Skipwith Academy at Lauderdale Square

Skipwith Academy at Lauderdale Square

Address:3111 Lauderdale DriveRichmond, VA, 23233

Ages: 3 weeks - 12 years

Hours: 7am-5:30pm

Phone: (804) 360-2823

Email: lauderdalesquare@skipwithacademy.com

Contact Us!
Skipwith Academy at Lauderdale Square location map

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

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Skipwith Academy at Lauderdale Square: Quick Reference

Features at This Facility

A developmentally appropriate curriculum
A literacy-enriched learning environment
Age-appropriate outdoor playgrounds
Field trips
Math, art, music, foreign language
Secure keypad entry systems
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
Junior Kindergarten
Stepping Stones Montessori
Skipwith Montessori
Youth Zone – Before and After School Care
Summer Camp

Schools Serviced

Carver Elementary
Gayton Elementary
Nuckols Farm Elementary
Pemberton Elementary
Pinchbeck Elementary
Short Pump 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 Lauderdale Square is located in the Lauderdale Square Shopping Center in Short Pump, Virginia. Your child will feel right at home in our clean, beautifully decorated facility! 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 Lauderdale Square 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 Richmond, 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 Richmond, 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 Richmond, 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.

Junior Kindergarten in Richmond, 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.

Stepping Stones Montessori in Richmond, VA

Skipwith Academy Stepping Stones Montessori - smiling girl learning with wooden shapes learning tool

Stepping Stones Montessori is designed for children ages 2-3 to start introducing basic skills and develop a sense of self. Children learn to take care of themselves and their environment, clean up their play area, use all their senses to learn about things they find interesting, and share family style meals with their classmates. The Stepping Stones Montessori program sets the foundation for a curious mindset and self-directed learning.

Skipwith Montessori in Richmond, VA

Skipwith Academy - Montessori preschool childcare - girl learning with educational toys

Skipwith Montessori caters to 3-5 year olds to build on their curiosity and confidence as they become familiar with the world around them. The classroom is thought of as a learning laboratory where mixed aged groups of kids interact and teach each other, with the assistance of a trained teacher. The environment is thoughtful and casual to create a natural setting to explore. Children are encouraged to infuse their personality into their education, which is self-initiated and self-directed. They develop skills in building friendships, working well with others, and a foundation in traditional subjects (math, science, culture) through sensory learning.

Youth Zone - Before and After School Care in Richmond, 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 Richmond, 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 Lauderdale Square, 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

Afton Long


Afton Long
About Me

My name is Afton Long, and I would like to introduce myself as your Director. I was born, raised, and currently live in the Short Pump area. I attended Virginia Commonwealth University where I studied Elementary Education and am currently pursuing a career studies certificate in Early Childhood Development. I have worked for Skipwith Academy for more than 16 years. I have worked as a teacher, assistant director, and director and have called three schools with Skipwith Academy my home. I am proud to be the Director at Skipwith Academy at Lauderdale Square. I have two children and an amazing husband. I enjoy spending time with my kids, reading, baking, and photography. I choose to work with children because it is a rewarding job. I love to watch the children learn and grow. My favorite part of my day is going into the classrooms to visit with the children and teachers. I like to see all of the activities the teachers have planned. I am committed to making our school a fun and loving learning environment. I want Skipwith Academy to be a second family for all of the children we serve.

Assistant Director

Sharonda Nicholas-Hardisty


Sharonda Nicholas-Hardist
About Me

Sharonda Nicholas-Hardist is the Assistant Director at Skipwith Academy at Lauderdale Square.

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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