- Overview
- Programs
- Our Team
- FAQs
- Schedule Options
Why Families in Charlotte, NC Choose Our Daycare and Preschool
Welcome to Cadence Academy Preschool Raintree, one of six Cadence Academy Preschools in Charlotte, North Carolina. Our early learning center provides high-quality daycare services for infants and toddlers, preschool programs that prepare young minds for future educational success, and school age programs and summer camp for elementary students. Families choose our Charlotte preschool because of our caring educators, play-based learning experiences, and commitment to supporting every stage of development.
And, as elementary schools are altering schedules, we are here to serve your needs and the needs of your school-aged children with enhanced programs to help with virtual learning sessions and more. We also participate in the Meck Pre-K program which provides quality preschool education for qualified families. To learn more and to apply for the Meck Pre-K program, click HERE.
A Childcare Center Built on Family and Community
Family involvement is an important part of our daycare and preschool community. As a small, close-knit early learning center, we believe families are an integral part of the program and encourage parents to actively participate in their child’s educational journey. Parents have opportunities to see their children’s teachers daily and to participate in the program as their schedules allow. This close relationship enhances each child’s personal growth and achievement and promotes a secure and safe environment. Communication between teacher and families adds to each child’s learning environment and offers support for continued success.
Early Childcare Programs Offered
Cadence Academy Preschool offers a variety of childcare and early education programs designed to support children at every stage of development. We have programs for every child, and our team can help you choose the right fit for your family.
- Infant Daycare: A nurturing, home-like environment where infants receive individualized care, sensory experiences, and loving support during their earliest stages of development.
- Toddler Daycare: An active learning environment where curious toddlers develop independence, communication skills, and confidence through exploration and guided play.
- Preschool: A play-based learning environment where children strengthen school-readiness skills, build confidence, and develop a lifelong love of learning.
- Pre-Kindergarten: A structured, engaging learning environment where children build the academic, social, and emotional skills needed for a confident transition to kindergarten and beyond.
- School-Age Program: A supportive before- and after-school program that provides homework assistance, enriching activities, and opportunities for children to build friendships and explore new interests.
- Summer Camp Programs: An adventure-filled camp experience where children engage in hands-on STEAM activities, team challenges, creative projects, and exciting discoveries all summer long.
Our Approach to Early Childhood Education
Ascend Curriculum 
Our Ascend Curriculum supports the academic, physical, emotional, and creative development of every child. It includes engaging activities in areas such as Cultural Understanding, Baby Signs, Literacy, Mathematics, and Technology. Important skills are progressively introduced at every age level and polished before kindergarten during our Kindergarten Club program. We believe children learn best when experiences are tailored to their interests. Our teachers personalize learning activities and use small group instruction to better support each child’s individual needs and developmental stage, including infants and toddlers who benefit from early exposure to our curriculum.
Kind Child
A cornerstone of our preschool curriculum is our Kind Child program. The goal of Kind Child is to promote happiness, build positive friendships, and support strong social-emotional development in every child. Through this program, we introduce valuable character traits such as Responsibility, Thankfulness, Sharing, and a Positive Self-Image. We have found that when we attend to the emotional well-being of each child in our care, we also strengthen our school!
What Makes our Daycare and Preschool Unique
Cadence Academy Preschool Raintree is committed to providing a consistent, high-quality early learning environment where children feel supported, confident, and excited to learn each day. Our focus is on creating meaningful early childhood experiences that help children grow academically, socially, and emotionally at every stage of development. Our warm, experienced educators build strong, caring relationships with each child, creating a foundation of trust and belonging from the very beginning. In combination with intentional small class sizes, we are able to provide individualized attention that supports each child’s unique needs, pace, and personality while encouraging independence and confidence.
Through engaging, play-based experiences throughout the day, children are encouraged to explore, discover, and learn in ways that feel natural and enjoyable. This helps foster curiosity, creativity, and confidence as they develop early learning skills. Our classrooms are thoughtfully designed to be safe, welcoming, and developmentally appropriate environments where children feel comfortable learning, playing, and building positive relationships with others. Above all else, we are committed to providing a safe and loving environment where every child feels valued, supported, and confident as they grow.
More About Our Raintree Location
Cadence Academy Preschool, Raintree is conveniently located at 8010 Strawberry Lane, Charlotte, NC 28277, at the southwest corner of Pineville-Matthews Road and Strawberry Lane in the peaceful Raintree neighborhood of South Charlotte. Our preschool and daycare is easily accessible for families throughout South Charlotte and the surrounding communities, making daily drop-off and pick-up convenient for busy parents.
