Skipwith Academy at Hanover

Skipwith Academy at Hanover

Address:304 Ashcake RoadAshland, VA, 23005

Ages: 6 weeks - 12 years

Hours: 7am - 6pm

Phone: (804) 798-2886

Email: hanover@skipwithacademy.com

Contact Us!
Skipwith Academy at Hanover location map

Skipwith Academy at Hanover provides caring, quality daycare in Ashland, VA. Skipwith Academy has been a leader in early childhood education in the Richmond area since 1996. The Hanover County community trusts Skipwith Academy at Hanover to offer children a safe, nurturing environment in which they can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. We have served hundreds of families in the Ashland, Virginia area through the years, and we’d love to welcome your family into ours!

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Skipwith Academy at Hanover: Quick Reference

Features at This Facility

A developmentally appropriate curriculum
A literacy-enriched learning environment
Age-appropriate outdoor playgrounds
Field trips
Hot, nutritious meals and snacks
Math, art, music, foreign language
Secure keypad entry systems
Swimming pool
Transportation to and from area public schools
Winter, spring, and summer camps

* Meals / snacks are not included for children with food allergies. This is the safest approach. Meal / snack exclusions do not affect tuition costs.

Programs Offered

Baby Steps: Infant Daycare
Toddler Explorers: Toddler Daycare
Preschool Explorers
Preschool Readiness Enrichment Program (PREP)
Junior Kindergarten
Youth Zone – Before and After School Care
Summer Camp

Schools Serviced

Ashland Elementary
Elmont Elementary
Kersey Creek Elementary

NOTE: The Schools Serviced are subject to change based on number of students enrolled from each public school.

Features of Our Clean, Secure, and Conveniently Located Facility

Skipwith Academy at Hanover is located in the historic town of Ashland, Virginia. The school is situated on two sprawling acres that include one large swimming pool with a mushroom waterfall attraction and a smaller pool for our little swimmers. In addition the school offers spacious playing fields, a volleyball pit, and four playgrounds designated for a specific age group. Our colorful, well-lit classrooms are designed to inspire your child’s creativity. Our furniture and classroom storage solutions were chosen or custom-built with your child’s safety in mind.

More Than Daycare: We Offer Safe and Caring Childcare, Preschool, and Other Programs!

From infancy through preschool and into the crucial school-age years, Skipwith Academy at Hanover is committed to fostering a love for learning that lasts a lifetime. Our programs, curriculum, classrooms, play areas, toys, and learning materials cater to a variety of ages and developmental stages. Our goal is to give your child a variety of experiences that will develop him or her socially, emotionally and educationally.

Baby Steps: Infant Daycare in Ashland, VA

Baby Steps Infant Care Skipwith Academy - image of baby crawling on colorful mat

The Baby Steps program supports infants' growth through engaging activities like singing, reading, and play, which foster language and emotional development. Individualized lesson plans are crafted to promote physical and cognitive growth, helping infants explore their world. Babies also enjoy enrichment activities such as American Sign Language and Baby Yoga, providing varied early learning experiences. Daily communication keeps parents connected to their child’s progress and development.

Toddler Explorers: Toddler Daycare in Ashland, VA

Skipwith Academy Toddler Daycare - young girl painting

The Toddler Explorers program nurtures early learning through individualized lesson plans that promote social, emotional, and motor skill development. In engaging classroom centers, toddlers explore materials that encourage curiosity and help build foundational knowledge. Activities like painting, sensory play, and pretend play enhance creativity and problem-solving skills, while outdoor time supports physical growth. Guided by experienced teachers, toddlers develop self-awareness and learn through exploration in a safe, stimulating environment.

Preschool Explorers: Preschool in Ashland, VA

Skipwith Academy Preschool Explorers - boys in smocks painting together

The Preschool Explorers program supports two-year-olds' growth with hands-on activities like painting, rhythm instruments, building with blocks, and sensory play that promote cognitive and social development. Circle time and story time enhance language and social skills, while outdoor play builds physical strength and coordination. Theme-based lesson plans are shaped by children’s interests, encouraging curiosity and creativity. Teachers foster a nurturing environment where each child explores materials and develops essential early learning skills.

