transitional kindergarten set a part-time school schedule for their child, increasing to full days during the year.
Changes to a child's afternoon schedule are set as follows. Additional afternoons may only be added at these three times during the school year.
Afternoons
- Language: Spanish, & English
- Transitional Kindergarten Schedule: specific afternoon add-on dates will be shared by our elementary team.
- August // Two Full Days: all transitional students are required to attend Tuesday & Thursday afternoons.
- January // Three Full Days: all transitional students are required to add Wednesday afternoons.
- April // Four or Five Full Days: all transitional students are required to add Monday afternoons and have the option to add Friday afternoons.
KINDERGARTEN READINESS TESTING
Readiness Testing is done in May, by parents or preschool teacher request, for students with summer birthdays who plan to attend ZCS for the upcoming school year. Additionally, any students who did not attend preschool at ZCS will be assessed. Staff work in conjunction with preschool teachers to assess readiness for kindergarten, offering recommendations to parents.
Interested in Learning More About ZCS?
We believe the best way to learn about a school is to see it firsthand. Complete our inquiry form to schedule a personal tour around our campus.