In the month of April, all of The Academy preschools placed special emphasis on learning through playing on the “Day of Play,” an activity planned as part of the celebration of the Week of the Young Child™. (The National Association for the Education of Young Children, NAEYC, first established the Week of the Young Child™ in 1971 to emphasize the fact that the early childhood years, from birth through 8, lay the foundation for a child’s success in school.)

On the Day of Play, parents came to class to play with their children and to learn how seven different types of play build skills in the areas of emotional, social, cognitive, physical, and language development. Parents joined with teachers in playing with the children in seven possible kinds of play: creative, adventure, physical, constructive, story, make-believe, and musical play. For example, a musical play activity involved creating musical shakers using rice, plastic Easter eggs, spoons, and decorative tape. Constructive play provided building blocks, rulers, calculators, sketch pads, and even real construction plans donated by a local builder.
At The Academy, learning through play is a fundamental tenet of the curriculum. Unlike “work” (such as a worksheet that must be completed), “play” is mostly self-directed, is a process, and does not result in a predicted outcome. It offers children the opportunity to use their creativity while developing their skills. For example, running, jumping, climbing, and skipping help toddlers gain muscle control, balance, and coordination. Pretending and using their imaginations teaches children how to solve problems, adds to their vocabulary, and helps them increase attention span and focus.

So the next time you’re fixing dinner, and the little ones are under foot, or you’re watching the NBA playoffs, and the children just won’t be quiet, tell them to “Go and play” and don’t feel guilty. Understand that this standard, parental directive really means “Go and learn!” That’s what playing is really all about.
The Academy is one of the top Educational Preschools in Nashville TN with multiple locations in Middle Tennessee providing the highest quality child care with the finest teaching staff available. The Academy boasts state-of-the-art facilities and unmatched educational and enrichment programs.
These FAQs share clear details on enrollment, daily routines, learning programs, safety, and what to expect once your child begins at The Academy.
The Academy offers early learning programs designed for children from infancy through Pre-K. Each classroom is built around age-appropriate routines, developmental milestones, and learning goals that support growth at every stage. Children receive the structure they need to feel secure while still having the freedom to explore and learn through play, hands-on activities, and teacher-guided instruction.
We use the Frog Street curriculum to provide consistent learning across classrooms and age groups. This curriculum supports early literacy, communication, motor development, and social-emotional skills through structured themes and purposeful activities. Our teachers follow curriculum-based lesson plans while also adapting the day to each classroom’s pace, helping children stay engaged and supported as they make meaningful progress.
Yes. Enrichment programs are included in tuition and offered throughout the week. These sessions add variety and excitement to a child’s routine by introducing creative activities, movement, cultural exploration, and age-appropriate science experiences. Enrichment helps children build confidence, discover new interests, and stay motivated by adding new learning experiences beyond the core classroom schedule.
Strong parent communication is a key part of a successful childcare experience. Families receive updates through our communication system, which may include daily reports, photos, and important notes about meals, naps, or classroom moments. Our team aims to keep families informed, reduce surprises, and create consistent support between home and school throughout the year.
Safety is a top priority at every Academy location. Our centers follow structured protocols for drop-off and pickup, classroom supervision, and daily accountability. Staff are trained to maintain safe routines and consistent classroom expectations while supporting children in a calm environment. During a tour, families can learn more about entry procedures, classroom organization, and how we prioritize safety every day.
The easiest way to schedule a tour is by submitting the tour request form on our website. Once we receive your information, a team member will follow up to confirm availability, answer initial questions, and help you choose the best program for your child’s age. Tours are a great time to explore classrooms, learn about daily routines, and better understand the Academy experience.
Before your child starts, our team will share a simple list of items based on your child’s classroom and age group. Most families bring labeled supplies such as extra clothing, diapers or pull-ups if needed, wipes, and any approved comfort items. Teachers will also guide you through routines for drop-off, communication updates, and what to expect during your child’s first few days.