About & Mission
Building a strong foundation for lifelong learning.
Our Story
AJ’s Academy begins with a mother’s love—a love that lives on in memory of my son, Austin Jordan. Austin was just eight months old when he passed away from shaken baby syndrome while in the care of his babysitter. His loss changed my life forever, but the love I carry for him continues to shape the good I hope to bring into the world. His initials, AJ, give our school its name, and his memory is at the heart of the caring community we are building.
Through more than 25 years in early childhood education and my own journey with grief and mental health, I have learned how much it matters to feel safe, understood and supported. My dream is for AJ’s Academy to be a place where children are cherished for who they are, families are welcomed without judgment, and educators feel valued and cared for.
Our logo carries that same purpose. Blue honors Austin and represents child abuse awareness and our commitment to keeping children safe. Green represents mental health awareness, hope and healing. The semicolon symbolizes a story that continues—a gentle reminder that difficult chapters do not have to be the end of our stories, and that support can help us move forward.
Whatever your story or family looks like, we hope you will find a sense of belonging here—a place where learning and mental wellness grow together.
Our Mission
Our mission at AJ’s Academy is to create a safe, loving place where children feel cherished, families feel supported and educators feel valued. Through joyful learning, caring relationships and a commitment to mental wellness, we nurture each child’s growth and build a community where everyone feels welcome and connected.
Where learning and mental wellness grow together.
AJ's Academy is a nonprofit early education center.
Our Values
Curiosity
We nurture children’s natural wonder, giving them space to ask questions, explore and discover through joyful play.
Kindness
We lead with gentle words and caring actions, helping every child feel loved, included and safe to be themselves.
Growth
We honor each child’s unique pace, celebrating small steps and supporting their learning, confidence and emotional well-being.
Family
We welcome families with open hearts, listen with care and work together to help their children thrive.
Our Approach
Joyful learning through play
We follow children’s curiosity through hands-on play and discovery, helping them build confidence and a love of learning.
Caring connections
We take time to know each child—their interests, feelings and needs—so they feel safe, understood and encouraged to be themselves.
Learning and mental wellness together
We nurture growing minds and hearts, weaving emotional awareness, caring relationships and early learning into everyday experiences.
Supported families and educators
We listen with care and keep communication open, creating a community where families and educators feel valued, connected and comfortable asking for support.
Mental wellness for every family
Monthly family workshops
We will host monthly workshops for families on mental health — practical, welcoming sessions that give you tools and support you can use at home.
Wellness in our curriculum
Mental wellness is part of our curriculum, woven into each day so children learn to name their feelings, care for themselves and care for others.
Resources for all families
Every family will have access to resources for whatever they need — guidance, connections and a community that meets you without judgment.
Our Programs
Infants & Toddlers
Gentle routines, sensory play and lots of one-on-one care for our youngest learners.
Preschool
Early literacy, counting, art and make-believe — learning through purposeful play.
Pre-K
A joyful bridge to kindergarten with pre-reading, numbers, friendships and independence.
Opening in 2027
AJ's Academy is hoping to open its doors in 2027. While we don't have a location just yet, we would love to hear from your family, answer your questions and keep you updated as our plans come together.
Get in touch