About our Early Childhood Program

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At Anchor Lutheran School in Anchorage, Alaska, we are proud to offer a high-quality Early Childhood Education (ECE) program for children ages ​2 through 5. Our Christ-centered, inquiry-based curriculum creates a learning environment that is stimulating, nurturing, and supportive of young learners.
Transitional Kindergarten (TK)Are you interested in our Transitional Kindergarten (TK) Program for 4- and 5-year-olds? TK is designed for full-time students, giving them the opportunity to experience Kindergarten routines with age-appropriate expectations. This bridge year helps prepare students academically, socially, and spiritually for success in Kindergarten.
👉 Learn more on our Transitional Kindergarten page.
🌱 Building a Strong FoundationECE is an integral part of our school and provides an excellent base for students as they progress into Kindergarten and beyond. Each day, children are encouraged to:

• Explore their environment through play and hands-on learning.
• Observe and question the world around them.
• Construct knowledge by connecting new experiences to prior understanding.

​Teachers work alongside students as facilitators—watching, inquiring, and interacting to discover what excites each child. This approach allows our educators to provide authentic pathways for learning, equipping children with the skills and strategies they need to investigate, imagine, and grow.
📅 Flexible Scheduling for FamiliesWe know every family has different needs. That’s why Anchor offers flexible scheduling options:

• Open daily from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
• Program runs year-round, including most breaks and school in-service days.
• Full-time and part-time options available.
• Part-time families pay an hourly rate and designate their days of use by the 15th of the previous month.

🙌 A Christ-Centered Learning CommunityOur ECE program is not just about academics—it’s about developing the whole child. Each day includes opportunities for:

• Social and emotional growth.
• Early literacy and numeracy skills.
• Bible stories, devotions, and worship.
• ​Outdoor play, movement, and creative expression.

Children leave our Early Childhood program with a strong foundation in academics, faith, and character—ready to thrive in Kindergarten and beyond.
For more details, please see our Parent Handbook.

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Purpose / Philosophy

Empowering Every LearnerSpiritually, Socially, and Academically in a Christ-Centered Community
At Anchor Lutheran School, we believe in empowering every learner to grow in faith, knowledge, and character. Our commitment is to nurture students spiritually, socially, and academically within a strong, Christ-centered community.
Christ-Centered Learner ProfileAnchor utilizes a Christ-centered Learner Profile as a guide for shaping our approach to Universal Design for Learning (UDL). This framework allows us to reach every student by focusing on the whole child and celebrating diverse strengths.
Skills and Attributes We CultivateWe intentionally develop student attributes and skills that prepare them for success in school and in life, including:

• Communication – expressing ideas clearly and respectfully.
  
• Critical and Creative Thinking – problem-solving with curiosity and innovation.
  
• Self-Management – building responsibility, organization, and independence.
  
• Research Skills – fostering curiosity and learning through inquiry.
  
• Social Skills – developing empathy, teamwork, and strong relationships.

Building Resilient, Balanced IndividualsBeyond academics, we encourage students to practice resilience, perseverance, and inquiry, equipping them to face challenges with strength and faith. By cultivating principled and balanced individuals, we prepare students not only for academic success but also for purposeful lives rooted in Christ.
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Christ-Centered Learner Profile
Students reflect on their Christ-centered Learner Profile attributes in a supportive and challenging environment:
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Academics            

• Collaborator  
• Evaluator
• Inquirer

Spiritual

• Confident
• Reflective 
• Reverent 

Social

• Communicator
• Courteous 
• Empathetic 

Emotional

• Advocate
• Balanced
• Courageous 

General Learning Targets

Every Anchor student will demonstrate the following:

• Solid Foundation of Knowledge
• High Level Thinking
• Effective Communication
• Positive Behaviors
• Community Appreciation

Daily Schedule Sample

Activities

Activities and Learning ExperiencesAt Anchor  every child is placed in a classroom based on their age and developmental level, ensuring they receive the right balance of care, guidance, and challenge. Our dedicated staff members thoughtfully plan daily schedules, weekly themes, and age-appropriate learning activities to help children thrive.
What This Looks Like in Action:

• Circle Time & Devotions
  Each morning begins with prayer, Bible stories, songs, and calendar time to set the tone for a Christ-centered day.
  
• Weekly Themes
  Themes such as “God’s Creation,” “Community Helpers,” or “Ocean Adventure” shape stories, crafts, and hands-on projects, making learning fun and memorable.
  
