- 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)
- School-Age Program (5 – 12 years)
- Summer Program (5 – 12 years)
Kind Child Program
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.
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.
Getting To Our Preschool
Our Fredericksburg center is located at 9807 Patriot Hwy, Fredericksburg, VA 22407, along Route 1 near Southpoint Parkway. We are just minutes from Parkside Elementary School, Lee Hill Elementary, and the shops at Cosner’s Corner, making daily drop-offs effortless for neighborhood families.
Situated right off US-1 with immediate access to I-95 at Exit 126, our preschool provides a swift, direct commute toward Spotsylvania Regional Medical Center, downtown Fredericksburg, Dahlgren, and Quantico.
Programs Offered
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
Cadence Academy Preschool, Fredericksberg
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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 at this location.
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.
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