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Kiddie Academy® of Des Peres

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Empowering at every age: our learning programs

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A little about our Academy

Each Academy is a little different. Here's what makes us unique:

  • A curriculum that exceeds state standards
  • Nutritious meals and snacks
  • Parent communications portal
  • Safe and secure state-of-the-art facility
  • Cooking class, Music & More, soccer and chess academy
  • Monthly Parent's Night Out
  • NAEYC Accredited
  • Webcams in every classroom and on the playgrounds

We can't wait to meet you

  • Ms. Elyce, Academy Director

    Ms. Elyce has been with Kiddie Academy since 2016. She earned a​ bachelor of arts in elementary education, with an emphasis in special​ education, and an ​associate degree in nutrition.​  "If a child...   Read More

    Ms. Elyce, Academy Director

    Ms. Elyce has been with Kiddie Academy since 2016. She earned a​ bachelor of arts in elementary education, with an emphasis in special​ education, and an ​associate degree in nutrition.​  "If a child can't learn the way we teach, maybe we should teach the way they learn" - Ignacio Estrada

  • Ms. Katelyn, Assistant Director/Academy Support Coordinator

    Ms. Katelyn has been with KA-STL since March of 2019 and holds a CDA. She loves working with children and being part of...   Read More

    Ms. Katelyn, Assistant Director/Academy Support Coordinator

    Ms. Katelyn has been with KA-STL since March of 2019 and holds a CDA. She loves working with children and being part of their formative years while helping then learn intrapersonal skills

  • Ms. Candace, Assistant Director/ Curriculum Coordinator

    Candace has been teaching with Kiddie Academy of Des Peres since August 2019 & holds a Bachelor's in Social Work & a...   Read More

    Ms. Candace, Assistant Director/ Curriculum Coordinator

    Candace has been teaching with Kiddie Academy of Des Peres since August 2019 & holds a Bachelor's in Social Work & a Child Development Associate.

  • Ms. Gina, Operations Director

    Gina started teaching with Kiddie Academy of St. Louis in November 2014 & holds a Bachelor of Science in Biology & Education....   Read More

    Ms. Gina, Operations Director

    Gina started teaching with Kiddie Academy of St. Louis in November 2014 & holds a Bachelor of Science in Biology & Education. "Every child is "GIFTED"; they just unwrap their packages at different times."

  • Ms. Adrianna, Curriculum Coordinator Assistant

    Ms. Adrianna, Curriculum Coordinator Assistant

    Gina started teaching with Kiddie Academy of St. Louis in November 2014 & holds a Bachelor of Science in Biology & Education. "Every child is "GIFTED"; they just unwrap their packages at different times."

  • Ms. Alex, Unit Lead

    Ms. Alex, Unit Lead

    Gina started teaching with Kiddie Academy of St. Louis in November 2014 & holds a Bachelor of Science in Biology & Education. "Every child is "GIFTED"; they just unwrap their packages at different times."

  • Ms. Christina, Food Service Manager

    Ms. Christina, Food Service Manager

    Gina started teaching with Kiddie Academy of St. Louis in November 2014 & holds a Bachelor of Science in Biology & Education. "Every child is "GIFTED"; they just unwrap their packages at different times."

  • Ms. Melissa, Food Service Management Supervisor

    Ms. Melissa has been cooking at Kiddie Academy of St. Louis since February 2016 & holds her Missouri ServSafe Manager Certificate. "One...   Read More

    Ms. Melissa, Food Service Management Supervisor

    Ms. Melissa has been cooking at Kiddie Academy of St. Louis since February 2016 & holds her Missouri ServSafe Manager Certificate. "One cannot think well, love well, sleep well, if one has not dined well." - Virginia Woolf

  • Ms. Elayne, Director of Education

    Ms. Elayne has been with Kiddie Academy of St. Louis since February 2014 & has 30+ years of experience wearing several hats...   Read More

    Ms. Elayne, Director of Education

    Ms. Elayne has been with Kiddie Academy of St. Louis since February 2014 & has 30+ years of experience wearing several hats within the world of Early Childhood Education. Elayne won Kiddie Academy's National Director of the Year Award in 2016!

