New Horizon Academy Opens in Payne-Phalen Area of St. Paul
Legislative and economic development leaders, families and new employees gather to celebrate what’s possible with early childhood education scholarships and financial assistance
PLYMOUTH, Minn. Feb. 1, 2018 – The newest New Horizon Academy, located at 327 York Avenue in St. Paul, was the site of a recent gathering of advocates for early childhood education accessibility, economic development representatives from St. Paul and the state of Minnesota, families, children, teachers and caregivers. All attended the ribbon-cutting of the 61st school in the New Horizon Academy family of early learning centers in the Twin Cities. The York Avenue location is the sixth New Horizon Academy in St. Paul.
The facility brings 40 new jobs to the Payne-Phalen neighborhood. Teachers will care for and educate 200 children, ages six weeks through fourth grade, between the hours of 6:00 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. The school features safe, attractive, and age-appropriate classrooms and playgrounds that are thoughtfully designed to enhance learning through play.
Proponents of early education credit the opening of the facility to Minnesota’s early learning scholarships that are available to many families in the community. New Horizon Academy anticipates a diverse group of children from families that use child care assistance and those who pay tuition privately.
“We believe that every child deserves the best care and education,” said Chad Dunkley, CEO of New Horizon Academy, who welcomed attendees to the event. “Yet we have a long way to go toward meeting the need by increasing assistance, fixing reimbursement rates, increasing income eligibility and exploring creative tax models that are working in other states.”
“There is great demand for quality programs for parents who want and need to work, with peace of mind that their child’s care is high-quality, convenient and affordable,” said Dunkley, who also serves as president of the Minnesota Childcare Association.
Ten years ago, Dunkley, legislators and company executives piloted the first early education scholarships in the state at the New Horizon Academy on Rice Street in St. Paul. Since the program’s inception, there has been a waiting list of families needing assistance. Today, 2,500 families in Minnesota are waiting for scholarships.
Dunkley was joined at the opening event by Representative Jenifer Loon, House Education Finance chair; Kelly Monson: executive director of Governor Dayton’s Children’s Cabinet; Kaohly Her of the office of St. Paul Mayor Melvin Carter; and Senator Carla Nelson, Senate Education Finance Chair and congressional candidate.
“I am pleased to help recognize this most recent New Horizon Academy campus. It is gratifying to see that state policies that empower parental choice and high standards are leading to improved educational offerings for students,” said Senator Nelson.
