A place for your child to learn and grow!

Who We Are

KOTR Academy is a nurturing, Christ-centered early learning environment where children are known, loved, and encouraged to grow.

Caring teacher and child KOTR Preschool on Snoqualmie Ridge

Individualized Programs

Our dedicated and experienced teachers provide individualized programs to encourage your child’s spiritual, intellectual, physical, social and emotional development.

Enrichment Opportunities

Our preschool program offers a wide variety of enrichment learning opportunities and our teaching team works to instill God’s love into the hearts of children.

Creative Problem-Solving

Daily school schedules provide each child with a pathway to create, explore, problem-solve and interact with others.

Why Families Choose KOTR Academy

Personalized Learning

Our research‑based curriculum and ongoing developmental assessments ensure every child learns at their own pace and thrives.

Whole-Child Development

Daily enrichment in music, movement, and creative expression nurtures the whole child — socially, emotionally, and physically.

Small Class Sizes

Low student‑teacher ratios allow us to provide the personalized attention that builds confidence and strong relationships.

Secure, Modern Facility

Our bright, modern facility — complete with secure entry and an indoor play area — gives families peace of mind in every season.

Values-Based Teaching

Christian values like kindness, integrity, and respect are woven into every lesson to build strong character and compassion

Transitional Kindergarten

Our Transitional Kindergarten (JrK) program gives children the extra time and support they need for a confident start in kindergarten.

Healthy Meals

Healthy, USDA‑approved meals fuel children’s bodies and minds throughout the day.

Flexible Full-Day

Our flexible full‑day program supports busy families with a balanced day of learning, play, and care.

State‑Certified Quality

As a state‑licensed preschool and Early Achiever participant, we meet the highest standards for safety, quality, and continuous improvement.

Program Offerings

2's Class (Littles) Class

Our Littles Class turns natural curiosity into joyful learning. Using the Experience Curriculum, children explore hands‑on, play‑based activities that build early social skills, confidence, and independence. Teachers nurture each child through gentle routines, helping them feel safe, known, and excited to be part of a classroom community.

We use the Experience Assessment, reviewed by Johns Hopkins University researchers, to observe growth through everyday moments—giving families meaningful insight into their child’s development.

 

Your child will:

  • Build early friendships and communication skills
  • Learn to follow simple routines
  • Grow in confidence and independence
  • Experience a warm, Christ‑centered classroom

 

Note: Students must be 2 1/2 years old by August 31st and actively toilet training.

3's Class

For many children, this is their first big step away from home. Our 3s program makes that transition gentle and joyful. With a strong focus on social‑emotional development, children learn classroom routines, practice independence, and discover the joy of learning together.

Through the Experience Curriculum, children begin early literacy foundations—letter and number formation, name recognition, phonics songs, tracing, and playful pre‑writing activities. Teachers model age‑appropriate coping strategies to help children navigate big feelings with confidence and kindness.

 

Your child will:

  • Learn routines that build confidence and independence
  • Strengthen early literacy and fine‑motor skills
  • Practice emotional regulation and problem‑solving
  • Experience a nurturing, faith‑filled environment

 

Note: Students must be 3 years old by August 31st and toilet trained.

Pre-Kindergarten (PreK) Class

Pre‑K at KOTR Academy prepares children for kindergarten through purposeful play, hands‑on exploration, and character‑building experiences. Using the Experience Curriculum, children grow in early literacy, math, problem‑solving, and fine‑motor skills—all while having fun.

 

Students explore handwriting, the alphabet, early sight words, and numbers up to 52. Enrichment in art, science, music, and movement keeps learning joyful. Shared lunchtime builds independence, manners, and personal responsibility. Throughout the day, we honor God in our teaching and community.

 

Your child will:

  • Build strong kindergarten‑readiness skills
  • Grow in early reading and math
  • Develop confidence through hands‑on challenges
  • Experience a joyful, Christ‑centered classroom

 

Note: Students must be 4 years old by August 31st

Transitional Kindergarten (JrK) Class

This one-of-a-kind program is ideal for children who benefit from an additional year before kindergarten or who are ready for a more structured, academically focused environment. This class strengthens reading readiness through phonics, sight words, and early literacy skills, supported by the Experience Curriculum and Handwriting Without Tears.