  • Yuree Jeong, Recruiting Manager

    Yuree has been recruiting for Kiddie Academy of St. Louis since May 2021. Yuree has been in the education industry for over...   Read More

    Yuree Jeong, Recruiting Manager

    Yuree has been recruiting for Kiddie Academy of St. Louis since May 2021. Yuree has been in the education industry for over 15 years between the US and Korea. “Education is what remains after one has forgotten what one has learned in school.” -Albert Einstein

  • Laura Eads, Operating Partner

    Laura loves observing the activities, interaction and learning of young children. Their curious minds and robust spirits are a joy to nurture....   Read More

    Laura Eads, Operating Partner

    Laura loves observing the activities, interaction and learning of young children. Their curious minds and robust spirits are a joy to nurture. She especially enjoys a delightful conversation over the meaning of a favorite book or the virtues of growing a garden. Her personal experience with a structured and educationally-based pre-school and the positive experience that process created for her family, is something she wants to duplicate at Kiddie Academy. “The opportunity to impact young children with the resources of the Life Essentials program is very exciting to me.” As a working parent, she understands the level of responsibility the academy has to provide a nurturing environment to our families’ most precious assets. She will work hard to meet the whole family’s needs and will build relationships that last well beyond the preschool years. Laura has participated with PTO boards and programs throughout her children’s education. She has taught religious education at the elementary school level and helped create a weekly faith program for families. Laura has worked in professional and leadership training and human resources for more than 20 years, ten of which were with Tom at Keller Laboratories. She holds a B.S. degree from the University of Colorado and resides in Wildwood. She is married and has two adult children.   

  • Tom Keller, Managing Partner

    Tom is a father and grandfather who knows what it’s like to have a little hand reach for his, and loves to...   Read More

    Tom Keller, Managing Partner

    Tom is a father and grandfather who knows what it’s like to have a little hand reach for his, and loves to hear the inquisitive questions asked by young children. He has been asked on many occasions why he has chosen to go into the child care business. His response is because early childhood education is where children begin developing their foundation for how they will live as lifelong learners. Professionally, Mr. Keller was CEO and President of Keller Laboratories, Inc., a dental laboratory group with offices and manufacturing in Missouri and four surrounding states. He is a firm believer in continuing education through professional leadership and personal development. A University of Kentucky graduate, Mr. Keller has participated in numerous leadership development programs and has been invited to speak at professional conferences. He lives in West St. Louis County with his wife, Marsha. They have two children and five grandchildren.

Hear from our parents

Ms. Bea in the 3-year old room is amazing. Every week, the classroom is transformed into a different, wonderous place - a rain forest, a farm, even outer space! Our daughter, Robin, comes home every day bursting with stories and excitement for new things she has learned. And, even as parents, we look forward to…
Cathrine M., Des Peres

We love our daughters teacher and we think she learns a lot while playing with new friends.
Sarah P., Des Peres

We love Kiddie Academy! Ms. Katie has made our daughter’s transition to a new room a very positive one. She is patient and kind and very inclusive. Ginny is excited to go to school in the morning. Yay for no tears at drop off!
Lauren D., Des Peres

We absolutely love Kiddie Academy! All of the staff have such a positive attitude and exhibit empathy and care. When our daughter has been home sick the teachers and administrative team have reached out just to check on her and send their well wishes. I feel that they always try to go above and beyond…
Deborah H., Des Peres

How involved and invested each teacher is with the children. Making sure to include everyone and helps the kids learn new things and improving their skills.
Christina H., Des Peres

Dropping off your baby at daycare for the first time is tough (no matter if it’s your first or second time), but Jalisa is the SWEETEST - not only to Xander but to all the babies in her care. She has made the transition easy. I especially love the pictures she sends throughout the day!…
Kelly S., Des Peres

Momo is amazing! She treats our kids with love and respect.
Shannon B., Des Peres

The most enthusiastic and friendly teachers! We love kiddie academy!
Stacy D., Des Peres

We are truly blessed to have Kiddie Academy to take care of our daughter. Her teacher Miss Alex takes excellent care and is always open to our questions and even makes time to meet us whenever needed. Our daughter is allergic to most of the allergens and KA’s food service manager has taken utmost care…
*Soumya* M., Des Peres

The teachers are so caring and loving to the children! We love Mr. Chris and Miss Destiny!
Elizabeth B., Des Peres

Awards & Certifications

A background image of a playground at Kiddie Academy

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Kiddie Academy of Des Peres

Welcome tips and insights to the family:

Parenting Essentials®

The learning doesn't stop for parents, either. That’s why we created an information resource with helpful tips on everything from enriching our STEM program at home to introducing lifelong healthy eating and fitness habits.