FAQs

DKH stands for Das Kinder Haus, which means “The Children’s House” in German. The school was founded in 1979 by Dee Seal, whose German heritage inspired the name. Today, DKH Academy continues that legacy through a nurturing, play-based approach to learning focused on the whole child.

DKH Academy has served local families since 1979 and has supported thousands of children and families across Highland Village, Flower Mound, Lewisville, and surrounding communities.

Yes. DKH Academy is accredited through both NAEYC and Cognia

DKH Academy serves children from 18 months through 2nd Grade.

Our programs are intentionally designed to support children through the most important years of early childhood and early elementary development. Research continues to support the value of hands-on, play-based, developmentally appropriate learning through approximately age 8, which aligns closely with the end of 2nd Grade.

Rather than transitioning children away from play-based learning too early, DKH continues building strong academic foundations through exploration, creativity, movement, collaboration, literacy, problem-solving, and meaningful relationships throughout the early elementary years.

At DKH, play is not separate from learning. Children build literacy, math, science, communication, creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills through hands-on experiences, movement, exploration, collaboration, and meaningful relationships.

Our classrooms are intentionally designed to support how young children learn best. Rather than relying primarily on worksheets, memorization, or long periods of passive instruction, students engage in active learning experiences that encourage curiosity, confidence, independence, and deeper understanding.

Research continues to show that play-based learning is one of the most effective ways for young children to develop academically, socially, emotionally, and cognitively, particularly through the early elementary years.

This philosophy is one of the reasons DKH Academy intentionally serves children through 2nd Grade. We believe children continue benefiting from hands-on, developmentally appropriate, play-based learning well beyond preschool, while still building strong academic foundations and school readiness skills.

At DKH, children are encouraged to ask questions, explore ideas, collaborate with others, move their bodies, create, problem-solve, and develop a genuine love of learning that lasts far beyond the early years.

Junior Kindergarten serves as a transitional kindergarten experience designed to bridge preschool and kindergarten readiness through play-based, developmentally appropriate learning. Senior Kindergarten builds upon those foundations with deeper academic engagement, guided reading, STEM experiences, and expanded independence.

Yes. DKH offers several after-school enrichment and extended day options designed to support working families while continuing to provide engaging, developmentally appropriate experiences for children.

LEAP, which stands for Learning Enrichment and Play, is DKH’s after-school program that provides children with a safe, nurturing, and play-based environment following the school day.

DKH also offers after-school enrichment opportunities including Ready Readers, Spanish Immersion, and additional specialty programs throughout the year.

Ready Readers focuses on building foundational literacy skills and a lifelong love of reading through playful, hands-on learning experiences designed for young children.

Spanish Immersion provides students with meaningful exposure to the Spanish language through songs, conversation, movement, games, and interactive learning experiences.

DKH also partners with Musication on select afternoons. Musication offers music enrichment classes for enrolled students and extends later into the afternoon for participating families.

Programs, schedules, and availability may vary by age and school year.

DKH offers a variety of enrichment opportunities including Guided Reading, AgriSTEAM, KidFit, Spanish, Music, Ready Readers, LEAP, outdoor learning experiences, and more. Many programs are integrated directly into the school day.

AgriSTEAM is DKH’s hands-on enrichment program that combines science, nature, gardening, engineering, creativity, and exploration. Students learn through meaningful experiences connected to the natural world.

KidFit is DKH’s movement and wellness program focused on physical activity, coordination, outdoor play, teamwork, and healthy movement habits for young children.

Guided Reading is a small-group literacy program that takes place during the school day for eligible students. Children work with experienced literacy educators in developmentally appropriate groups focused on reading readiness, fluency, comprehension, confidence, and individualized literacy growth.

Ready Readers is DKH’s after-school reading enrichment program designed to help children build early literacy skills and a strong foundation for a lifelong love of reading. Through playful, engaging, and hands-on experiences, children strengthen phonics, letter recognition, listening comprehension, vocabulary, and reading confidence in a nurturing environment.

While both programs support literacy development, Guided Reading is focused on individualized instructional reading support during the school day, while Ready Readers provides additional enrichment and reading readiness opportunities beyond the classroom.

LEAP stands for Learning Enrichment and Play. It is DKH’s after-school enrichment program that extends the school day through engaging activities, exploration, and play.

LBBO, or Lunch Box Burnout, is DKH’s optional hot lunch program offered on select days throughout the month for families who would like a break from packing lunches.