The Story of Ridge Kids Academy
Ridge Kids Academy, Inc. Started in August of 1993. This was a ministry of Pea Ridge Baptist Church. Although we have always worked to foster the spiritual, physical, and academic needs of children we have come a long way since we opened our doors. We will soon be celebrating our thirtieth anniversary. We have grown exponentially since 1993. From approximately twenty-one students to 147 children a day.
Ridge Kids Academy is expanding. On June 1, 2022 we opened a new location at 6330 US Rt. 60 East, Barboursville, WV 25504. The new 35,000 square foot space has allowed RKA to grow from 147 children to 313. In 2023 we partnered with MHN and open two center in August. These two centers service children and grandchildren of medical professionals.
As we continue to grow, and greatly improve our goals, we are currently accepting donations to help alleviate that debt. This money will be to offset the costs of a new playground for the Barboursville center. Ridge Kids Academy is a non-profit, state-licensed child development entity covered by liability insurance. RKA has met requirements to be a WVDHHR Tier I status program. Please be in prayer for us as we continue this project. Contact us for more information about how you can contribute.
Statement of Purpose
Ridge Kids Academy, Inc. (RKA) is an equal opportunity child care center serving the community on a nondiscriminatory basis. We are a year-round childcare center that offers care for students from 6 weeks old through 12. Hours of operation are Monday through Friday, 7:00 am - 6:00 pm. Ridge Kids Academy, Inc. is also equipped with an educational preschool program and an extended educational program for our school-age students. RKA provides quality care and education; We follow state standards and guidelines for our staff and our center as a whole. Ridge Kids Academy, Inc.
Ridge Kids Academy is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, state-licensed child development entity covered by liability insurance. RKA has met requirements to be a WVDHHR Tier I status program.
Philosophy of Education
The philosophy and goal of Ridge Kids Academy, Inc. is to assist our students as they grow into competent human beings, who are confident and equipped with a zest for life, and an appetite for all that life has to offer. We strive to create an environment where children will feel invited to think creatively, explore, ask questions, use their senses, form relationships, and explore autonomy. It's our hope that we will promote learning within the whole child, by doing so: elevating social, emotional, and cognitive development. We aim to provide a well-defined program that is both teacher-led and child-led with wonderful educational and fun experiences for all ages. After all, Ridge Kids Academy, Inc. believes with all our hearts, children learn through playing, doing, and seeing.
We aim to help each child find happiness and satisfaction in all of their accomplishments and aspire to recognize and respect the uniqueness and potential of all children. We wish to develop a relationship of mutual trust with each family that we serve. RKA knows that the open, daily exchange of communication between the parent/guardian and the staff can make all the difference for every child.
Curriculum
At Ridge Kids Academy, Inc., we proudly use the HighScope Curriculum, an evidence-based approach that supports children’s development through active, hands-on learning. HighScope is built on the belief that children learn best when they are engaged, curious, and involved in meaningful experiences.
The curriculum focuses on key areas of development, including social-emotional, physical, cognitive, and language development, while also fostering independence, confidence, and problem-solving skills. Children are encouraged to plan, carry out, and reflect on their own learning experiences, allowing them to take an active role in their growth.
In HighScope classrooms, teachers and children are partners in learning. Our well-trained educators carefully observe, support, and extend children’s play and exploration, creating a responsive environment that promotes creativity, persistence, communication, and critical thinking. Rather than directing learning, teachers guide and scaffold experiences based on each child’s interests and developmental needs.
We value strong family partnerships and believe learning extends beyond the classroom. Our educators work closely with parents and caregivers by sharing information about the curriculum, discussing children’s progress, and offering ideas to support learning at home. Together, we create a consistent, nurturing environment where every child can thrive
For more information on HighScope Curriculum, please visit their website:
https://highscope.org/what-we-offer/the-highscope-curriculum/preschool-curriculum/
Partners in Education
Our Partners In Education program will allow businesses and organizations to make significant contributions to our schools by donating time, expertise, materials and funds. Partners in Education is a cooperative agreement between a business or an organization with our school. The partnership is a two-way street. The community partner contributes to the welfare of the school, its students, and its staff. Typical areas of service include dedicating time, materials, and financial resources to benefit the school. We are grateful for the priceless contributions our Partners in Education make to our students and staff members. Each Year, will recognizes an outstanding volunteer, as well as a Partner In Education who goes above and beyond to support a school. Ridge Kids Academy is a non-profit, state-licensed child development entity covered by liability insurance. RKA has met requirements to be a WVDHHR Tier I status program. Research shows that partnerships: Improve quality of life and community stability Extend learning opportunities for all Who can participate? All types of businesses; examples include banks, restaurants, real estate agencies, and retail stores, utility companies, production plants. Civic clubs and other service and volunteer organizations as well as faith-based organization.