Preschool Academy

Extending Christian early learning to preschoolers of families in need – rooted in faith, built on love, and designed for whole-child growth.

Preschool Academy is a free preschool for low income families. This program offers the Christ-centered curriculum and academic excellence as every James River Academy location – made possible through generous donor support. This program includes a parental involvement model that allows us to partner together to minister to the whole family.

James River Preschool Academy building in downtown Springfield, Missouri

Hours of Operation

Mon – Fri: 9AM – 3PM

Saturday: Closed

Sunday: Closed

Socials

For Ages 3 – 5

Program Highlights

Through two intentional years of preschool, our Preschool Academy program nurtures faith, builds strong academic foundations, and supports whole-child development.

Tuition-Free Preschool Program

3 – 5 Years Old

Rooted in biblical truth, structured learning, and intentional family partnership, children are prepared academically, spiritually, and socially for kindergarten and beyond.

Enrichment & Special Events

Intentionally designed experiences

Building confidence and connection through special family events, hands-on learning, chapel and worship, daily affirmations, early literacy, and STEM discovery.

South Campus

Tuition-Free

A Mission Made Possible Through Generosity

A scholarship based, tuition-free preschool program serving families through faith, love, and early learning opportunities.

Extending Education to Families in Need

Preschool Academy exists to extend Christ-centered education to families in Springfield who desire a strong spiritual and academic foundation for their children—but may not otherwise have access to private Christian education.

As part of the unified James River Academy family, our Tuition-Free Preschool Academy provides a two-year preschool experience for qualifying 3, 4, and 5-year-old students.

Through biblical truth, structured learning, and intentional family partnership, children are prepared academically, spiritually, and socially for kindergarten and beyond.

A Mission Rooted in Generosity

The Tuition-Free Preschool Academy is made possible through the generous support of donors, sponsors, and community partners who believe every child deserves access to Christ-centered education—regardless of financial circumstance.

This campus reflects our commitment to:

  • Strengthening families
  • Building spiritual foundations early
  • Investing in the next generation
  • Creating opportunity through education

When our community gives, children thrive.

Preschool

Program Overview

Here, every child is known by name, loved deeply, and reminded daily that God has a plan and purpose for their life.

What Families Experience

At Preschool Academy families receive:

  • A high-quality, Christ-centered preschool curriculum
  • Daily Bible integration, prayer, and character formation
  • Kindergarten readiness instruction (literacy, math, and social development)
  • School uniforms provided for each student
  • Daily breakfast, lunch, and snack
  • A structured, safe, and nurturing classroom environment
  • Ongoing parent partnership and engagement

We believe early education should strengthen the whole child and support the whole family. Check out our Facebook and Instagram pages to get a glimpse inside the program.

Enrollment Requirements

To enroll at Preschool Academy:

  • Students must be 3 years old by August 1 of the current school year
  • Families must complete a qualification pre-screening process
  • Parent commitment and participation are required
  • Students must maintain 90% attendance throughout the school year

Because this program is tuition-free, consistency and engagement are essential to student success. We ask families to commit to strong attendance and active participation so their child can fully benefit from the opportunity.

Request Information

We’d Love to Share More

Every family’s journey is different — and we want to serve yours well. To send you program details, tuition information, and availability, we use Brightwheel — our secure parent communication platform. Creating a quick account helps us:

  • Send the right information for your child’s age
  • Keep your inquiry organized
  • Answer questions quickly
  • Stay connected if you decide to tour

It takes less than a minute — and it helps us care for you personally.

Your information is encrypted and securely stored.

Schedule a Tour

We Can’t Wait to Meet Your Family

At James River Academy, every visit is personal. To schedule your tour, we use Brightwheel — our secure family communication system. Creating a quick account allows us to:

  • Reserve your preferred tour time
  • Send reminders and campus details
  • Follow up with answers to your questions
  • Begin building your child’s profile (so they’re known by name from day one)

It only takes a minute to create your secure login. We promise — no pressure, just partnership.

Your information is encrypted and securely stored.

Apply for Enrollment

Let’s Take the Next Step Together

We’re honored you’re considering James River Academy for your child. To begin your application, you’ll create a secure Brightwheel account. This allows us to:

  • Safely collect your child’s information
  • Complete required forms digitally
  • Protect your family’s data
  • Keep all communication in one easy place

Brightwheel is the same trusted system we use daily for parent updates, messaging, and billing — so getting started now makes everything seamless later. This is where partnership begins.

Your information is encrypted and securely stored.

Request Information

We’d Love to Share More

Every family’s journey is different — and we want to serve yours well. To send you program details, tuition information, and availability, we use Brightwheel — our secure parent communication platform. Creating a quick account helps us:

  • Send the right information for your child’s age
  • Keep your inquiry organized
  • Answer questions quickly
  • Stay connected if you decide to tour

It takes less than a minute — and it helps us care for you personally.

Your information is encrypted and securely stored.

Schedule a Tour

We Can’t Wait to Meet Your Family

At James River Academy, every visit is personal. To schedule your tour, we use Brightwheel — our secure family communication system. Creating a quick account allows us to:

  • Reserve your preferred tour time
  • Send reminders and campus details
  • Follow up with answers to your questions
  • Begin building your child’s profile (so they’re known by name from day one)

It only takes a minute to create your secure login. We promise — no pressure, just partnership.

Your information is encrypted and securely stored.

Begin Enrollment

Let’s Take the Next Step Together

We’re honored you’re considering James River Academy for your child. To begin enrollment, you’ll create a secure Brightwheel account. This allows us to:

  • Safely collect your child’s information
  • Complete required forms digitally
  • Protect your family’s data
  • Keep all communication in one easy place

Brightwheel is the same trusted system we use daily for parent updates, messaging, and billing — so getting started now makes everything seamless later. This is where partnership begins.

Already have a Brightwheel account? Simply log in to continue.