Canterbury Schools

(4.7 stars) • 53 Reviews

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Overview
  • Programs
  • Our Team
  • Reviews

About Canterbury Academy Preschool in Kansas City

Canterbury Academy at Briarcliff is conveniently located just a 1/4 mile south of Briarcliff Village near the intersection of NW Platte Road and Briarcliff Parkway In Kansas City, Missouri. We first opened our doors in 2008 and we strive every day to create an enriching environment where your child will thrive.

Our trained, qualified, and caring staff takes a hands-on approach to learning and provides quality programming and dedicated teachers for children from when they join us as toddlers all the way through 3rd grade. Our students are encouraged to be active and creative explorers, as well as independent, self-confident and inquisitive learners. Each child is treated as an individual and encouraged to progress at his or her natural ability while still reaching desired age-level goals.

Programs Offered:

  • Infant Daycare (ages 2 weeks to 1 year)
  • Toddler Daycare (ages 1 to 2)
  • Preschool (ages 2 to 4)
  • Pre-Kindergarten (ages 4 to 5)

Our Philosophy

Our primary objective at Canterbury Academy is to provide the most enriching environment to facilitate a child’s 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.

What Makes Us Unique

Canterbury Academy schools are known for our warmly decorated, homelike environment. Our family-friendly policy is one that welcomes parent visits any time of the day. We host monthly events and parties celebrating major holidays that create a fun, celebratory feel on campus. We also offer age-appropriate playgrounds and outdoor learning environments.

Breakfast and a hot, nutritious lunch is made on-premises by our full-time cook and served each day along with regularly scheduled snacks.

Our Team

Kirsten Wells

Kirsten Wells

School Director

Over the past 20 years I have worked in every class with Infants to School age. Along with working with multiple childcare companies. My favorite thing is walking into the classroom and feeling like a superstar to those kids as they run up to greet you and give hugs. In my free time I enjoy hanging out with my four kids,  cheering on the Kansas City Chiefs and spending time at the pool.

Tiffany Milich

Tiffany Milich

Assistant Director

I have always enjoyed working with children and being about to watch them grow. I love working at Cadence Education and value all of the relationships I have made with teachers and families. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my friends and family, cooking, going on walks with my dog and trying new restaurants.

Jennifer Rice

Jennifer Rice

Teacher of the Year

My name is Jennifer Rice, and I have a strong passion for early childhood education, which I began pursuing professionally after completing my studies in psychology and sociology at William Jewell College. I started my career working with children as a nanny and later as a lead teacher at a learning center, gaining experience over several years. I joined Cadence Education because I deeply value the supportive and encouraging environment, and I enjoy collaborating with my co-workers and the wonderful families we serve. Outside of work, I love spending time with my three boys, listening to music, and journaling. My goal is to help children grow into confident individuals by fostering creativity, self-expression, and positive development in every child I teach.

Reviews from Parents

4.7 Rating based on 53 Reviews Leave A Review
Claire Opura • Google
Moving to Kansas City from another state was quite a transition, especially for my toddler. Adjusting to a new environment wasn’t easy for him, he didn’t like coming to school and would resist being dropped off. Thankfully, Tiffany and Kristen have been incredibly supportive and welcoming. Their cheerful presence and willingness to assist have made it so much easier for me to leave my son in their care each day. My son is in the Australia classroom, where he is guided by Miss Charli and Miss Olivia. They are both so kind to him and make a genuine effort to ensure he feels comfortable and safe in his new school setting. Overall, I’m truly happy to have found Canterbury. It’s been a wonderful place for my son to begin this new chapter, and I appreciate the warm, caring environment the staff has created.
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Brittney Gatlin • Facebook
I was lucky enough to keep my kiddo home for the first 3 years so ripping the bandaid for all of us was very emotional when it was time to get some socializing time away from home! They have been amazing with my son, but my husband and I as well, as we were extremely nervous no matter who we chose to care for our baby. I called a couple times the first day, I admit, and they were soo wonderful. Assured me about what I was concerned about but more importantly I didn’t feel like a nuisance!! The best thing, my kid is happy, he likes it, he’s learning, growing, improving, making friends , trying new food. It warms my heart to see the progress and interest in new things happen for him each week. Im very happy with our decision & I think my son is too!! Thank you to the staff , all of you, thank you for what you do!
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Amanda Alviso • Facebook
My daughter has been going to Canterbury for a whole year! She started right at 9 weeks old and she is now 14 months. I had the fears every new mom has and the teachers navigated these feelings very well. The nursery teachers supported my desire to send breastmilk and supported baby led weaning as well, even when I was a little scared to let someone else watch her eat! Everyone is responsible for ensuring safe sleep practices while at school. I drop my daughter off in the morning and my husband picks her up, so sometimes things get lost in translation, but I know she is going to be taken care of, loved on, and learn through play all day. The teachers are consistent, kind, and I just can’t imagine the last year of our lives being any different! THANK YOU ❤️❤️
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Ashley Whitener • Google
We absolutely love Canterbury and the staff! Highly recommend, specifically the pre-school classes! Ms. Nicole and Mrs. Brouse are absolutely incredible!
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Canterbury Schools

Kansas City, MO

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Preparing Your Child To THRIVE

Your child is unique, and we are happy to provide an educational, fun, and nurturing environment where each child can develop and thrive in order to build a bright future with unlimited possibilities.