Preschool at DOWNTOWN
Extending Christian early learning to preschoolers of families in need – rooted in faith, built on love, and designed for whole-child growth.
Our Downtown Tuition-Free Campus offers the same Christ-centered curriculum and academic excellence as every James River Academy location – made possible through generous donor support. This program includes an intentional parent partnership model, with added commitments that promote family consistency and student success.
Enrollment for the 2026-2027 academic year begins on April 6th.
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.
Why do I need to create an account?
We use Brightwheel to keep family information secure and communication clear. This allows us to protect your child’s information and serve you with excellence from your very first interaction.
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.
Why do I need to create an account?
We use Brightwheel to keep family information secure and communication clear. This allows us to protect your child’s information and serve you with excellence from your very first interaction.
Hours of Operation
Mon – Fri: 9AM – 3PM
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: Closed
Contact
For Ages 3 – 5
Program Highlights
Through two intentional years of preschool, our Downtown 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 Rooted in Generosity
A scholarship based, tuition-free preschool program serving families through faith, love, and early learning opportunities.
Extending Education to Families in Need
James River Academy at Downtown 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 Downtown Tuition-Free Campus 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 Downtown Tuition-Free Program 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
In James River Academy at Downtown, 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.
Enrollment Requirements
For James River Academy at Downtown:
- 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.
Give Hope
Sponsor a Child’s Journey
When you sponsor a child, you’re doing more than covering tuition – you’re helping create a foundation of hope, consistency, and belonging.
Through the Downtown Tuition-Free Program, your generosity creates steady ground for a child to grow. In a safe, faith-filled environment, students receive daily encouragement, strong academic preparation, and consistent reminders that their lives carry God-given purpose. Your sponsorship strengthens local families in Springfield, MO, restores confidence, and provides the stability children need to flourish — not just in the classroom, but in life.
This is an opportunity to stand in the gap for a child and help shape a future marked by faith, growth, and possibility.
Whether you feel called to give monthly, sponsor a child for the school year, or support the essential needs of students and their families, every gift creates meaningful impact. Our team would be honored to walk you through the options and help you choose the level of partnership that’s right for you.
Call us at 417.581.8710, reach out through our Facebook page, email [email protected], or complete the form to begin. You truly can help change the trajectory of a child’s future.