Preschool Readiness Enrichment Program (PREP) in Ashland, VA

Skipwith Academy PREP Enrichment - two girls laughing and reading together

Our Preschool Readiness Enrichment Program (PREP) is that critical first step in transitioning your child from a traditional early preschool experience to complete school readiness. Through engaging lessons in literacy, math, science, and social studies, specially trained teachers support self-help and friendship skills. Inquiry-based learning centers promote exploration, while technology and Spanish activities enhance STEM understanding and language development, preparing children for future classroom environments and fostering essential social-emotional skills.

Junior Kindergarten in Ashland, VA

Skipwith Academy - junior kindergarten - child placing wooden letters into wooden alphabet board

The Junior Kindergarten Program prepares children for success in kindergarten through engaging activities in literacy, math, science, and social studies, led by specially trained teachers using inquiry-based learning. Students participate in problem-solving activities that reinforce STEM concepts and are exposed to Spanish through songs and games. The program also emphasizes community service, healthy eating, and social-emotional learning, incorporating gardening and food preparation into daily activities. Family involvement is encouraged through exclusive events and regular assessments of student progress.

Youth Zone - Before and After School Care in Ashland, VA

Skipwith Academy Youth Zone - Before and After School Care - children having fun learning together on computer

The Youth Zone before- and after-school program offers a safe, supportive, and engaging environment where children can connect with friends through diverse activities. Each day includes options like homework support, creative projects, sports, and special interest clubs, promoting fun and socialization. Breakfast, snacks, and safe transportation to and from school are provided. Youth Zone also offers full-day programs on many school closure days, ensuring children enjoy meaningful and supervised experiences even when school is not in session.

Summer Camp in Ashland, VA

Summer Camp at Skipwith Academy - children in a pool laughing and smiling

Summer Camp at Skipwith Academy makes it easy for parents to keep their routines by providing an exciting, safe, activity-driven place for their kids when school is out. Our summer camp program begins at the conclusion of the school year and continues through June, July, and August. Outdoor activities are a mainstay of the program, including swimming! We also have camps for winter and spring breaks!

Our Directors, Teachers, and Staff Are Dedicated and Well-Trained

Our team embraces the philosophy of learning in a loving environment by creating a nurturing environment where learning is fun and exciting! At Skipwith Academy at Hanover, we are proud to employ a culturally diverse, highly trained, and caring staff. Our teachers and management engage our children in activities and experiences that propel them to grow and learn. These childcare professionals provide a “home away from home” for your child with stimulating social, emotional, and physical learning opportunities.

Director

Jennifer Sheppard - Skipwith Academy


Jennifer Sheppard, BFA/Art Education
About Me

I am Jennifer Sheppard, and I would like to introduce myself as your Director. I have a BFA (Bachelor of Fine Art) in Art Education from Virginia Commonwealth University and 20 years of experience in the Education field. For ten years, I was the Director for OASIS, a non-profit childcare center in Lakeside, Virginia. I also served as a substitute teacher for Hanover County for two years before coming to Skipwith Academy in December 2023. I grew up in the Richmond area. Our family moved to Georgia in sixth grade, and I moved back after high school. I enjoy arts and crafts. I make all kinds of things from found objects utilizing antique/vintage materials. I also paint, draw, and read books in my free time. My husband is an electrician. We live in Mechanicsville with our two children, ages 14 and 18. I chose a career in early childhood education because working with children is what I do best. I enjoy the challenge of getting to know each child and meeting their needs. No day is the same, and that is what I love most about childcare. My favorite part of the day is seeing the children cheer on one another when they accomplish something new. It warms my heart to see them excited for one another. Raising children is hard! We all need a village to support each other, and I take pride in being part of that village for each of the families.

District Director

Nikki Newsome - District Director at Skipwith Academy


Nikki Newsome, MA/Early Childhood Education
About Me

Nikki is the District Director for our Richmond schools.  Bio coming soon.

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