How our Facility for Child Care in St. Augustine, FL, Began

Our school history is primarily composed of caring teachers wanting to provide the best education possible for the children of our community. Bartram Academy began as an in-home center by Kelly Giddens and her husband, Roger, more than a decade ago. It was in their home that our center for child care in St. Augustine, FL, was started with just a few kids and a belief in sustainability in childcare.

Kelly later obtained her director’s and state licenses, expanded her education background, and planned the building of our school facilities. We soon opened our doors to 110 students, including Kelly and Roger’s daughter, and were immediately at full capacity.

Growing Bigger While Staying Small

Kelly and Roger hoped to expand the preschool over a few years, and in 2015, they did just that. Another portion of our school was opened up in the same complex so we could “double our size and not be any larger than that. We want to stay small because we can know our parents and students.” It becomes clear that families love us by the fact that even with the completed expansion, we are still at full capacity.

This expansion has allowed our school to house different age groups separately. The infants, one-year-olds, and two-year-olds are cared for in the original building, and the three-year-olds and VPK students are taught the Reggio Emilia model in the new expansion. This makes it easier to cater the lessons and activities to the needs of each age group.

We are Growing with our Students

Along with the expansion came two shiny new playgrounds, each designed for different age groups. All of the equipment and toys are age-specific to appeal to the children who play there. The playground for three-year-olds and VPK students is part grass and has a shed with play materials in-line with the Reggio Emilia model.

We are happy to say that Kelly and Roger are considering a secondary location focused on sustainability in childcare in or around the Nocatee area, though there are no specific plans in place at this time. Kelly says, “We know we want to continue to offer the same intimate and personal atmosphere we have here now. If we were to open another location, it would be around that area. However, we need to have a few more discussions with our directors and get some more community feedback before anything is set in stone.”

We intend to add to this history with new plans and services soon. Contact Bartram Academy today to learn more about our child care in St. Augustine, FL, and the surrounding communities.