Our Heart

About James River Academy

We promise to love every child as Christ does – speaking life, teaching truth, and guiding them with intention. We commit to creating a secure, nurturing environment that develops strong minds, joyful hearts, and lasting character through a Christ-centered foundation.

Children joyfully dancing during a lively activity at James River Academy, showcasing a vibrant, nurturing environment focused on faith and community.
Text emphasizing faith, academics, and character-building at James River Academy, a nurturing Christian school.
Colorful logo of James River Academy, emphasizing a nurturing and Christ-centered educational environment for children.

Our Story

Where Every Child is Known, Loved, and Led with Purpose

Founded in 2010, James River Academy began as a small parent-led co-op with a simple goal: to create a place where children could learn in an environment filled with love, faith, and joy. As families shared their experiences and the need grew, the program expanded into a trusted Christian school serving children from infancy through 4th grade across Ozark and Springfield.

From the beginning, our heart has remained the same: every child should be known by name, loved deeply, and guided with purpose. We believe childhood is a season of joyful discovery, strong character-building, and deep belonging. Through small class sizes, nurturing teachers, and a Christ-centered environment, we partner with families to nurture the whole child—mind, heart, and spirit.

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Year Founded

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Various Daily Affirmations

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Children Served Through Our Downtown Tuition-Free Campus

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James River Academy Graduates To-Date

Our Team

Leaders Who Love and Serve

Meet the leaders who prayerfully guide our mission and care deeply for the families we serve.

Tami Parsley

Executive Director

Tonya Wofford

Director of Enrollment & Family Engagement

Sara Greer

Director of Staff & School Culture

Crystal Wooten

Assistant Director of Elementary Programs

Lauren Fisher

Downtown Campus Coordinator

Connect

Still have Questions?

Whether you want to talk through programs, ask about schedules, or understand how faith and academics work together, our team is here for you.

Our team is here to answer any questions and guide your next step.

Next Steps

Ready to See if JRA is Right for Your Family?

Choosing a school is a big decision. We’d love to walk through it with you.

Christian Early Learning for Infants Through 4th Grade

Where Every Child is Known, Loved, and Led with Purpose

A safe, joyful, and faith-filled environment where children thrive academically, socially, and spiritually.

Why JRA?

  • Flexible Care Options
  • Small Class Sizes
  • World Class Facilities
  • Faith-Based Foundation
  • Enriching Experiences
  • Family Events
  • A Whole-Child Approach

Academic & Full-Year Programs

Infant Care

6 Weeks – 24 months

A safe, loving start where nurturing caregivers help little ones grow in comfort, trust, and early development.

Preschool

2 – 5 Years Old

Hands-on learning with Adventure Rooms, Chapel, and Daily Affirmations that spark joy, curiosity, and confidence.

Elementary 

Kindergarten – 4th Grade

Strong academics and enrichment in Spanish, music, art, and movement – all taught through a biblical worldview.

Quick Links

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.

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.

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.

Contact

Hours

Mon–Fri: 7:00 AM – 5:30 PM

Locations
South Campus
Infant - 4th Grade
West Campus
Infant - Preschool
Downtown Springfield*
Downtown Tuition-Free Campus
Preschool Ages 3-5

*Located in First Baptist Church – a donor-supported, tuition-free program extending Christ-centered learning and care to local families in need.

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.

 James River Academy is a ministry extension of James River Church | jamesriver.church
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