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About Cadence Academy Preschool in Antelope, CA
We are an early education-based childcare center with a really incredible campus featuring warm, engaging classrooms and a huge playground! Our interactive learning environments are fun, clean, safe, and educational. The teachers in your child’s classroom are all fully qualified and most of them have completed their AA or BA degrees in Early Childhood Education.
The average tenure of the staff is almost seven years with Cadence Academy Preschool (formerly The Phoenix Schools), and we have an extremely low teacher turnover rate. We use the ECERS & ITERS rating scales for quality and our classrooms, teachers, and curriculum are routinely evaluated to ensure we maintain the very high standards of Cadence Academy Preschool. We are proud to lead the way in preparing children for kindergarten.
Through our specialized curriculum and dedicated teachers, we strive to ensure that your child is not just ready for kindergarten, but ready to excel. In 2024, 100% of the Pre-K children assessed in our school demonstrated Readiness or Advanced Readiness for Kindergarten!
Preschool Programs Offered:
We have an outstanding curriculum for all ages, including a state-of-the-art computer lab and Spanish instruction.
- Infant Daycare (ages 6 weeks to 1 year)
- Toddler Daycare (ages 1 to 2)
- Early Childhood Learning (ages 2 to 3)
- Preschool (ages 3 to 4)
- Pre-Kindergarten (ages 4 to 5)
- School-Age Program (ages 5 to 12)
- Summer Camp Programs (ages 5 to 12)
Our Philosophy
The teachers and staff at Cadence Academy Preschool in Antelope are personally committed to the development and education of each and every child in their care. With our research-directed curriculum, inviting school, and caring teachers we aim to help your child learn and thrive while having a blast.
What Makes Us Unique
Our staff works hard to develop individual relationships with each child and their family. We look for ways to meet the needs of each individual child and family while maintaining consistency in the activities and in the needs of the program.
We pride ourselves on the direct lines of communication between teachers, parents, and the director. We have scheduled parent-teacher conferences, regular newsletters, and convenient ongoing communications through e-mail. We want to make sure you are always in the know about your child’s activities and development at school. Cadence Academy Preschool is well known for its community involvement. We participate in many local events, including The Lions Club “Picnic in the Park,” the Annual Community OSH Garage Sale, Annual Community Easter Egg Hunts, and other community and charitable activities. We are also proud sponsors of several local Little League and Soccer Teams.
We partner with the surrounding elementary schools to make sure that our Pre-K programs are tailored to meet the kindergarten entry requirements. Kindergarten teachers from our local elementary schools are always eager to receive The Phoenix Schools preschool graduates because they know that they are starting that first day of kindergarten with the right set of skills to make them successful.
Getting To Our Preschool
Our Antelope center is located at 4110 Skyland Ct, Antelope, CA 95843, near the corner of Walrega Rd and Elverta Rd, right next to WinCo Foods. We serve families from several nearby school districts, including Center, Dry Creek, and Twin Rivers, as well as surrounding neighborhoods like Barrett Ranch, Quail Park, and Highland Greens.
Our convenient location near Antelope Rd and Watt Ave provides a smooth morning and evening commute for working parents heading toward Roseville, Citrus Heights, McClellan Park, or downtown Sacramento.
Programs Offered
Our Team
Mary Patten
School Director
With over two decades of experience in early childhood education, I have dedicated my career to creating nurturing, enriching environments where young children can thrive. I’ve been in the field since 2003 and earned my degree in Human Development from Cal State East Bay in 2013. As a mother of four and a proud grandmother, I understand the trust families place in us each day. That’s why I’m committed to leading with compassion, integrity, and a deep love for the work we do at Cadence Academy. Outside of school, I enjoy time with my beloved dogs—Diamond, our Pitbull, and Domino, our Chihuahua—who bring just as much joy and energy into my life as the children do! Every day, I feel grateful to do what I love and to be a part of a community that values growth, connection, and care
Kayla Zamarripa
Assistant Director
I’ve been a part of the Cadence family since 2018, starting as a part-time preschool teacher. Over the years, I continued my education and was proud to step into the role of Assistant Director in 2023. I specialize in enrollment and family communication, and I’m passionate about creating a warm, safe, and welcoming environment where families feel confident and supported. As a parent of four children who all attend Cadence, I have a deep, personal connection to our school community. When I’m not on campus, I love spending time with family and friends—and whenever I get the chance, I enjoy visiting my favorite place: Hawaii.
Kelly Winters
Assistant Director
With over 23 years of experience at Cadence Academy Preschool, I’ve had the privilege of supporting countless children and families throughout their early learning journeys. Being a part of each child’s growth and development is not just a job—it’s my passion and purpose. Outside of school, I enjoy spending time with my family, including my wonderful husband of 24 years and our adult son. Our home is always full of life, thanks to our five dogs, six cats, and even a snake! Every day at Cadence is a new opportunity to make a positive impact, and I’m truly honored to be part of such an important chapter in your child’s life.
Olliyah Johnson
Teacher of the Year
I’m honored to be recognized as Teacher of the Year! I’ve been part of the Cadence family for two years, and every day has been a rewarding step in my journey as an educator. I hold an associate degree in History and am currently pursuing my bachelor’s degree and teaching credential at Sacramento State. My passion for teaching grows stronger with each moment I spend in the classroom. What I love most about working at Cadence is witnessing the growth in our students—seeing a child overcome a challenge or master a new skill is truly one of the most fulfilling parts of this job. Watching what I’ve taught come to life in their learning is the greatest reward. I’m grateful to be part of such a supportive and inspiring community, and I look forward to continuing to make a difference in the lives of our young learners.
Reviews from Parents
Cadence Academy Preschool, Antelope
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