Early Learning Academy

Banner_two girls.png

Early Learning Academy

The Early Learning Academy at 探花精选 is听a high-quality preschool in St. Francois County with an innovative curriculum designed to meet the needs of the community and support working families.听

A Play-Based Curriculum
Current research shows that children who play have brains that are 20% larger than students who do not play. Children have the opportunity to develop a sense of responsibility for each other and their natural environment and resources and we emphasize nature to foster environmental literacy. In addition, children learn the importance of a healthy mind and body. Established learning centers include science and nature, yoga mats for meditation time, and a Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics (STEAM) center.听

An Inclusive Community to Meet the Needs of All Students
The facility, including the playground, is ADA-compliant and fully accessible. Our听highly-qualified teaching staff is prepared to support students at all levels of learning and accommodations are implemented to support learning for all children enrolled in the academy. Teachers focus on building confidence in each child to help contribute his or her gifts within the learning community. The academy will partner with area resources to address mental health services for children, families, and staff, and will reach out to English Language Learners (ELL) services and work with local Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE) or First Steps providers to offer supplemental services.

A Unique Approach to Education听
Children听have access to nature trails, a fine arts theatre and gymnasium, along with opportunities for many educational/enrichment learning experiences throughout 探花精选's campus such as day camps with the athletic teams, fine arts camps, and science classes.听Families are encouraged to participate in daily learning activities at scheduled times throughout the day and invited to attend monthly parent education sessions covering topics such as developmental milestones, parenting styles, and exceptional learners.听

Frequently Asked Questions

We are located in the former Continuing Education Building at the main entrance of 探花精选's Park Hills campus, which is on Flat River Road at US Highway 67.听

The building sits between Serenity HospiceCare and the Missouri Highway Patrol.

听

We serve children ages 2-5 years.

Children should be potty-trained.

Hours听
Open Year Round
Monday-Friday
7:00 am - 5:30 pm
With extended care until 6:00 PM*

*Additional fee of $25/week for extended care.

Tuition
$700 per month
$750 per month (effective July 2026)

Extended Care
(Pickup child by 6 pm)
Additional $25.00 per week

We will only offer full-time enrollment

Meals听and snacks are included in the tuition听price.听

The academy is part of the . We will provide organic meals/snacks based on the MyPlate and guidelines that are set forth by the CACFP.

Diet and allergy accommodations will be respected and听meals are served with family-style dining.听Family-style dining in early childhood programs is听when children and teachers sit together at a table for a meal or snack. It helps children make healthy food choices by seeing positive attitudes from teachers and peers.

Teachers must have a minimum of a two-year degree with an emphasis on early childhood education or child development. The teacher must be certified in Creative Curriculum and Teaching Strategies Gold. All employees must pass a background check.听

The child/teacher ratio is 15:2, with one听lead teacher and one assistant teacher per class.

We will work with First Steps, Parents as Teachers, EMAA Head Start, and local ECSE to help transition, offer services, or evaluate children that may qualify for services.

The safety of our children is a top priority. We have multiple safety measures in place to ensure a secure facility including family key card access plus restricted entry to a staffed reception area.

All adults who enter the facility will be required to provide an ID and those entering classrooms for special events during business hours must pass a background check.

Fill out our application above
or contact our director for more info:


Karley Berner

Early Learning Academy Director
(573) 518-2142
EarlyLearning@MineralArea.edu