Preschool Programs Northern Denver | The Academy ECE
The preschool years are a beautiful turning point in your child's life. This is when curiosity deepens, friendships matter more, and your child begins to see themselves as capable, independent, and ready for new challenges. As a parent, choosing a preschool program is about so much more than finding a place for your child to spend the day. It is about choosing a school that will care for your child's heart, nurture their confidence, and guide their learning with intention. At The Academy, our preschool program is built around your child, their needs, their pace, and their potential. Families searching for a trusted Denver preschool program often tell us they want a place where learning feels joyful, where teachers (also known as classroom guides) truly know their child, and where emotional development matters just as much as early academics. Our early childhood education program blends a research-based curriculum with hands-on activities, play, and meaningful relationships, creating a warm environment where children feel safe to explore, try, and grow.
Schedule a tour and experience why families across Denver, Colorado, trust The Academy to support their child's preschool years with care and purpose.
Welcome to The Academy Early Childhood Education Centers
Our unique educational approach combines the Creative Curriculum with project and play-based learning, encouraging creativity, critical thinking and comprehensive skill development. Each day, our young learners embark on a journey of discovery, exploring their interests through hands-on projects. Explore the possibilities of a joyful and impactful education at The Academy!
Our Early Education Preschool Program Enrollment
Ages Served
3 to 4 Years
Location
The Academy Arvada and The Academy Westminster, conveniently located for families throughout northern Denver, Colorado
Schedule Options
Full-time and part-time early childhood education programs are available.
Hours
Monday through Friday, 6:45 AM to 5:30 PM
Potty Training Required
Yes. Preschoolers are expected to be potty trained, and our classroom guides support children with gentle reminders and encouragement as needed.
Curriculum Focus
Our preschool program is guided by an age-appropriate curriculum that supports cognitive development, early literacy, math skills, emotional development, and social growth. Using a research-based curriculum, which we refer to as our Creative Curriculum, we prepare children for pre-kindergarten and kindergarten, and for long-term success. Our supportive guides/teachers guide our students through hands-on activities that nurture curiosity, confidence, and a love of learning.
Daily Routine
Preschoolers thrive on a balance of structure and flexibility. Each day includes a welcoming morning gathering, small group learning, hands-on activities, outdoor play, and calm transitions. These predictable routines help children feel confident, capable, and ready to participate fully in their education.
Classroom Experience
Our preschool classrooms are warm, engaging spaces where young children feel a strong sense of belonging. Each classroom is intentionally designed to support learning through play, exploration, and connection. Diverse learning zones invite preschoolers to move, experiment, collaborate, and create throughout the day. Our classroom environment supports independence while offering comfort and reassurance, helping preschoolers grow in confidence as learners and community members.
About Our Preschool Programs Northern Denver
Choosing a preschool means trusting others with an important chapter of your child's life. At The Academy, we honor that trust every day. Since 1994, our school has partnered with families to guide children from toddlerhood through pre-kindergarten, creating a foundation of confidence, curiosity, and belonging. Our early childhood education program is grounded in research and guided by heart. Studies consistently show that high-quality early education supports emotional well-being, school readiness, and long-term success. Our Denver preschool program is intentionally designed to support these outcomes while protecting the joy, play, and wonder that define early childhood.
From Ages 3 to 4 Years: Supporting Early Childhood Development
Between ages 3 and 4, children grow rapidly in their thinking, language, and social awareness. Preschoolers begin asking deeper questions, forming meaningful friendships, and taking pride in their growing independence. At The Academy, our early childhood education program supports your child through this exciting stage with warmth, guidance, and intentional learning experiences. Our toddler program supports key developmental milestones, including early literacy, math skills, cognitive development, emotional regulation, cooperation, and confidence. Every experience is designed to strengthen readiness for pre-kindergarten and kindergarten, while helping your child feel secure, capable, and excited to learn.
Math and Numbers
Through hands-on activities, games, and exploration, preschoolers build early math skills such as counting, sorting, and pattern recognition. These experiences support logical thinking and problem-solving while helping your child feel confident and capable as a learner.
Reading and Early Literacy Development
Our literacy-rich classrooms support vocabulary growth, letter recognition, and a love of stories. Shared reading and language activities strengthen communication skills and nurture a lifelong love of learning.
Dramatic Play and Social Learning
Through imaginative play, children explore emotions, relationships, and cooperation. Dramatic play supports emotional development and helps preschoolers practice empathy, communication, and confidence within their community.
Practical Life Skills and Independence
Preschoolers build independence through daily routines such as caring for materials, cleaning up, and managing personal belongings. These skills foster responsibility, pride, and readiness for the expectations of pre-kindergarten and later learning.
Manipulative Play and Cognitive Growth
Building, sorting, and hands-on materials strengthen fine and gross motor skills while supporting focus and perseverance. These manipulative play activities help children develop the confidence and ability to engage in more advanced learning.
Physical Movement, Outdoor Play, and Nutrition
Daily outdoor play supports physical development, coordination, and overall well-being. Balanced routines and attention to nutrition help children feel energized, focused, and ready to participate fully in learning.
Project-Based Learning and Child-Centered Exploration
Preschoolers engage in meaningful projects based on real-world topics that spark curiosity and inquiry. These child-centered projects encourage collaboration, creativity, and critical thinking while helping children understand how learning connects to their world.
Our Northern Denver Preschool Program Enrollment and Registration
Enrollment begins with a relaxed tour of our school so families can experience our classrooms, meet our classroom guides, and imagine their child thriving in our preschool community. Our conveniently located centers serve families across northern Denver and surrounding neighborhoods.
