We serve children from 6 weeks through 4th grade across our Springfield and Ozark, Missouri campuses. This currently includes 3 core programs:

• Infant & Toddler Care (6 weeks – 24 months)
• Preschool (2 – 5 years old)
• Elementary (Kindergarten – 4th Grade) …with 5th grade coming 2027-2028!

Every stage is designed to nurture your child academically, socially, emotionally, and spiritually.

We offer both! Full-time and part-time care is available for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers at the South and West Campuses.

• Infant, Toddler & Preschool (6 weeks – 5 years old) 
  • Full-time Program: 7:00 AM – 5:30 PM, year-round, Monday – Friday
  • Part-time Program: 9:30 AM – 2:30 PM, academic-year with 2-Day, 4-Day, and 5-Day options.
    
    
• Elementary (Kindergarten – 4th) Follows a 4-day academic-year schedule Monday – Thursday at the South Campus
  
  • Before Care: 7:00 AM – 9:00 AM
  • School Day: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
  • After Care: 3:00 PM – 5:30 PM
    
    
• Downtown Tuition-Free Program (Ages 3-5): Follows the Springfield Public School’s 5-day academic-year schedule and is held from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM at the Downtown Campus in First Baptist Church

Our curriculum blends research-based academic instruction with a biblical worldview at every age level.

• Preschool: Hands-on, developmentally appropriate learning in math, phonics, early literacy, science, and social-emotional development—taught through play and biblical truth.
• Elementary: A strong foundation in phonics, reading, writing, math, science, and social studies, paired with Bible, chapel, character formation, Spanish, music, and enrichment.

No matter the grade, children experience education that builds both knowledge and Christlike character.

Safety is one of our highest priorities. Each campus uses:

• Secure check-in and locked-door entry systems
• Full-time, on-site security guards
• Background-checked, trained staff
• Low teacher-to-student ratios for personal attention and supervision
• Clean, well-maintained classrooms and play areas
• Transparent parent communication
• Emergency and health protocols aligned with Missouri state guidelines

Parents tell us they feel peace of mind the moment they walk through our doors.

Yes. James River Academy is a ministry extension of James River Church.

While the academy operates with its own leadership team and licensed educators, everything we do is rooted in the mission of loving children like Christ and teaching them God’s purpose for their lives.

Beginning your journey with James River Academy is simple — and we’re here to walk with you every step of the way.

1. Come Visit Us – Schedule a tour to meet our teachers, see our classrooms, and experience the heart of JRA firsthand.

2. Complete Your Application – After your visit, you’ll receive access to the appropriate application in the Brightwheel app. Once submitted with the enrollment fee, your child’s spot is secured!

Have questions along the way? Our team is always happy to help. Choosing a school is a big decision — and we’re honored to walk through it with you. (Already visited us or ready to move forward? Simply select your campus from the main menu and click “Begin Enrollment” to get started.)

Tuition varies by program and campus starting at just $305 per month. Each program includes our faith-based curriculum, enrichment activities, chapel experiences, cherished family events, and a safe, welcoming place for your child to learn and grow.

Families receive ongoing communication, progress updates, and invitations to special events via Brightwheel (Read More) – strengthening the connection between home and school.

Hot lunch is available for purchase for students in the South Campus Elementary program, and daily snacks are provided to every child at no additional cost as part of our care.

For specific tuition rates by program and campus, our team would love to share a detailed breakdown during your tour, or you can request more information by selecting your campus from the main menu and clicking “Request Information.”

Yes. Some families may qualify for state-supported child care assistance to help with monthly tuition specifically at the West Campus, including low-income and foster families. We’re happy to walk you through what options may be available.

Families may also apply for our Downtown Tuition-Free Campus – currently operating in First Baptist Church – which is a donor-supported, tuition-free program extending Christ-centered learning and care to local families in need. If you’d like to learn more about eligibility or next steps, you can visit the Downtown Campus page or contact our team directly.