At Explorer Learning Academy (ELA), we believe that children learn best through play. Our curriculum integrates hands-on experiences in art, music, and movement to introduce foundational concepts in language arts, math, and science. We tailor our developmentally appropriate curriculum to meet each child’s individual needs—socially, emotionally, physically, and cognitively—through consistent daily routines and an emergent approach that sparks curiosity and discovery.
We utilize the HighScope Curriculum, which emphasizes active participatory learning and supports development across eight content areas, including approaches to learning, social and emotional development, physical development and health, language, literacy, and communication, mathematics, creative arts, science and technology, and social studies. Additionally, we incorporate Learning Without Tears to develop fine motor skills and handwriting, and the Second Step program to foster social-emotional learning and self-regulation.
Our Mission
At Explorer Learning Academy, our mission is to provide high-quality, inclusive early childhood education that lays a strong foundation for lifelong learning. We are committed to creating nurturing environments where every child is respected, supported, and empowered to reach their full potential.
Our Vision
We envision a community where all children have access to exceptional early learning experiences that foster curiosity, resilience, and a love for discovery. Through collaborative partnerships with families and communities, we strive to cultivate confident learners prepared to thrive in a diverse and evolving world.
Our Classrooms
Our classrooms feature dedicated areas for discovery learning, including art, science, dramatic play, writing, and music. Children engage in activities that build simple math and phonics skills, enhance large and fine motor development, and promote positive behavior and manners. We also focus on teaching kindness, love, and self-regulation.
Outdoor play is an essential part of our daily schedule, with supervised playground time provided in the morning and afternoon, weather permitting. This time supports healthy growth, development, and creative social interaction. To keep families informed and engaged, we distribute monthly newsletters highlighting classroom activities and learning milestones.
At Explorer Learning Academy (ELA), we foster a nurturing environment where children are encouraged to:
Be attentive: Listen actively to teachers and peers.
Show kindness: Treat others with respect and empathy.
Maintain safety: Use walking feet indoors to ensure everyone’s well-being.
Participate in cleanup: Take responsibility for tidying up after activities.
Build community: Engage as caring and helpful members of our classroom family.
Embrace joy: Laugh, smile, and find happiness in daily experiences.
Explore creatively: Engage in play, art, and discovery to stimulate imagination and innovation.
Child‑Centered Learning
We prioritize the unique strengths and interests of each child, fostering environments that encourage self-directed play and discovery. This approach nurtures an early love of learning that endures throughout life.
Researched Curriculum
Our research-inspired approach blends proven early childhood curricula to support the whole child. We use the HighScope Curriculum to promote active learning and independence, Learning Without Tears for early literacy and fine motor skills, and Second Step to build social-emotional awareness.
Individual Attention
Our low staff‑to‑student ratios ensure every child receives the guidance and encouragement needed to foster social, physical, emotional and cognitive growth at an individualized pace.
Eliminating Financial Barriers
We believe every child deserves access to high-quality early education, regardless of their family’s income. To ensure affordability, we offer no-cost preschool through the Preschool for All (PFA) and Preschool Promise (PSP) programs, free infant and toddler care funded by the Early Childhood Equity Fund (ECEF), and accept Employment Related Day Care (ERDC) subsidies for eligible families. By participating in city, county, and state-funded initiatives, we actively work to remove financial, linguistic, and logistical obstacles, making equitable early learning a reality for Black, African, and all historically underserved communities.
Sensory‑Friendly Spaces
Our classrooms are intentionally designed to be calm, soothing, and accessible to all children, including those with sensory processing needs. We incorporate Montessori-inspired elements such as natural lighting, neutral tones, child-sized furnishings, and carefully selected materials promoting order, independence, and concentration. These universal design features create a sensory-friendly environment that supports self-regulation, fosters focus, and allows each child to engage meaningfully with their surroundings at their own pace.
Inclusive & Diverse Community
We celebrate and uplift the rich cultural, racial, and linguistic diversity of our children, families, and staff. Our program actively recruits and supports educators of color and multilingual professionals to reflect the communities we serve and foster a deep sense of belonging. Our dedicated educators are trained to identify and thoughtfully develop personalized, evidence‑based modifications and accommodations for students with special needs, as well as those with learning, perceptual, and developmental disabilities. Through this lens of equity and care, we cultivate environments where every child is valued, affirmed, and supported in their individual journey.
“Play is the work of childhood.” – Jean Piaget
