Our History
Annsworth Academy has been locally owned and operated in Tallahassee for over 30 years. In 1984, after seeing a need for high quality childcare in our area, Ms. Chris and Ms. Anne opened the first Annsworth Academy in Tallahassee. The school quickly filled and an addition was added the following year. Since the addition did not meet the demands of the community, a second Annsworth Academy was built. The two schools were open for 25 years until consolidating into one location in August of 2010. The second Annsworth Academy, licensed for over 200 children, is the facility we currently use today.
Our Mission
It is our mission to provide a safe, enriched environment that is physically, emotionally and intellectually stimulating for the children in our care and to grow in our knowledge of children, their development, and our ability to meet their needs. It is also our mission to provide the materials, compensation and support to foster a professional staff that will be happy, creative, and committed to quality early care and education, as well as, to work together with parents to support children’s healthy development and learning. Additionally, we feel strongly that it is our mission to advocate for all children.
All religions, races, and cultures are equally valued and welcomed into our school. We strive to build a sense of the group as a community. Each child’s culture, language and/or special needs are brought into the shared culture of the school so that each child feels accepted and gains a sense of belonging.
Annsworth has an “Open Door” policy and encourages parent volunteerism and participation at every level. The advantages of the unique learning opportunities that volunteers bring to the classrooms benefit the children immensely.
Our Philosophy
We believe that experiences during the first five years of life are extremely important in influencing each child’s eventual intellectual and personal development. Annsworth Academy dedicates its efforts to providing a happy, safe, and enriched environment to nurture the intellectual, physical, and emotional growth of all of the children placed in our care. We provide experiences for children to explore their environment, to learn to work effectively within a group, and to develop independence and self-control. The attitudes and behaviors we model all influence the children’s development and gives them a feeling of self-confidence.
All religions, races, and cultures are equally valued and welcomed into our school. We strive to build a sense of the group as a community. Each child’s culture, language and/or special needs are brought into the shared culture of the school so that each child feels accepted and gains a sense of belonging.
Our Curriculum
Our curriculum draws from several sources including the ‘Creative Curriculum’, and ‘Beyond Centers and Circle Time’ to provide the philosophy and activities for a developmentally appropriate and fun-filled experience for the children. The ‘Annsworth Developmental Curriculum for Young Children’ also includes themes and activities that follow the seasons, nature, animals, holidays, and many other interesting topics about the world around us. Social interaction, logical thinking, and problem-solving skills are all incorporated in the program. Hands-on activities provide opportunities for concrete learning experiences in all areas of the children’s development. Our “B.E.S.T.” program for children in our 2 and 3 year old groups provides individualized attention to assist children in obtaining developmentally appropriate goals and milestones. Our special “Focus Groups” provide a unique environment for further exploration and experimentation in our 4 year old groups. The Annsworth Pre-Kindergarten program provides rich, developmentally-appropriate experiences that prepare children for a successful transition into Kindergarten and their future academic endeavors.
Our Discipline Practices
Preschool children are just beginning to develop the knowledge, emotional security, and skills to manage their social behavior. As children are introduced, sometimes for the first time, into a group in a work/play situation, we find that they will need guidance interacting with their peers. Our teachers are trained to assist children in making the attachments necessary to ensure each child will develop a sense of trust, security, and cooperation in his new environment. Our teachers will help each child learn appropriate social behavior through love and respect using positive reinforcement and consistent expectations. Clear, consistent expectations, positive guidance, and logical consequences help children develop life long pro-social skills.