Where Little Learners Build Confidence, Curiosity, and Kindness
A nurturing, Christ-centered preschool experience designed to help young children grow academically, socially, emotionally, and spiritually.
Christ-Centered, Nurturing Environment
Warm, faith-filled classrooms where children feel loved, safe, and supported as they grow spiritually and emotionally.
Strong Academic Foundations
A play-based but academically focused approach that builds early literacy, math readiness, fine motor skills, and kindergarten preparedness.
Small Class Sizes
An excellent teacher-to-child ratio ensures personalized attention, meaningful relationships, and a calm, well-structured learning environment.
Setting the Standard for Early Childhood Education in North Idaho
The Little Learners at Lake City Academy program provides a small, safe, Christian environment where children are truly known, loved, and intentionally guided. Located in Coeur d’Alene, our Early Childhood and Pre-K classrooms feature an exceptional teacher-to-child ratio and two dedicated learning rooms—one designed for younger students and one for older students. This structure allows us to tailor instruction, activities, and support to each child’s developmental stage, ensuring every student receives exactly what they need to thrive.
Our caring teachers nurture emotional growth, foster positive friendships, and help students build a meaningful relationship with Christ. Through curiosity, creativity, and hands-on exploration, we cultivate a joyful, lasting love for learning.
Program Requirements:
Children must be 3.5 years old by the first day of school
Children must be fully potty-trained (no pull-ups permitted)
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We’d love to meet you and show you what makes our preschool such a special place. Let your child begin their journey of confidence, curiosity, and kindness at Little Learners at Lake City Academy.
A Playful, Purposeful Learning Experience
Our Early Childhood Program helps children grow in every developmental area:
Spiritual Development: Practicing kindness, gratitude, worship, prayer, and learning about Jesus.
Emotional Development: Building confidence, independence, problem-solving, and emotional regulation.
Intellectual Development: Strengthening early literacy, numeracy, curiosity, and critical thinking.
Social Development: Encouraging friendships, teamwork, communication, and respectful behavior.
Physical Development: Growing fine and gross motor skills through movement, outdoor play, and hands-on activities.
Teachers use a positive discipline model, empowering children to make good choices and understand expectations through encouragement and connection.
Building Bright Beginnings: Early Learning Foundations
Fine Motor Skills: cutting, tracing, writing, hand coordination
Gross Motor Skills: balance, running, jumping, outdoor play
Letter Skills: formation, sounds, early phonics practice
Name Skills: recognition, writing, personal identification
Math Foundations: counting, shapes, patterns, problem-solving
Early Literacy: vocabulary, listening, story comprehension
Enriching Experiences Throughout the Year
Our program is filled with meaningful activities that bring learning to life:
Annual Field Trip to Greenbluff
A hands-on fall adventure exploring pumpkins, apples, and the farm.
Weekly Chapel
Worship, songs, and Bible lessons with Pre-K through 2nd grade.
Off-Site Activities
- Fire Department visits
- Art Day
- STEM Day
- Themed hands-on learning activities
Bananas in Pajamas Storytime (Quarterly)
Family-friendly pajama night with guest readers, book giveaways, songs, and snacks.
Parents’ Night Out (December)
A festive evening of pizza, popcorn, and a Christmas movie—giving parents a well-deserved night off.
Music Class and Performances
Twice weekly focusing on rhythm, singing, and creative movement. Students showcase their learning in special performances throughout the year.
Preparing Children for Kindergarten—and for Life
Our preschool team works closely with the Kindergarten teacher to ensure a seamless, confident transition into the next level of schooling. Children leave our program academically ready, emotionally grounded, socially confident, and spiritually connected.
At Lake City Academy, we’re not just teaching—we’re growing whole, healthy, happy little learners.
Meet the Teachers
Delci Whalen
ECE Director & Full Day Pre-K
Born and raised in Coeur d’Alene, Delci Whalen has seven years experience as a nanny and ran a private childcare group for five years. She believes that education is the key to success in life, and she makes it her mission to have a lasting positive impact on each and every child that comes through LCA.
Delci is a mother of three and her kids are students at LCA. Outside of school, she enjoys gardening, cooking, and doing crafts.
Lizelle Simplicio
Pre-K
I am originally from South-Africa. I moved to the USA with my husband and son just over 11 years ago. My husband is a pastor and his work brought us to Hanford California for 10 years and just over a year ago to North Idaho. We have a 15 year old son, who graduated from LCA last year, and is currently a freshman at Upper Columbia Academy. I have a Bachelor's degree in Nursing but have always felt called to teaching. While the last 11 years I have spent mostly being a mom and homeschooling my own son for a few years I have always been involved at a school as an aide or a substitute teacher. I have been at LCA for over a year now working in multiple classrooms and in the office. I hope to make learning fun and engaging for kids. Above all I hope that they will all grow in their love for Jesus and know that He has big plans for their lives.
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Little Learners at Lake City Academy
