Our Schools

Find the Right School for Your Family

Every family deserves a school they can trust close to home, and finding it shouldn't feel like a research project.

Shot of cheerful mother and father embracing their cute boy while sitting on the sofa in living room.
Our Family of schools

Neighborhood Schools with a Strong Foundation

Our schools carry the names their communities already know, and behind each one stands the strength of a larger family: shared safety practices, one approach to learning, and real support for teachers. Local warmth, bigger backing, and you feel both from the first visit.

Getting Started is Simple

From first look to first day, here's the path most families take.

Find Your School

Start with our school finder to see the schools near your home or work, the programs each offers, and the ages they serve. Most families discover there's a school closer than they realized.

Schedule a Tour

Pick a day and come see it for yourself: classrooms in motion, teachers at work, and a director ready for your questions. Bring your child along, their reaction is part of the answer.

Meet Your School's Team

Sit down with your director for the practical details, tuition, availability for your child's age, start dates, while getting to know the people who'd care for your child every day.

Enroll at Your School

When you're ready, your school's team guides you through every form and detail. Enrollment is year-round as space allows. From there, all that's left is picking a first day.

OUR STANDARDS

Licensed, Vetted, & Held to More

Every school in our family is licensed by the state, with real standards for safety, ratios, and daily operations behind that license. Many of our schools go further, holding additional accreditations and taking part in recognized quality programs. Ask your school which apply, or see what stands behind the name on the door.

What You'll Find Inside

The things families ask about most, and where to dig deeper.

Health and Safety

Keypad entry, background-checked teachers, and daily practices that protect every child.

Meals and Nutrition

How mealtimes work, from menus to allergies, and why the table is a classroom too.

Our Teachers

Screened, trained, and there for the moments that matter. Meet the people behind the day.

A preschool teacher sits on the floor of her classroom with a small group of students as she reads them a book. The children are each dressed casually and are focused on the story.

How Children Learn

Learning Beyond Paper, our play-based curriculum, turns every day into discovery.