Cadence KickStart™ Soccer
Big Fun. Little Players. Growing Confidence.
Cadence KickStart™ Soccer is a high-energy enrichment program designed to build confidence, coordination, and teamwork through fun, age-appropriate soccer play. Led by the teachers your child already knows and trusts, it’s seamlessly built into the school day.
Program Highlights:
- Designed for ages 3–5
- 12-week program (once per week)
- 40–50 minute sessions
- Builds balance, coordination, and motor skills
- Encourages listening, teamwork, and confidence
- No prior soccer experience needed
- Integrated into your child’s daily schedule

5 Star Child Care License
The State of North Carolina introduced the Star Rated License system in September 2000 to provide families a way to quick way to recognize high-quality child care. Eligible daycare centers and preschools are regularly evaluated based on program standards and staff education. Cadence Academy Preschool, Raintree is proud to be a 5 Star License Center, which is North Carolina’s highest rating.
Schedule a Tour of Our Charlotte Preschool and Daycare
We invite you to schedule a tour to see our classrooms, meet our teachers, and learn more about our programs and find the right fit for your child.
Programs Offered
Our Team
Alexandria Elo
School Director
Alexandria Elo is the School Director at Cadence Academy Preschool and is passionate about creating a nurturing environment where every child feels safe, valued, and inspired to learn. She studied Early Childhood Education with a focus on Administration at South Piedmont Community College and Stanly Community College.
Alexandria began her career in early childhood education five years ago as an assistant teacher and, after earning her Lead Teacher Credential, became the lead teacher in the three-year-old classroom while also taking on administrative responsibilities. Her dedication to the school led her to serve as Assistant Director before stepping into her current role as School Director.
Alexandria loves the joy, curiosity, and creativity children bring each day. She is committed to creating a welcoming community where children, families, and staff can learn, grow, and thrive together.
Outside of school, Alexandria enjoys spending time with her family and crocheting.
LeNera Sturdivant
Assistant Director
LeNera Sturdivant is the Assistant Director at Cadence Academy Preschool and has been working in early childhood education since 2015. She holds degrees in Business Administration, Early Childhood Education, Fashion Marketing, and Educational Studies from SPCC, The Art Institute of Charlotte, and Wingate University. LeNera is passionate about teaching, encouraging, and supporting young children as they grow into their unique personalities and abilities.
Throughout her career, LeNera has served in a variety of roles, including Lead Teacher, Summer Camp Director, Preschool Co-Director, and Kids’ Office Manager. In addition to her work in education, she is an entrepreneur, certified event planner, and nonprofit founder. Outside of work, LeNera enjoys spending time with her two sons, family gatherings, cooking, baking, and creative design projects. She is committed to building strong relationships with children, families, and staff while helping create a positive and welcoming school community.
What are your hours?
We are open Monday through Friday from 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM, providing full-day care to support working families.
What ages are accepted?
We offer programs for children from 6 weeks through 12 years old.
What will my child be learning?
Children learn through a skill-based curriculum that supports development across literacy, math, science, physical fitness, creative expression, social-emotional growth, cultural understanding, technology, and language. Learning is guided by teachers through intentional, age-appropriate activities that build skills step by step while supporting each child’s individual growth. This approach builds confidence, independence, and kindergarten readiness through engaging, hands-on experiences.
How do you ensure safety and security?
We prioritize safety through secure entry systems with individual access codes, trained staff certified in First Aid and CPR, and routine safety drills and emergency preparedness plans.
How do I schedule a tour?
You can schedule a tour online using our self-service booking system with at least 24 hours’ notice so we can prepare for your visit and ensure the best experience for your family.
How much is tuition?
Tuition at varies based on your child’s age, selected program, and attendance schedule. Please contact us for the most accurate and up-to-date pricing information.
Childcare Schedule Options That Work With Your Life
Every family’s routine is unique — and your childcare should be too. With Cadence Education, our Family of Schools may offer various schedule options designed to fit your life.
Each of our school’s are unique, and may not offer all of the options listed below. Talk with your School Director to learn what options are available for your family.
FlexiPass — New Flexible Care Option!
When schedules change, or the grandparents cancel, or life just gets busy, FlexiPass gives you five prepaid days of care that you can use whenever* you need them, one at a time or all at once. No registration fees. No ongoing tuition. Just dependable care when you need it most.