• Creative Arts & Expression
  Children enjoy painting, drawing, music, dramatic play, and building projects that encourage creativity and imagination.
  
• Literacy & Early Math
  Storytime, letter recognition, phonics activities, counting games, and pattern-building exercises provide strong foundations for reading and numeracy.
  
• Science & Discovery
  Simple experiments, nature walks, sensory tables, and gardening help students explore God’s world with curiosity and wonder.
  
• Outdoor Play & Gross Motor Skills
  Daily recess includes climbing, running, team games, and structured play that build coordination and encourage healthy movement.
  
• Social & Emotional Development
  Group activities, role-play, and guided problem-solving help children learn to share, cooperate, and show kindness to others.
  

A Balanced ApproachOur activities combine structured learning with child-led exploration, giving students opportunities to develop independence, ask questions, and follow their interests. Teachers act as facilitators—guiding, encouraging, and celebrating each child’s progress in a safe, nurturing, and faith-filled environment.

Chapel & Prayer

Faith and Spiritual GrowthFaith is at the heart of everything we do at Anchor Lutheran School. Our Early Childhood Education (ECE) studentsparticipate in age-appropriate spiritual practices that help them grow in their relationship with Jesus.

• Weekly Chapel
  Each week, ECE participants join the rest of the school community for Chapel. Together, we sing spiritual songs, hear a short, child-friendly message, and worship as one Anchor family. Parents are always welcome to join us on Wednesdays at 9:10 a.m.
  
• Daily Bible Stories
  In the classroom, teachers share engaging Bible stories that connect God’s Word to everyday life. Stories like Noah’s Ark, David and Goliath, or The Good Samaritan help children learn timeless lessons about God’s love, courage, and kindness.
  
• Prayer in Daily Life
  Prayer is woven into the day. Children pray before snacks and meals, at the start of special activities, and sometimes in moments of joy or need. These practices help students develop habits of gratitude, trust, and reliance on God.
  
• Living Their Faith
  Through songs, devotions, and simple acts of service, children are encouraged to live out their faith by showing kindness to classmates, helping others, and giving thanks for God’s blessings.
  

At Anchor, spiritual development is not separate from learning—it’s the foundation of all we do. By nurturing faith in small, consistent ways, we prepare children to see God’s presence in their daily lives.

Snacks

Snacks and NutritionAt Anchor Lutheran School, we believe healthy bodies support healthy minds. To help children stay energized and ready to learn, we provide nutritious snacks each morning and afternoon.

• Each snack includes two components selected from the following food groups:
  • Dairy or protein
  • Grains
  • Vegetables
  • Fruits
  • Fruit juice or milk
• Examples of snacks might include:
  • Cheese and whole grain crackers
  • Yogurt with fruit
  • Carrot sticks with hummus
  • Apple slices with string cheese
  • Milk served with a muffin or granola bar

We ask families to indicate any food allergies or dietary restrictions on the application form. In most cases, we will substitute another food or drink. For children with more serious allergies or extreme dietary needs, we may ask parents to provide snacks to ensure safety.
Our goal is to create a snack program that is healthy, balanced, and safe for all children in our care.

Lunches

The Anchor Lutheran School Early Childhood Program provides a hot lunch option five days a week. Families who choose not to participate in the hot lunch program are asked to send a lunch with their child each day.
We provide a refrigerator, hot water tap, and microwave for lunches that need to be stored or reheated. Please remember to send any necessary utensils with your child.
Nutritious lunches play an important role in helping children grow, learn, and thrive. We encourage families to pack lunches that align with USDA guidelines, which include:

• A protein (meat, cheese, egg, fish, or peanut butter)
  
• A grain (bread, rice, pasta, or another whole grain product)
  
• Milk
  
• Two fruits, two vegetables, or one of each
  

To promote healthy habits, we ask that desserts not be included in packed lunches.
By working together, we can ensure every child has the nourishment they need for a successful day at school.

Program Size and Ratios

Class Size and RatiosOur licensed Early Childhood Program is presently limited to a maximum enrollment of 155 children. Each classroom has a maximum group size of 20 students, ensuring that every child receives the attention and care they deserve.
We are committed to maintaining high standards of safety and quality:

• An adult-to-child ratio of 1:10 is always met—or exceeded.
  
• Children are assigned to one of our four classrooms based on age and developmental level.
  
• Each classroom is staffed with caring, qualified teachers who provide consistency and nurture growth.
  

This structure allows us to create a safe, supportive, and age-appropriate learning environment, where every child can thrive academically, socially, and spiritually.