Amazing Life Games Preschool was founded in 1971 by two early childhood educators in a church basement on 16th and Taylor Streets, NW. The school was named after a card file of favorite activities for children that the founders had collected from their own childhoods. These activities included many cooperative games, dramatic play ideas and art projects that are still utilized in the school today.
For nearly 20 years, the school was housed at 1844 Mintwood Place in Adams Morgan. At that time, ALG was also an elementary school and children attended from ages 2.5 years through 3rd grade. In 1991, the school became a parent cooperative and returned to its roots as a pre-school.
In 2005, ALG moved to its current location inside Grace Lutheran Church on 16th Street.
Throughout the years, ALG has remained committed to 3 core principals:
ALG knows that children learn best through play. Research has documented the importance of play in determining a child’s future accomplishments.
“Children learn basic developmental building blocks necessary for later academic success, and in fact, they develop these building blocks better while playing than while in a traditional class.”– (NutureShock, Po Bronson & Ashley Merryman)
In today’s day and age, people rely more and more on technology to interact with one another, reducing the time spent talking and interacting face to face. At Amazing Life Games, staff works closely with children to develop the “lost skills” of effective communication and conflict resolution. In moments of conflict at ALG, children learn to:
The natural world is a great teacher and is vital for developing healthy bodies and minds, so children at ALG:
Monday – Friday
Half-day program, 9:00 am – 1:00 pm
Full-day program, 9:00 am – 3:00 pm
Extended-day program, 9:00 am – 6:00 pm
School starts in September and concludes in June. ALG follows the District of Columbia Public School closure and delays for snow days, and for winter and spring breaks. ALG is open on DCPS professional development days. If space permits, ALG Alumni up to age 8 are welcome to attend on days when their elementary school is closed. Click here to view the school calendar.
35 children per day with 5 teachers and 2-3 parent co-opers.
Summer camp is open to potty trained children age 3-8. Four one-week sessions begin in late June. Please contact the school’s director for more information.
Each child brings his or her own food to be eaten during the day. Food should contain minimal added sugar and few or no artificial ingredients. Children also participate in nutritious cooking projects and share this food with other children.
The school is located within Grace Lutheran Church on 16th Street NW, in a large area subdivided into a number of smaller play areas, designated for active play, quiet activities, and art projects. There are two outdoor areas–a courtyard for bikes and play, and a sideyard for gardening, running, and playing.
ALG awards a limited number of partial scholarships, based on financial need, on a case-by-case basis. Contact the Admissions Coordinator for more information.
$50.00 (one time, non-refundable fee)
Outstanding Teachers are at the heart of the ALG experience. The teachers’ longtime commitment to the school contributes to the rapport between staff members and provides stability for the children. All ALG teachers are certified to teach early childhood education. Teachers team-teach all children in our multi-age classroom, all children are instructed by all teachers at ALG. The teachers set a tone that encourages children to be independent within the structure of the school.
ALG Staff belong to the following professional associations
Staff have also presented workshops in the following conferences