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- Overview
- Programs
- Our Team
- Schedule Options
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)
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
Talk to your School Director today to learn more and enroll.
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
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!
Shayla Henderson
Assistant Director
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.
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.
