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15801 Metcalf Ave
Overland Park, KS 66223 - (913) 804-2338
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Monday - Friday
7:00 AM - 6:00 PM - Ages: 6 weeks - 12 years
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- Overview
- Programs
- Our Team
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Canterbury Academy at Small Beginnings offers families a unique Montessori-based educational environment where preschool, kindergarten, and elementary students thrive! We know that finding the right school for your child is an extremely important decision and we strive every day to provide children a well-rounded educational experience that will serve them for years to come.
Our Programs
- Infant Daycare (ages 2 weeks to 1 year)
- Toddler Daycare (ages 1 to 2.5)
- Preschool (ages 2.5 to 4)
- Pre-Kindergarten (ages 4 to 5)
- Private Kindergarten
- K-5 (ages 5 to 11) – for the 2020 – 2021 school year, we will be offering additional classes for structured small group education in a multi-age setting. New classes will be for grades K-2 and grades 3-5 as separate groupings. We are also offering a virtual/hybrid program to help students with virtual learning support according to local school district programs. We will partner with local school districts to follow learning plans and will help children stay on track with virtual learning.
- Summer Camp (ages 5 to 12)
Our Montessori Philosophy
Our primary objective at Canterbury Academy is to create enriching elementary and preschool learning centers that facilitate extraordinary development. We believe that every child has the ability to learn and to teach, and that a child who enjoys learning will always seek challenges in life.
Our programs are based upon the Montessori principles of self-direction and experiential education. We promote a thoughtful and sensitive atmosphere in each classroom, and we support cooperation between children as they learn from one another. We have Montessori-based Learning Centers in each classroom, which ensure each child has numerous content-rich activities to explore at any given time. Our multi-age preschool classrooms enhance our learning environment by allowing children to develop at their own pace.
Kind Child
Kindness is the foundation of our school culture and Kind Child has become a popular part of our curriculum. We introduce social and emotional skills each month and focus on the development of a specific character trait like Responsibility, Empathy, a Positive Self-Image, and Respect every two months. The goal of Kind Child is to elevate the well-being of every child in our care and to enrich friendships.
Our School’s Location
Canterbury Academy at Small Beginnings is conveniently located less than a mile east of the 69 Highway and can be reached by taking the exit at either 151st St or 159th St. Our address is 15801 Metcalf Ave, Overland Park, KS 66223, but you’ll want to turn east onto 158th St from Metcalf Avenue to reach our parking lot. We share the southeast corner of Metcalf and 158th St with Bank of America and Tires Plus.
If you’re looking for before and after care for your elementary student, we provide transportation to and from Blue River Elementary School, Lakewood Elementary, Stanley Elementary, Stilwell Elementary, Sunrise Point Elementary, and Morse Elementary.
Programs Offered
Our Team
Sarah Bowman
Director
I have been in early childhood education for over 25 years. I hold an Associate’s Degree in Early Childhood Education, and a Bachelor’s Degree in Human Relations and Management. I am currently working towards a Master’s Degree in Early Childhood Education through the online program from Kansas State University.
I am very excited to continue my career here at Canterbury Academy at Small Beginnings. What brought me here is the mission statement and the true heart this family has for the children in their care. Providing parents with peace of mind by giving children an exceptional education every fun filled day in a place as nurturing as home should be at the heart of every teacher and childcare facility, I am proud to be part of a team that lives this mission every day.
A few of my favorite things to do in the classroom it to set up fun and messy activities for the children to explore. It also fills my heart to watch the children learn and grow throughout the year. I love to read books and laugh and play with the kids, you will also catch me singing with the children.
My husband and I have been married for 18 years. We have a 11-year-old daughter, Cameryn, and a 9-year-old, son, Charlie. When we are not at work or school, we enjoy hanging out together in the backyard or kitchen table around a board game. We love the lake life in the summer, as well as, visiting the Bowman Farm in Iowa.
Tanya Adams
Assistant Director
I have been with Canterbury since 2003, when I was a junior in high school. I have worked in all age groups, from infant to Pre-K and even grade school, until I switched to my admin role in 2020. I am Montessori certified and am working towards completing my CDA.
I am a mother to three amazing boys and one little girl. We currently live in a small town in Missouri with our two dogs. I love working in the early childhood field and watching the kids grow and learn new things each day. My goal in childcare is to make sure each child is successful and happy in their time at Canterbury.
Marion Troast
Lead Grade School Teacher
I have worked for Canterbury for 16 years. I started my career in 2000 as a Pre-K teacher and moved to the grade school program in 2003. I have seen many students pass through my classroom door and I am proud to say that I have given them the foundation to be successful students. I graduated from Bowling Green State University, have a Bachelor’s Degree in Education, and hold a directors license in Kansas.
I have been married for 24 years and have 2 wonderful sons. I am proud to say my oldest son serves in the United States Army and my youngest is a Physical Education teacher and high school soccer coach. I have 2 wonderful grandchildren and a big dog named Boss. I enjoy shopping (especially for antiques) and attending sporting events. I am a crazy KU fan and love Kansas basketball!
When I was hired at Small Beginnings, the director said I want this job to be your career. I am proud to say I have done just that! The best part of my job is hearing from past families. Hearing that their child is successful in school makes my job extremely rewarding!
Reviews from Parents
Karley Shirfan • Google
Jennifer Denny • Google
Anna Spady • Google
J Jones • Google
Canterbury Schools
Overland Park, KS
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