Schedule A Tour
Meet with our staff and experience the school in person. Book a tour using our online scheduler.
Schedule my tourPricing & Availability
Find out about pricing and availability by talking to our experts.
- Overview
- Programs
- Our Team
About Cadence Academy Preschool in Charlotte
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.
Childcare & Preschool Programs
- Infant Childcare (ages 6 weeks to 1 year)
- Toddler Childcare (ages 1 to 2)
- Early Preschool (ages 2 to 3)
- Preschool (ages 3 to 4)
- Pre-Kindergarten (ages 4 to 5)
- Kindergarten Club (ages 4 to 5)
- School-Age Program (ages 5 to 12)
- Summer Camp (ages 5 to 12)
Ascend Curriculum
The Ascend Curriculum recognizes that young children need much more than cognitive development during their first few years of life. Our curriculum takes a balanced approach that focuses on the development of creative, socio-emotional, and physical skill. Skills within nine different learning domains such as Mathematics, Literacy, Physical Education, Cultural Understanding, and Kind Child are progressively introduced throughout all of our preschool programs and fine-tuned just before kindergarten in Kindergarten Club.
Kind Child
Kindness is the foundation of our school’s culture and an important part of our Ascend Curriculum. We want every child that walks through our doors to feel welcome and valued and Kind Child is designed to elevate every child’s emotional well-being and enrich friendships. Our teachers focus on the development of social-emotional skills each month and a character trait like Responsibility, Thankfulness, and a Positive Self-Image every two months.
School-Age Program
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.
Programs Offered
Our Team
Taquana Munson
Assistant Director
My name is Taquana Munson, I am the Assistant Director, who be representing Cadence Academy, the Mallard Creek location. I have two girls who are now 18 & 8 years old and a fur baby who turned 1 on 10/14.
I previously worked for Cadence Academy since 2019. In July 2023 my location was brought out to another company where I worked for the past 15 months but I was not satisfied so I have returned to my forever home at Mallard Creek location.
A little bit about myself, I have been in childcare since 2008 where I began volunteering. I have my associate’s degree in early childhood education/ business. I have also taken up Business Management where I will be receiving my bachelor’s degree.
My goal is to let everyone know that I am here with open arms. Our commitment is to provide your child with a caring, loving and educational experience. I am here to support all your child’s needs and if it’s something I can do please don’t hesitate to reach out to me. Working in childcare has been the best experience so far for the many of years’ experience that I have, and I will not change anything.
During my downtime I am such a family oriented I spend it with my girls and my mother. I love to make memories so that as they grow older, they can always look back at the fun times they experienced in their life.
Please don’t hesitate to stop pass my desk and welcome me back to the Mallard family
Tyri Harris
Teacher of the Year
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!