Why Our Families Trust Us

Marilyn Guzman
Barnyard Academy - Lewisburg
"I chose this school because my nieces and nephews went to it before and they liked it. I have had my son enrolled here since 5 months old. It’s great school but it could use some improvement with updating the building especially the air conditioning. I love the pro care app I like that I can get notified about my child’s well being. I have really noticed the improvement it makes with my child being independent and learning life skills/ motor skills and being more outgoing. The teacher that my son has had so far been good. I love his teacher speak Spanish to him since we do speak Spanish only to him. Makes him feel comfortable. His toddler A class teachers are amazing and I’m grateful they are patient with him especially with his behavior he’s having. Thank you!"
Amanda Brown
Barnyard Academy - Lewisburg
"I chose Barnyard Academy because I wanted an environment that would truly support my daughter’s educational growth and development, and they exceeded my expectations. The teachers were incredibly hands-on, caring, and dedicated to preparing her for kindergarten—not only academically, but with the confidence she needed to succeed. She has now been in kindergarten for six weeks and is absolutely loving it and excelling in every area. I truly credit so much of that strong foundation to the hard work and dedication of the teachers and staff at Barnyard Academy. They go above and beyond for every child, and I am incredibly grateful for the wonderful experience my daughter had there." A very special thank you to Mrs. Jada and Chelsey! ❤️ They are incredibly caring, patient, and loving with my daughter, and you can truly see how much they care about the children. My little one feels comfortable and happy with them, which means everything to us. We are so grateful to have found Lakestone Academy and truly appreciate all the love and attention they give our daughter. I would highly recommend them to any parent looking for a caring and trustworthy daycare! ❤️"
Kaiden G
Barnyard Academy - Shelbyville
"We chose this school because it was recommend by many and our close friends and family who have now schools age children. When enrolling, the process was extremely expensive despite the other childcare rates in the community. We were told we would get a deposit back and we never received one even after putting in a 2 week notice out our child’s termination. Our child started at 6months and stayed until she was 18months. She was sent home 1-2 per week every week for numerous reasons. She was even sent home one day at 9:35, when we arrived home, she did not have a fever that they said she did. I let the school know and they still would not let her return the next school day. The teachers were rude and inconsistent. We never had the same teacher. My child never had a stable routine which was crucial for early childhood development. When dropping off my child a teacher, Lindsey Lanier, told another teacher that they were short staffed so they would have to figure out which children needed to go home. She was unaware that I overheard her and my child was one of the 3 children sent home that day for “vommiting.” When trying to go to upper management about situations, they always defended their staff stating they would never do things like or act the way they did. My child came home with more bite marks, strath marks, and bruises than she has ever gotten while playing with others at her new daycare. All in all, I highly DO NOT recommend barnyard to any parent who truly cares about the well being of their children. It was the worst experience we have ever had."
Sova Yos
Barnyard Academy - Murfreesboro
"When we moved here and started our daycare hunt for our infant, we visited a few daycares before finding Barnyard Academy. The warm, welcoming energy and genuine care from the staff was the first thing I noticed when we walked into the building. When I asked about the weekly expense, I originally thought to myself, ""Okay, that's pretty equivalent to the other daycares."" Towards the end of the tour, I brought up the tuition amount again and she corrected me when I stated the incorrect amount---I heard 50 when she had really said 15. That pleasant correction surprised me and really did pushed our decision to enroll our son into Barnyard. Our son is now almost 2 years old and he has learned a lot. The curriculum-based classrooms was one of the essential boxes for us in a daycare facility. We're currently potty-training him and Barnyard is assisting in making sure he is learning about the potty there as well. The staff has watched our son grow from an infant to him taking his first steps to him using sign language there and at home. He used to cling onto us and/or cry whenever we dropped him off and would rush to us as soon as he saw us at pick up time. Now, overtime, he doesn't cry or cling to us as much--still happens every now and then--but most times, he's in a good mood. There have been times when we would go pick him up and he doesn't want to leave! They often have little fun events, too! Their fall festival is coming up and it's always a good time for the kids!"
Korey Nolan
Barnyard Academy - Murfreesboro
"As a single mom, finding a daycare where I genuinely feel safe and confident leaving my children is incredibly important to me. I have had the most amazing experience with Barnyard Academy – Murfreesboro! Their Director, Sydney, is incredible. As a mom of four herself, she runs a very organized, clean, and well-managed daycare, and her communication is truly top-notch. You can tell how much she cares about the children, families, and staff. I feel completely safe leaving my children in their care every day. My kids absolutely ADORE their friends and teachers, and they are always excited to go to school in the morning—which means everything to me as a mom. I highly recommend Barnyard Academy in Murfreesboro, and especially want to recognize Sydney for the amazing job she does leading the center. Thank you, Barnyard, for providing my children and me with such an incredible experience! ❤️" Our son is now almost 2 years old and he has learned a lot. The curriculum-based classrooms was one of the essential boxes for us in a daycare facility. We're currently potty-training him and Barnyard is assisting in making sure he is learning about the potty there as well. The staff has watched our son grow from an infant to him taking his first steps to him using sign language there and at home. He used to cling onto us and/or cry whenever we dropped him off and would rush to us as soon as he saw us at pick up time. Now, overtime, he doesn't cry or cling to us as much--still happens every now and then--but most times, he's in a good mood. There have been times when we would go pick him up and he doesn't want to leave! They often have little fun events, too! Their fall festival is coming up and it's always a good time for the kids!"
Common Questions

Everything You Need to Know

What ages do your schools serve?

Our schools care for children from 6 weeks through school age, infants, toddlers, preschool, pre-K, and before- and after-school care for older siblings. Programs vary by school, so check your nearest school's offerings or ask their director what's available for your child's age.

A real look at a real day: classrooms in action, teachers doing what they do, and time with the director to ask anything. Bring your child if you'd like, watching how they take to the space tells you a lot. There's no pressure attached, just a chance to see if it feels right.

Tuition varies by school, program, and schedule, so your local school is the right source for current rates. They'll also walk you through anything that may lower your cost where offered.

Earlier than most families expect, especially for infant care, where spaces are limited everywhere and expecting parents often tour before their baby arrives. For preschool and pre-K, a few months ahead is typical. That said, families' plans change fast and openings do too, so it's never too late to ask.

Ask to join the waitlist. Classrooms turn over naturally as children grow into their next age group, so spots open throughout the year, and waitlists often move faster than families expect. And since we're a family of schools, there may be a sister school nearby with space now, same approach, same standards, so your child can start there and move over if a spot opens at your first choice. Your director can help you look at both options.

Take the First Step Today

One step closer to an exceptional education for your child, every day.

Find Your Local School

Four schools across Middle Tennessee, and one near you