Your School
Cadence Academy Mallard is a mile south of the I-85/I-485 Interchange in North Charlotte and was previously known as Gateway Academy.
Our childcare center is conveniently located a couple blocks east of I-85 at the northwest corner of Mallard Creek Church Rd and Mallard Glen Dr. Cadence Academy Preschool is proud to be a part of the Cadence Education Family of Schools. One of the benefits of working with Cadence is that it gets us access to programs that you won’t find at other preschools.
We utilize proprietary programs such as Kindergarten Club, Kind Child, and the Ascend Curriculum in our classrooms because they help us prepare children socially, emotionally, physically, and academically for success in elementary school. Testing confirms that our students are more than ready for kindergarten!
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.
Cadence Academy Preschool, Mallard offers a variety of childcare options for local kindergarten and elementary students. We provide care before and after school, during the summer at Summer Camp, and on public school holidays.
Transportation for Before & After School Care is provided to and from Mallard Creek Elementary, Parkside Elementary, University Meadows Elementary, Bradford Preparatory School, Stoney Creek Elementary, and Croft Community School. 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.
Thanks to the flexibility of our Ascend Curriculum, we take an individualized approach to early childhood education and encourage every child to progress towards age-appropriate goals at their natural pace. New skills are introduced sequentially in 9 different learning domains each month and activities are modified to fit the interests and current skill level of each child. This skill-based approach to early education ensures that every child feels engaged, supported, and challenged and makes learning fun!
Another significant part of our curriculum is our Kind Child program. Kind Child is a year-long program for children ages two and older that helps our teachers nurture and strengthen every child’s social and emotional skills. We have found that when we focus on the emotional well-being of each child in our care, we strengthen our school as well. We are confident that Kind Child will continue to strengthen the culture of our entire preschool center by elevating every child’s feelings of happiness, improving their well-being, and enriching their friendships.
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.
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
Integrated into your child’s daily schedule
Talk to your School Director today to learn more and enroll.
My name is Tyri Harris I am a proud graduate of Winston-Salem State University, Class of 2016 where I gained my bachelor’s degree in early education. I then attended University of North Carolina charlotte to gain my teacher license. For the past five years, I’ve had the joy of working with Cadence Academy and Meck Pre-K, where I’ve developed a strong passion for nurturing and teaching the Pre-K age group. I truly love helping young learners grow, explore, and build the foundation for a lifelong love of learning. Teaching has always been more than a job it’s a calling, a passion, and a privilege.
“I don’t just teach ABCs and 123s — I teach kindness, curiosity, and confidence.”
I look forward to working with young children for years to come and create a future of leaders!
Shayla Henderson brings more than 13 years of experience in early childhood education. She attended Kaplan University, where she earned her Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education, and is currently pursuing her Master’s degree in Behavioral Therapy at Walden University. She is passionate about nurturing young minds and supporting children and families throughout their educational journeys.
Throughout her career, Shayla has served in a variety of roles, including teacher, educational trainer, event planner, program director, center director, and now assistant director. Outside of work, she enjoys sound bowl therapy, yoga, self-care practices collecting candles, and online shopping. Having recently relocated from Georgia to North Carolina, Shayla is excited to connect with the community and make a positive impact on the children and families she serves.
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 at this location.
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.
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