Skipwith Academy at Huguenot provides caring, quality daycare in Richmond VA. Skipwith Academy has been a leader in early childhood education in the Richmond area since 1996. The Chesterfield County community trusts Skipwith Academy at Huguenot 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!
No other daycare in the Richmond/Tri-Cities area should even be considered. And, as a current father of 7, I know a bit about what I'm speaking on. lol. But in all seriousness, give them a call, set up a tour, and you will not be disappointed. That's all it took for my family. Meet the ever-caring staff, observe how they operate (beautifully: the kids LOVE them), and you'll soon be writing a review similar to mine. 5 stars all the way.
- Alex J., parent at Skipwith Huguenot
Skipwith Academy at Huguenot has been taking care of my family for 4 years, from infant through pre-k. We love all of the staff there as they have helped our children grow through many phases. The staff are caring and attentive. The facility is clean and caters to a learning and fun environment. The director/assistant director are great with communication and take great care of the children in the classrooms, too!
- Amanda D., parent at Skipwith Academy
My son started daycare when he was 3 months old. It is very hard to leave him every day to go to work but what makes it easier is the fact that we LOVE Skipwith Academy! When I pick my son up in the evenings he is happy which makes me feel better because I know he is getting excellent care. The teachers & staff are very sweet and friendly. I like the fact that they fill out a daily report sheet and everything your child does is documented for the day.
* 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
Stepping Stones Montessori
Skipwith Montessori
Youth Zone – Before and After School Care
Summer Camp
Schools Serviced
Bon Air Elementary
Gordon Elementary
Greenfield Elementary
JB Fisher Elementary
Riverside Elementary
Robious 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
Nestled in beautiful Chesterfield County, Virginia, Skipwith Academy at Huguenot is a learning center that provides the perfect environment for your child to achieve his or her fullest potential. 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. Skipwith Academy at Huguenot also has beautiful playgrounds with a garden designed for learning. Come let your child grow in this ideal educational setting! We look forward to welcoming you.
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 Huguenot 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
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
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.
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
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
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 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 Huguenot, 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
Asheli N. Jones, BA/Gen’l Mgmt About Me
Dear Families,
My name is Asheli N. Jones, and I’m excited to introduce myself as the Center Director here at Skipwith Academy at Huguenot.
I studied General Management at Bryant & Stratton College and bring over five years of experience in Early Childhood Education. Prior to joining the Huguenot team, I served as Assistant Director at Skipwith Academy in Rutland for one year. I’m originally from Charles City, Virginia, and was raised in Richmond.
I’m happily married to my husband, Daryl Jones—we tied the knot in the fall of 2023 right here in Virginia. Together, we’re raising our wonderful 7-year-old son, Daryl Jr. In my free time, I enjoy exploring the Richmond area, relaxing, and spending quality time with my family.
My passion for working with children began early in life, and I’ve always felt called to this field. One of my favorite parts of each day is stepping into the classroom to connect with the children. I’m deeply motivated by the opportunity to support and shape young minds—they truly are our future.
Thank you for choosing Skipwith Academy at Huguenot. I’m always open to your ideas and feedback to help make our school the best it can be. Let’s make this a fantastic school year together!
Warmly,
Asheli N. Jones
Director, Skipwith Academy at Huguenot
Assistant Director
Caitlin David About Me
Hello! My name is Caitlin David, and I’m proud to serve as the Assistant Director at Skipwith Academy. I bring over a decade of experience working with children, including 10 years in the childcare field. My background includes working in various local daycare centers, as well as six years teaching self-contained autism classes for kindergarten through fifth grade in elementary education.
Before moving into early childhood education, I worked in several Hilton properties during my high school and college years. My educational journey began at Brightpoint, continued at Virginia Commonwealth University where I studied forensic science, and ultimately led to earning a Bachelor of Arts in Education from Western Governors University.
I was born in Queens, New York, and moved to Virginia at a young age. While my family is spread out across the country—and the world—it gives me plenty of reasons to travel! With roots in Trinidad and Tobago, I have a deep appreciation for Caribbean culture and all the richness it brings.
I’m thrilled to continue growing with the Skipwith Academy family and am committed to supporting our children, families, and staff every step of the way.
District Director
Nikki Newsome, MA/Early Childhood Education About Me
Nikki is the District Director for our Richmond schools. Bio coming soon.
Started with Skipwith in January and have been loving it! The staff is so friendly and just amazing all around. They are consistent with updates and very nurturing with my baby. I was nervous just as any parent would be having to put their child in daycare but they truly have been doing an outstanding job and I trust them! They are very open and honest about how your child’s day was and do plenty of activities with them. My daughter is 9 months and it didn’t take her long to get adjusted with them because of the patience and nurturing nature the staff members have.
Skipwith Academy at Huguenot Great academy with a warm atmosphere and caring staff. Everything is well organized, and kids feel comfortable and happy here. We also had a great experience collaborating with Let’s Party Event Agency for kids’ activities — the events were fun, engaging, and perfectly suited for the children. Highly recommend! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Zakia Williams
I highly recommend Skipwith for those seeking childcare! I am a FTM and my son has been attending since he was 3 mos. He is now 13 mos.