 

Math instruction includes ten‑frames, counting 1–52, addition, subtraction, patterns, graphing, math sentences, 1:1 correspondence, and spatial relationships. Teachers use the Experience Assessment to understand each child’s growth across developmental domains and tailor instruction to their needs.

 

Your child will:

  • Strengthen early reading and math foundations
  • Build confidence through structured, purposeful learning
  • Develop fine‑motor skills for writing
  • Enjoy enrichment in art, science, music, and movement
  • Build age-appropriate independence and personal responsibility
Summer Day Camps

Throughout the summer, KOTR Academy offers fun and affordable theme-based day camps for preschoolers. Each camp is a 5-day camp and runs Monday – Friday.

 

Learn more about Summer Camps and other activities HERE.

"I’m so glad our family found KOTR!"

~Sandra, KOTR Academy Parent
"The teachers are all so welcoming and loving. I highly recommend this preschool to Snoqualmie families."

~Becky, KOTR Academy Parent
"KOTR provides an amazing early learning environment for children! Both my children have blossomed in such amazing ways!"

~Lindsay, KOTR Academy Parent
"KOTR Academy is the best place in the valley for Christian early learning."

~Kay, KOTR Academy Parent

Join us for Summer Camp!

Our summer camps are for ages 2.5-6 years old and run from 9:00 am – 3:00 pm. $350

Get to Know Our Teachers

Martli van Heerden

Director of Kids on the Ridge Weekday Academy

Thank you for considering Kids on the Ridge Academy, a ministry of Church on the Ridge, as the place for your child to explore and grow!

Our preschool program offers a wide variety of enrichment and learning opportunities while our teaching team works to instill God’s love into the hearts of your child. At Kids on the Ridge, our dedicated and experienced teachers provide individualized programs to encourage your child’s spiritual, intellectual, physical, social and emotional development. Daily school schedules provide each child with a pathway to create, explore, problem solve and interact with others.

We instill the importance of God’s love and Christian values within our classrooms. The school mission is to teach all children that God made them, loves them and has a perfect plan for them. It is important that preschool be a place of connection and a respectful partnership between families and teachers. God created us to live our lives in harmony and to have respect for one another. Our preschool program strengthens this idea of spiritual community, encouragement, and cooperation.

We look forward to a wonderful year with your precious little one!

Lindsay Randall

Assistant Teacher PreK

Melissa Hancock

Assistant Teacher JrK

Joleen Heard

Lead Teacher Little's/3's

Danielle Walsh

Preschool Assistant

Caryl Sutorius

Lead Teacher 4's

Saiba Chaddha

Assistant Director

Chris Butrick

Lead Teacher PreK

Danielle Walsh

Preschool Assistant

Hannah Salmon

Lead Teacher 3-4's

Jasmyne Hersch

Lead Teacher

Shobha Agarwal

Lead Teacher

Susan Reynolds

Co-Teacher

Registration

To register, please complete an online registration form via Brightwheel and submit a non-refundable $150 registration fee.

If the desired class is full, we’ll place your child on a waiting list. Your child’s enrollment is secured once registration payment is received. Your registration fee will be returned if we’re unable to place your child within 60 days of registration. All classes are subject to availability. 

Prior to the new school year, you will receive a welcome packet that will contain necessary forms and student information. If you would like more information, contact us and we would be happy answer any questions. 

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes KOTR Academy different?

Families choose KOTR Academy because of our strong balance of academic excellence, whole-child development, and genuine family partnership. We offer a research-based curriculum, small class sizes, enriching daily experiences, nutritious USDA-approved meals, and a safe, state-licensed environment.

We are also honored to have been voted Snoqualmie’s Best Preschool since 2024.

What age groups do you serve?

We welcome children ages 2½ to 6 years, including preschool and our unique Transitional Kindergarten program for children with late birthdays or those who may benefit from an extra year before kindergarten. Each program is thoughtfully designed to support your child’s academic, social, and emotional growth at every stage.

What is your educational philosophy?

Our program is academically focused while thoughtfully blending in joyful play, hands-on learning, and individualized support. We believe early childhood is a critical foundation, so we nurture the whole child, academically, socially, emotionally, and in character, within a caring, faith-centered community.

What curriculum do you use?