Why Families Choose Our Preschool Program Near Northern Denver
Families choose The Academy because they feel confident their child is deeply cared for, supported, and encouraged to grow. Our school is a place where children are known, families are valued, and learning is guided with intention.
Families trust us because:
- Our qualified, accredited guides/teachers are passionate about early childhood education.
- Our research-based curriculum reflects the gold standard in early learning.
- Classrooms are designed to support curiosity, confidence, and problem-solving.
- Small-group learning allows classroom guides to build meaningful relationships.
- Our school is equipped with multiple safety measures to ensure a secure environment at all times.
- Our program prepares children to succeed in pre-kindergarten, kindergarten, and beyond.
Families also find reassurance in knowing that 96% of our students meet or exceed the GOLD Readiness Benchmark, demonstrating strong readiness for the next stage of their educational journey.
Schedule a Tour of Our Northern Denver Child Care Centers
We invite you to schedule a tour and experience our preschool classrooms firsthand. Visit our centers, meet our classroom guides, and discover why families across Denver, Colorado, trust The Academy as their preschool provider and early childhood education partner.
Other Early Childhood Education Programs Available
Our infant program provides a safe, nurturing environment where your baby is supported through responsive caregiving and strong, trusting relationships.
Our toddler program gently introduces your child to school through play, caring relationships, and hands-on learning that supports emotional development, confidence, and early skills.
Our pre-kindergarten program prepares your child for kindergarten by building independence, early literacy and math skills, and confidence through a research-based, supportive learning experience.
Endeavor Essentials enriches our programs with creative arts, creative movement, and physical fitness, while Endeavor Plus STEM adds hands-on science and technology experiences that inspire curiosity and discovery.
A safe and engaging before- and after-school program for 5 to 12-year-olds, where children build confidence and leadership through homework support, creative arts enrichment, hands-on learning, and active play.
An energetic summer camp experience where children explore creative themed adventures through hands-on arts, science, games, and discovery while building friendships and unforgettable summer memories.
Other Early Childhood Education Programs Available
Our infant program provides a safe, nurturing environment where your baby is supported through responsive caregiving and strong, trusting relationships.
Our toddler program gently introduces your child to school through play, caring relationships, and hands-on learning that supports emotional development, confidence, and early skills.
Our pre-kindergarten program prepares your child for kindergarten by building independence, early literacy and math skills, and confidence through a research-based, supportive learning experience.
Endeavor Essentials enriches our programs with creative arts, creative movement, and physical fitness, while Endeavor Plus STEM adds hands-on science and technology experiences that inspire curiosity and discovery.
A safe and engaging before- and after-school program for 5 to 12-year-olds, where children build confidence and leadership through homework support, creative arts enrichment, hands-on learning, and active play.
An energetic summer camp experience where children explore creative themed adventures through hands-on arts, science, games, and discovery while building friendships and unforgettable summer memories.
Parent Reviews
Stephanie G.
June 4, 2025
We love the staff, the curriculum, and the very caring teachers, who have always been there to meet my daughter where she is at and recognize her needs. I would 100% recommend the Academy!!
Felicia M.
May 20, 2025
My daughter has been going to The Academy since she turned 2. She's 5 now and going to start kindergarten in the fall. We love The Academy teachers and all staff. Everyone pitches in and has always been responsive to any requests/questions we've had. We get the regular updates to the app, which are also helpful. Love when we get the pictures. 🙂
Abbey M.
April 8, 2025
The transition into the new program was smooth and stress-free, thanks to the warm and welcoming staff. It’s clear that everyone genuinely cares and is committed to supporting the child & their families.
Kelsey M.
March 11, 2025
We love the Academy. The teachers are nurturing, caring, and communicative. We have had a positive experience for all 3 of our children from 1yr old through Pre-K.
Colynn W.
March 11, 2025
We love Ms Nicole!! Our kiddo has such a close relationship with her. He has been learning so much in her class. Skills like dressing himself as well as daily routines and fun art projects. We love that he gets gym time especially when the weather isn’t nice enough for the kids to be outside. Everyday we drop him off knowing that he’s having a great time, learning, and feeling safe.
Robin C.
March 4, 2025
The staff makes it feel so welcoming and I know that my daughters are loved and taken care of. I like that there is a curriculum that is about exploring and questioning.
Corinne R.
November 26, 2024
The teachers really care about your kiddos and everyone in the building knows your kiddo even if they are not their teacher.
Amy G.
November 12, 2024
The staff is amazing! Everyone greets you with a smile and you can tell they truly care for our kids. We have been at multiple other daycares and the academy is on a whole other level. They have such a well run school and we always feel good knowing our daughter is there being well taken care of.
Emily Y.
August 21, 2024
Love this school! My daughter couldn’t be happier. Great staff, fun events, and a welcoming atmosphere.
Eric B.
July 9, 2024
We have seen our daughter grow by leaps and bounds while in the trusted care of Sally and her team. Every morning we are greeted by name and a smiling face by the entire staff. At pickup time it’s usually a challenge to get her to leave because she is having too much fun.
Frequently Asked Questions About Our Denver Preschool Program
Our research-based curriculum combines play-based and project-based learning; these approaches, as shown by Harvard's Center on the Developing Child, have been shown to strengthen cognitive and emotional development and long-term learning outcomes for young children. This early education foundation supports your child's future by helping kids build the skills they need to succeed in preschool, pre-kindergarten, and beyond.
Schedule A Tour
Take the next step in shaping your child's future. Schedule a tour today to experience our preschool program, meet our caring classroom guides, and see how our school creates a supportive, fun, joyful learning environment with quality childcare where young children feel confident, connected, and ready to thrive.