Skipwith Pros - Staff friendliness - I was a nervous wreck dropping my son off at 3 mos. I found comfort being able to drop in at anytime to see him throughout the day in those early stages. The staff understood my anxiety. I recall one asking, what can we do for you.
Safety - my son had an emergency incident and a staff member performed the heimlich manuever. I am grateful for her quick thinking. This supports Skipwith has staff that not only have certifications, but their staff knows how to respond in emergencies. I also like how the play area is secured. There is a tall fence surrounding the area that prevents those on the outside from viewing. Not all daycares have this feature. And Skipwith is well lit which to me brings more joy. Some daycares I have visited are dim.
Nurturing - I appreciate how the staff welcomes my son when I drop him off and pick him up. Everyone knows his name. Some staff tell me funny stories. Their warmth towards him builds trust and confidence. It reassures my son is in a nurturing environment.
Learning - when my son was in Infant 1, I received several pics of him doing sensory learning activities. He did several paintings as early as 3 months! I would love to see more shared pics of learning activities in his current class.
Family Environment - Skipwith has tons of family oriented activities such as a Mother’s and Grandparents Day brunch, Halloween festival, animal visits from the farm, Christmas program, Art Show showcasing the kids creative skills and so much more!
Affordability- I visited at least 10 daycares (private, churches, franchises) before selecting Skipwith. Skipwith price is in the middle range and is reasonable.
Con - my one con is that due to my son having a peanut allergy, he is unable to eat the meals served at Skipwith. Therefore, I have to provide his two meals and snacks. Some daycares provide accommodations since several kids have peanut allergies. I know it is the safest decision for Skipwith but it does pose a challenge at times. But if your child doesn’t have any food allergies, you are good. Several staff rave about the chef!
Kudos to director Asheli and assistant director, Caitlin! And to all who play a hand in my son’s growth and development - thank you, thank you, thank you! 😊
Shanti C
I love this daycare! My daughter has been attending since she was 1 and she’s 3 now. I had my son earlier this year and now he attends. Nowhere is perfect but this is just about close to it in my opinion. The Director Ashlei is amazing and a few other teachers that my children and I love. I do recommend this place for anyone looking.
Shelby News
I can’t say enough good things about the staff at Skipwith - Huguenot! My son loves going to daycare every day. There hasn’t been a single day where we aren’t greeted the second we walk in with a big smile and a “Hi!”
After vacations or holidays, he always runs up to his teachers and gives them a big hug - that’s how much he loves and trusts them. I was nervous about starting daycare at first, but that worry went away after day one. On his first day, the Director even called us multiple times to give updates, knowing we were nervous. My son also has pretty bad eczema, and the staff always keep it top of mind and go out of their way to help. The staff truly care about him, and it shows.
Summers are really fun too - they plan a lot of things like magicians, petting zoos, reptile exhibits, musicians, the Fun Bus, bounce houses, splash pads, etc. There’s always something exciting going on!
We couldn’t be happier and always recommend them to anyone looking for a great daycare.
Ahmad Thomas
Since the beginning of our son’s start this group has been amazing to our family. They listen, understands, care for the child. My son is comfortable there and loves being there
Akivia Warren
My 2-year-old has been attending this daycare since June, and I couldn’t be happier with the care and love they’ve received. From day one, the staff made the transition so smooth they were patient, kind, and truly made my child feel safe and comfortable. When he greets them with hugs some days it makes me feel so good knowing that he is loved. It’s amazing to see how much my little one has learned and grown in such a short time. Every day he comes home excited with new words and things he has learned. The staff are wonderful, they communicate daily, keep parents informed, and treat each child as if they were their own. They always upload pictures throughout the days. The environment is always clean, cheerful, and full of fun activities that keep the kids engaged. I truly appreciate the nurturing atmosphere and the way they focus on both education and play. I’m so grateful to have found such a wonderful daycare, it gives me peace of mind knowing my child is in such caring hands every day. Highly recommend to any parent looking for a loving and reliable daycare! 💕
Jules D
My husband and I are obsessed with the entire staff. Every day they’re excited to see our son AND US! They make it incredibly easy to feel at ease dropping him off every day, especially when we first enrolled. We love how happy our son is every day when we pick him up and seeing all the fun he gets to have throughout the day. We also love the educational and childhood development that he receives, we’re definitely able to tell how it’s helped him become his own self! We highly recommend Skipwith Huguenot!
Lucy Kost
We were at Skipwith for over a year in the infant rooms and truly had a wonderful experience. We would send our child there again in a heartbeat. The only reason we are leaving Skipwith is due to an out-of-state move. We will miss them so much - the staff is so kind and sweet and really made us feel at home. I always felt so good about leaving my child in their care.
Cassie Sztraicher
We can’t imagine a better place for our infant son. The second we walk through the doors, we are greeted by enthusiastic staff who all know our kids name. It is clear that they really care for him and build bonding relationships.
