Our Approach to Learning

How Children Learn With Us

Whole-child, play-based learning at every age

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.
Philosophy

Growing the Whole Child

We believe children learn best when they feel safe, curious, and connected. That's why we support the whole child, academically, socially, and emotionally, and why the early years matter so much: this is when brains, habits, and a love of learning all take shape.

Our Curriculum

Learning Beyond Paper

Our classrooms follow Learning Beyond Paper, a research-based, play-based curriculum built around how young children actually learn, with hands-on STEAM, science, technology, engineering, arts, and math, woven into everyday play. It guides what happens all day, from the questions teachers ask to the activities they plan, so learning feels natural, joyful, and never forced. In our Georgia Pre-K classrooms, we follow Georgia's approved pre-K curriculum.

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Play is Serious Work

When a child stacks blocks, sorts colors, or acts out a story, they’re building early math, language, focus, and problem-solving without realizing it. That’s not a happy accident, it’s the design. Our teachers plan play with intention, setting up materials and moments that invite discovery, then follow where each child’s curiosity leads. The result is learning that sticks, because children practice skills in the way their brains are actually wired to learn them.

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Different at Every Age

An infant learning trust, a toddler learning words, and a pre-K child learning to write their name are all doing the same thing: growing. That’s why every classroom is designed for exactly where its children are, the materials, the routines, the questions teachers ask, and even the pace of the day all shift as children do. Your child is never rushed ahead or held back; they’re met right where they are.

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Hands-On, Every Day

Young children learn by doing: pouring and measuring at the water table, building and balancing with blocks, singing, painting, digging, and asking why. Real materials and real experiences turn big concepts into things little hands can hold. A worksheet can tell a child about “more” and “less,” but a measuring cup teaches it in a way they never forget. Our classrooms are stocked and structured for exactly that kind of learning.

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Growth You Can See

You’ll hear about what your child is working on through daily updates and everyday conversations with their teachers, the new word at the lunch table, the first friendship on the playground, the proud moment with the puzzle. Ask about your child’s day at pickup and you’ll get a real answer, not a shrug, because the person answering spent the whole day paying attention. Watching your child grow shouldn’t be something you miss by being at work; here, you don’t.

A Day at Our Schools

What a Day of Learning Looks Like

Learning here doesn’t start at a desk, it starts at the door. A warm welcome by name, a moment to say goodbye, and your child settles into a morning that follows a rhythm they know: hands-on activities and learning stations, circle time and stories, and the kind of focused play where the real work of childhood happens.

Days follow a steady rhythm. Active play balances quiet moments, outdoor time balances table time, and meals and rest come at the same beats every day, because children learn best when they know
what’s coming next. Inside that rhythm, teachers weave in the learning: counting at snack, vocabulary on the playground, problem-solving at the block corner.

By pickup, there’s a story waiting for you, what your child built, said, tried, or conquered that day. Those end-of-day conversations aren’t small talk. They’re how home and school stay one connected
world for your child, and just one way we make sure you get to be part of a day you didn’t have to miss.

Our Programs

Learning at Every Stage

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 curriculum do your schools use?

Our schools use Learning Beyond Paper, a research based, play-based curriculum built around how young children learn, with hands-on STEAM woven into everyday play. Ask your school to see how it comes to life in your child's classroom.

When a child stacks blocks, sorts of colors, or acts out a story, they're building early math, language, focus, and problem-solving, without realizing it. Our teachers plan play with intention, so a day that feels like fun is a full day of learning.

Daily reports and updates keep you close to your child's day, and drop-off and pickup are always a chance to talk with teachers about what your child is working on and loving. If you ever want a deeper conversation, your child's teacher is glad to have it.

The foundations are whole-child learning, safety practices, and teacher training carry across our family of schools. Each school also brings its own community and character, which we think is a strength, not a compromise.

Take the First Step Today

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

Find Your Local School

Four schools across metro Atlanta, and one near you