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- Overview
- Programs
- Our Team
- Reviews
- Schedule Options
About Cadence Academy Preschool in Fredericksburg, VA
We’re very excited that you want to learn about our preschool! We believe that one visit to Cadence Academy Preschool (formerly Growing Kids Academy) will show you that we’re not an ordinary daycare center. With beautiful natural light, lots of visual stimulation, and hands-on Learning Labs, our preschool academy feels more like an interactive children’s museum, and that’s our goal.
Cadence Academy Preschool is arranged so our students have endless opportunities to interact with the environment, peers, and teachers. Preschool children ages 3 to 5 are rotated to different Learning Labs throughout the day, which are designed to progressively encourage the development of physical, cognitive, emotional, and social skill. Our teachers individualize activities within our Ascend Curriculum to the interests and current skill level of each student so that these early educational experiences are engaging and fun!
Our Preschool’s Programs
- Infant I (6 weeks – 12 months)
- Infant II (12 months – 18 months)
- Toddler Childcare (18 months – 24 months)
- Preschool II (2 – 3 years)
- Part-Time Preschool (2 – 5 years)
- Learning Labs (3 – 5 years)
- Pre-Kindergarten (5 years)
- Kindergarten Club (4 – 5 years)
- Private Kindergarten (ages 5 to 6)
- School-Age Program (5 – 12 years)
- Summer Program (5 – 12 years)
Kind Child Program
Kindness is the foundation of our preschool’s culture and Kind Child is a proprietary program that helps us focus on the emotional well-being of each child in our care. We want every child that walks through our doors to feel welcome and at home and we have made Kind Child programming a standard part of our monthly curriculum. We work towards the development of social and emotional skills each month and focus on a character trait such as a Positive Self-Image, Empathy, Politeness, and Thankfulness every two months.
Getting Ready for Kindergarten
An exceptional, fun-filled education is part of our preschool’s promise to you. Our skill-based Ascend Curriculum and dedicated teachers work hand-in-hand to create early educational experiences that will serve your child in elementary school and beyond. Skills within 9 different subject areas are progressively introduced starting in our Infant and Toddler programs and are further developed in Preschool and Pre-Kindergarten. We work towards important developmental milestones at every age level and polish these skills just before kindergarten in Kindergarten Club.
Our Location
Cadence Academy Preschool is nestled between I-95 and U.S. 1 (Jefferson Davis Highway) and is also just south of U.S. 17 in Fredericksburg, Virginia. The best way to get to our preschool is via Spotsylvania Parkway, which borders us to the south. If you have a school age student, we provide transportation to and from Lee Hill Elementary, Riverview Elementary, Cedar Forest Elementary School, Parkside Elementary School, Courtland Elementary, and Courthouse Road Elementary in Spotsylvania.
Programs Offered
Infant Care
Our infant care program invites children starting at the age of six weeks up to 18 months. Though leaving your little one for the first time is a big step, our nurturing environment is designed to feel just like a home away from home. Choosing our program ensures your baby receives personalized attention that supports their earliest developmental milestones.
Toddler Care
Our toddler care program invites children starting at 12 months up to 3 years old. Though toddlers are full of boundless energy, our environment is designed to channel that curiosity into safe exploration. Choosing a program that balances hands-on learning with guided play is a key step in fostering your child’s emerging independence.
Preschool
Our preschool program invites children starting at 3 years up to 5 years old. Though we introduce early academic concepts, we believe that learning happens naturally through open-ended play. Choosing our preschool environment helps build the essential “I can do it” confidence that serves as a foundation for their future education.
Pre-Kindergarten
Our Pre-Kindergarten program invites children starting at 4 years up to 5 years old. Though the focus shifts to kindergarten readiness, we ensure the preparation remains engaging and stress-free. Choosing our specialized curriculum ensures your child is academically and socially prepared for a smooth transition to elementary school.
Private Kindergarten
Our private kindergarten program creates an effortless transition to first grade through a full-day curriculum designed for total developmental readiness. With small class sizes and a nurturing environment, we go above and beyond standard expectations to ensure your child thrives academically and socially.
School-Age Program
Our school-age program invites children starting from kindergarten up to 12 years old. Though the school day ends, our support continues with structured before and after school care. Choosing this program provides a safe space for homework and relaxation that fits perfectly with your family’s busy routine.
Our infant care program invites children starting at the age of six weeks up to 18 months. Though leaving your little one for the first time is a big step, our nurturing environment is designed to feel just like a home away from home. Choosing our program ensures your baby receives personalized attention that supports their earliest developmental milestones.
Our toddler care program invites children starting at 12 months up to 3 years old. Though toddlers are full of boundless energy, our environment is designed to channel that curiosity into safe exploration. Choosing a program that balances hands-on learning with guided play is a key step in fostering your child’s emerging independence.
Our preschool program invites children starting at 3 years up to 5 years old. Though we introduce early academic concepts, we believe that learning happens naturally through open-ended play. Choosing our preschool environment helps build the essential “I can do it” confidence that serves as a foundation for their future education.
Our Pre-Kindergarten program invites children starting at 4 years up to 5 years old. Though the focus shifts to kindergarten readiness, we ensure the preparation remains engaging and stress-free. Choosing our specialized curriculum ensures your child is academically and socially prepared for a smooth transition to elementary school.
Our private kindergarten program creates an effortless transition to first grade through a full-day curriculum designed for total developmental readiness. With small class sizes and a nurturing environment, we go above and beyond standard expectations to ensure your child thrives academically and socially.
Our school-age program invites children starting from kindergarten up to 12 years old. Though the school day ends, our support continues with structured before and after school care. Choosing this program provides a safe space for homework and relaxation that fits perfectly with your family’s busy routine.
Our Team
Melissa King
School Director
Melissa King is a dedicated early childhood education professional with over a decade of experience supporting children and families. She began her journey with Cadence Education in 2008 at Winwood Children’s Center in Gainesville, where she taught Pre-Kindergarten and developed a strong passion for helping young learners grow in confidence and curiosity. Melissa continued her professional growth by completing Cadence Education’s Leadership Program in 2012 and earning her Child Development Associate (CDA) credential in 2013.
Melissa became Assistant Director at Cadence Academy Preschool in 2016 and proudly stepped into the Director role in 2025. She is passionate about creating a warm, nurturing environment where children feel supported, families feel connected, and teachers feel empowered. Outside of school, Melissa enjoys spending quality time with her family, including her three children and four dogs.
Kay Ruffin
Assistant Director
Kay Ruffin is a dedicated early childhood education professional with more than a decade of experience supporting children and families. She began her career in 2010 as a Head Start Family Teacher with Orange County Public Schools, where she served for many years before joining Cadence Academy Preschool in 2024. Kay holds a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential as well as a credential in Family Development from Temple University Harrisonburg. She is also First Aid and CPR certified and has completed MAT training to help ensure a safe, nurturing, and supportive environment for every child.
Kay is passionate about creating meaningful relationships with families and helping children feel confident, valued, and excited to learn each day. As a mother of two active children herself, she understands the importance of strong communication and partnership between families and educators. Outside of school, Kay enjoys supporting her children in their many activities, spending quality time with family, and caring for their two beloved dogs.
Reviews from Parents
Jessica Jones • Facebook
Christy Trago • Google
Kiera Hibbs • Google
Lucia Villegas • Google
Cadence Academy Preschool
Fredericksburg, VA
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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.
