Kindergarten to Level 2

Kindergarten through Level 2 at Branches Academy at The Vine

Welcome to Branches Academy at The Vine, a private Christian school in Laurel, Montana, dedicated to nurturing young hearts and minds in the light of Christ. Formerly New Life School of Light, our Kindergarten through Level 2 programs serve children ages 5 to 8 (approximately kindergarten to 2nd grade), fostering their growth—spiritually, socially, intellectually, emotionally, and physically. As a ministry of The Vine, we partner with parents to fulfill the biblical call to “train up a child” (Proverbs 22:6), discipling students to know God deeply, live out His truth, and thrive through faith-integrated, relationship-based learning.

Our Programs

Our Kindergarten through Level 2 programs provide a strong foundation for academic and spiritual growth, with small class sizes (1:14 ratio) ensuring personalized attention. We integrate Dr. Caroline Leaf’s 5-step learning process to help children manage their thoughts and develop healthy mindsets, preparing them for success in school and life.

  • Kindergarten (Ages 5–6)
    • Schedule Options: Full day (Monday–Thursday, 8:00 AM–4:00 PM) or half day (8:00 AM–1:30 PM).
    • Tuition: $325/month (full day) or $250/month (half day).
    • Focus: Transition to structured learning with emphasis on literacy, math readiness, social skills, and biblical discipleship. Children must be 5 by September 10.
  • Levels 1–2 (Ages 6–8, Approximately 1st–2nd Grade)
    • Schedule: Monday–Thursday, 8:00 AM–4:00 PM.
    • Tuition: $400/month.
    • Focus: Building core skills in reading, writing, math, and science, integrated with spiritual formation, emotional awareness, and hands-on activities to foster independence and curiosity.
Register for Fall 2025

Enrollment Information

  • Eligibility: Kindergarten students must be 5 by September 10; Levels 1–2 follow age-appropriate progression.
  • Tuition: Monthly payments with discounts for full-year or multi-student families (contact our Director).

Our Approach

Rooted in our core values of love, literacy, and the Word of God, we view education as discipleship, nurturing the whole child. Drawing from Dr. Caroline Leaf’s How to Help Your Child Clean Up Their Mental Mess, we use the 5-step learning process to empower students to think mindfully and build resilient memories:
Output: Reteaching material solidifies long-term memory, making application natural and automatic.
We also incorporate the 7 Thinking Modules (Intrapersonal, Interpersonal, Linguistic, Logical/Mathematical, Kinesthetic, Musical, Visual/Spatial) to honor each child’s unique thinking style, ensuring engaging and effective learning. This aligns with our belief that children are wired for love and optimism, promoting positive mindsets for lifelong success.
Learn More

Partnering with Parents

Parental involvement is vital to a child’s success, as supported by research and biblical principles. We foster strong home-to-school partnerships through:

  • Parent Involvement: Volunteer in classrooms, assist with events like Family Fun Nights, or contribute to projects such as field trips and fundraising.
  • Communication: Monthly newsletters, weekly/daily communication through  our church app, and Parent-Teacher Connections (September, February, May) keep you informed and engaged.
  • Practical Support: Parents provide a backpack, water bottle, cold sack lunch, and a change of clothes for emergencies. Students must wear modest, activity-appropriate clothing and School shirts.

Our discipline approach, grounded in Galatians 5:22–23, emphasizes the fruit of the Spirit (love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control) to guide students toward self-awareness and Christ-like behavior. Reflective time-outs teach responsibility, always emphasizing forgiveness and restoration.

Contact Us

We'd love to hear from you. Fill out the form below to get started.

Submit