We use the Experience Curriculum, a research-based, structured program that builds strong foundations in early literacy, math, critical thinking, and social-emotional development. It is fully aligned with early learning standards in Washington State, Head Start, Common Core and NAEYC. Ongoing assessments allow us to personalize learning and support each child’s unique growth.

What does a typical day look like?

Each day is thoughtfully designed to include structured academic learning, hands-on activities, creative play, outdoor exploration, music and movement, nutritious meals and snacks, and time to build social-emotional skills. Our full-day program provides a balanced rhythm of learning, play, and care.
A typical day may include:

• Arrival & free choice (a calm, welcoming start to help children settle in)
• Morning welcome & circle time
• Academic learning & small group activities

• Hands-on exploration & centers
• Outdoor play
• Lunch & rest/quiet time
• Enrichment (STEM, art, music, or cultural activities)
• Snack & afternoon play
• Closing circle & dismissal

How do you include faith into your classrooms?

At KOTR Academy, faith is the foundation of everything we do. Our philosophy isn’t shaped by trends or popular opinion—it is firmly grounded in God’s Word and guided by Proverbs 22:6, “Train up a child in the way he should go.” Our teacher-led, character-building approach provides loving guidance, structure, and consistency, helping children feel secure while learning that God is a God of order and purpose.

Throughout the day, faith is gently and naturally woven into classroom life through prayer, Bible stories, meaningful conversations, and intentional character development. Whether exploring science, art, math, language, or daily routines, children are encouraged to see God’s presence in every subject—His design in creation, His hand in science, and His order in learning. Above all, we help children grow in kindness, respect, compassion, and confidence, while knowing they are deeply loved, valued, and created by God.

How do you prepare children for kindergarten?

We believe kindergarten readiness is about so much more than academics. Our teachers take the time to truly know each child, thoughtfully supporting their growth across eight (8) key developmental areas. Through ongoing observation and guidance, we help children build confidence, independence, and a genuine love of learning.

What is transitional kindergarten and should I consider it for my child?

This one-of-a-kind program supports children with late birthdays or those who might benefit from an extra year before kindergarten, or students who are ready for more of a challenge than traditional Pre‑K offers. It provides a structured, engaging environment that helps children grow confidently and transition smoothly into kindergarten.

Do you offer enrichment opportunities?

Yes! We’re proud to offer a variety of enriching experiences woven into each day that support the whole child. Our program includes STEAM learning, cultural experiences, Musik Garten, and daily enrichment activities designed to spark curiosity, creativity, movement, and joy.

What are the safety protocols in your facility?

Safety for our students is our number one priority. The doors to our school are only open for the parents to drop off the child and to pick them up at the end of the day. Once the parents have dropped off their child, we promptly shut and lock the outside doors to prevent anyone from entering without a keycard.

As a parent, you will also have access to the Brightwheel app which we use to check-in and out our students. Only those who have your specific PIN, and are on the pick-up list, are allowed to pick up your child.

In regard to allergies, we are a strict no-nut facility and work with the parents on other specific allergies, as well. Each teacher has a sheet in their classroom highlighting each of their student’s allergies to be aware of at all times.

Is outdoor play included in the daily schedule?

Yes! Daily outdoor play is an important and valued part of our program. Spending time outside supports children’s physical development, encourages curiosity and exploration, and provides meaningful opportunities for social connection. We believe outdoor play helps children build confidence, resilience, and a love of movement while enjoying fresh air and nature whenever possible.

How do you communicate with families?

We love staying connected with our families. We use Brightwheel for daily communication, sharing photos, activity updates, and care details such as naps (when applicable), so you can feel connected to your child’s day. We truly value personal connection as well and are always happy to chat briefly during drop off and pick up. If you ever have questions or need anything, we’re here for you.

How do you support new students?

We provide a thoughtful and supportive transition for both children and parents. With consistent routines, caring teachers, and individualized attention, children feel safe and secure, while parents receive extra communication and reassurance during the first week.

KOTR Academy is a preschool ministry of Church on the Ridge. The school is located on the first floor of the church building, and we share many opportunities with the children's ministry - Kids on the Ridge.

Parent Resources

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KOTR Church Opportunities

At Church on the Ridge (COTR), we always have something special happening for preschool kids and families. These events are open to everyone in our community.

We are hiring

Weekday Preschool Assistant Teacher

Apply Now