NEW ACADEMY OPENS IN DENVER
Chesterbrook Academy Caters to a Very Young Audience

By Jon Mayhew

July 4, 2008

DENVER -- If you think it's too early at age 2 to begin learning Spanish or age 3 to get your first exposure to computers, don't tell LaSha Taylor. She'll disagree with you.

Taylor, the principal of the newly opened Cheterbrook Academy in the Lowe's Hardware shopping center on Highway 73 in Denver says that's exactly where some of her smallest students get their first exposure to Spanish and computers.



"The program is designed for the students to be fluent in Spanish, for example," said Taylor, "and not for them just to know the letters and numbers." Taylor said it's part of the program called "Links to Learning," which actively focuses on a child's developing skills, constantly working on motor skills.

According to Taylor, the new academy opened about three weeks ago. And Taylor, along with her staff, hit the ground running.

"We currently have more than 60 kids enrolled," said Taylor. "We also currently have 16 teachers." The school serves students infant to five years old.

One unique aspect of the academy is how the age groups are split up. For example, three year olds are split up into younger and older three year olds, instead of putting all three year olds together.

"They have different learning needs," said Taylor.

The programs at Chesterbrook are designed to keep the children busy with hands-on actvities. Interaction between instructor and students are a vital part of the educational process according to Taylor.


"The teachers are encouraged to interact with children on their own level," said Taylor.

And for Taylor, being hands-on is also important. She's rarely behind her desk, always moving about and interacting with parents, students and teachers.

"We have an open door policy," said Taylor. "Parents can come in from work during the day and see what's going on with their children."

The interaction goes beyond the classrooms of the school. Taylor said it's also important to interact with members of the community. Case in point, at the recent ribbon cutting, Taylor said Chesterbrook Academy was warmly welcomed by East Lincoln community, business and political leaders.

"It's important for us to be part of the community and we want people to know that we're here," said Taylor.

Chesterbrook Academy has 350 schools nationwide, with 10 in North Carolina. Besides Denver, there are Chesterbrook Academies in Huntersville at Birkdale Village and Mooresville.



Parents who are considering sending their children to Chesterbrook Academy are asked to call and make an appointment for a tour of the school. Enrollment is available at the year-round school. For more information, call 704-827-1091. Chesterbrook Academy is open 6:30am - 6:30pm and is located off Highway 73 across from Showmars.