Dayspring Christian Academy invites families with soon-to-be preschoolers, prekindergartners, and kindergartners to attend an open house on Thursday, Feb. 10, at 10 a.m. at the school, 120 College Ave., Mountville.

The open house will feature a Valentine's Day party that will focus on 1 Corinthians 13:13, "The greatest of these is love." Parents will meet with teachers and learn about the Principle Approach, a method of thinking and living by God's Truth and the method of education used at Dayspring.

Dayspring offers two distinct kindergarten programs, both of which offer field studies. God is viewed as the author of all subjects, and children begin reasoning from the Bible, noted headmaster Dan Stone.

The prekindergarten program is appropriate for children who are 4 years old or who have just turned 5 at the start of the school year. The program is activity-oriented while introducing the structure and rigors of a formal classroom setting. As a first step into scholarship, the student notebook is introduced, and students begin formal steps toward reading through the Sound Sensible program. Students develop early math skills, learn a Bible verse for each letter of the alphabet, delve into literature, and explore music, art, and more.

The kindergarten program is appropriate for students who are 5 years old through early 6 at the start of the school year. The program is still activity-oriented, but more emphasis is placed on paper-and-pencil activities and structured seat work. The student notebook is expanded, and the Writing Road to Reading literacy program is introduced. Students expand their phonetic awareness and segmentation; many children learn to read before completing kindergarten.

Dayspring's prekindergarten and kindergarten programs are held on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. As a supplement, IDEA! (Inspire, Discover, Explore, and Achieve) is available on Tuesdays and Thursdays. This program features a community style of learning and helps students apply biblical principles from direct Bible reading to their lives. It also focuses on science, history, STEM, collaborative group projects, and creative avenues. IDEA! also includes art, drama, and music activities and allows students to further their abilities in language, spelling, and math skills.

In addition to kindergarten and the supplemental kindergarten program, Dayspring Christian Academy offers preschool programs for children who are 3 by Sept. 1. Preschool is held on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8 to 11 a.m.

These programs offer an introduction to the alphabet as students learn a Bible hero for each letter of the alphabet, culminating with a Bible Character Day complete with costumes. Age-appropriate history, science, literature, and math lessons are woven together and rooted in God's Word. There are also guided free play, circle time, and daily art projects.

For more information or to register for the preschool and kindergarten open house, call 717-285-2000 or visit http://www.dayspringchristian.com.