About Tomlin Academy in Kansas City

We are a Christ-centered, Abeka Curriculum-based daycare and preschool in Kansas City. We care for children from  6 weeks to 5 years old, and provide a range of age-appropriate resources and activities to encourage their development right up until they are ready to join school.

We are a community-based Academy, and our holiday and out-of-school-hours clubs serve children up to 12 years old. Everyone is welcome at Tomlin Academy!

Our Philosophy

Our philosophy is based on learning, creativity and play. We want children to benefit from a structured learning environment while still having fun every day. By blending indoor and outdoor learning in a home-away-from-home environment, we are able to create a space where children feel empowered and ready to learn.

Our Mission Statement

At Tomlin Academy, our scholars will inspire to achieve academic excellence through a Christ centered education delivered by passionate educators who understand the individual needs of every scholar.

Who We Are

Tomlin Academy got its start in Kansas City in 2008 by Shantelle Tomlin. We decided to do things a bit differently at Tomlin Academy by creating a space which fosters early learning in a fun and safe environment, where children from 6 weeks to 5 years old can explore the world around them.

We believe our innovative approach gives children a bright and positive start in life as we encourage both exploration and discovery, as well as emotional intelligence and building friendships.

About Our Kansas City Location

When you visit us here at Tomlin Academy, you’ll see firsthand what makes us different!

Here are some features that make us unique:

  • Although we provide structure and develop a love for learning amongst our children, we want to make sure they have fun at Tomlin Academy! We have various programs, activities and socials (such as ice-cream social, dance program and Taco Tuesdays)  to ensure that every day is entertaining and our kids are always enjoying themselves while they learn

  • At Tomlin Academy, we focus strongly on parental involvement and communication. We work closely with parents to ensure their child is getting the most out of their experience at Tomlin Academy. We even offer a community lounge, with computers and coffee, where parents can come and work!

  • We have lots of parking space at Tomlin Academy, making drop-off and pick-up times easy and convenient for parents- you’ll never have to worry about finding a parking spot!

  • We are a community-based organization and- along with several other local organizations- we give back to our community in various ways. For example, we host a yearly back to school bash, where backpacks and physical checks are offered to school children before the academic year begins.

We’d love to send you a FREE parent pack, full of helpful information about Tomlin Academy

Our Rooms

At Tomlin Academy, our daycare rooms are split yearly by age, and each one is filled with age-appropriate activities that inspire learning, exploration and creativity.

From cozy reading corners to hands-on learning centers, imaginative play areas and arts and crafts stations, children have plenty of opportunities to explore, play, and interact! Our rooms promote social, cognitive, and physical development in a safe and nurturing environment.

Our Rooms

At Tomlin Academy, our daycare rooms are split yearly by age, and each one is filled with age-appropriate activities that inspire learning, exploration and creativity.

From cozy reading corners to hands-on learning centers, imaginative play areas and arts and crafts stations, children have plenty of opportunities to explore, play, and interact! Our rooms promote social, cognitive, and physical development in a safe and nurturing environment.

Infants Room

Our infant's room is specifically designed for babies up to 2 years old. This engaging space offers a safe and nurturing environment for our youngest learners. We have areas for sensory exploration, imaginative play and gross motor skill development.

Our experienced and loving caregivers provide attentive supervision and facilitate age-appropriate activities to promote social, emotional, and cognitive development while promoting a sense of security and trust. With cozy nap areas and child-friendly furniture, our room is a home away from home, fostering a love for learning and growth in every child.

Pre-Kindergarten Room

In our pre-kindergarten room, we prioritize preparing our older children for school in a fun and encouraging environment. With a strong emphasis on key areas such as reading, literacy, language development, numeracy, science, and School Readiness Skills, Tomlin Academy aims to equip your little one with the necessary tools for success.

Through engaging in activities that promote routine, following instructions, raising hands, and learning other essential skills, we ensure a smooth transition into the structured and expectation-filled classroom setting.

Pre-Kindergarten Room

In our pre-kindergarten room, we prioritize preparing our older children for school in a fun and encouraging environment. With a strong emphasis on key areas such as reading, literacy, language development, numeracy, science, and School Readiness Skills, Tomlin Academy aims to equip your little one with the necessary tools for success.

Through engaging in activities that promote routine, following instructions, raising hands, and learning other essential skills, we ensure a smooth transition into the structured and expectation-filled classroom setting.

We know how hard it can be choosing the perfect place for your little ones to learn and grow. So we have made it simple for you to find out exactly what to look for when choosing the perfect preschool. Get your copy now…

Merging Teaching and Childcare

We offer a variety of programs, including daycare, preschool and pre-kindergarten for infants and toddlers, as well as tutoring, after school care and holiday camps for children up to 12 years old.

We believe that it’s never too early to start learning and that it’s vital to always present opportunities for children to learn and grow as soon as they start at our center. 

By developing our programs with curriculum experts and childcare specialists, we’ve been able to hone in on what makes early education a success and created a learning program that allows our children to enter school seamlessly.

Most importantly, we want children in our community to have fun! All of our programs are designed with education in mind, but we want to ensure that learning goes hand-in-hand with enjoyment. From our Dance Program to Ice-cream Social, and themed days such as Marketing Monday and Fiesta Friday, there’s something for everyone to enjoy at Tomlin Academy!

About Our Team

Introducing Ms Tomlin: A Passionate Educator

Shantelle Tomlin's love for teaching and her unwavering commitment to learning took root during her time at the Children's Home in Wichita, Kansas. Even at a young age, she knew that her calling was to work with children - specifically, underprivileged children. After earning her B.A. in Secondary Education and B.A. in English from the University of Missouri-Kansas City, Ms Tomlin began her career as a substitute teacher in the inner city.

In 2005, Ms Tomlin secured her first teaching position. Throughout her time as a teacher, she continued to pursue her own education, obtaining two additional degrees. Recognizing her potential as a leader, she was chosen to participate in the Teacher Leader Program for the Kansas City Missouri School District. 

Ms Tomlin firmly believes that every child is destined for success; no dream should ever be deferred. Empowering children to become lifelong learners is not just a choice; it is her duty. She dedicates her time to serving the community, ensuring that children have the tools they need to achieve academic success. Whether it’s through tutoring, volunteering, or offering community activism and service, Ms Tomlin’s passion for education knows no bounds; she firmly believes that all children deserve equal opportunities to excel.

The Tomlin Academy family includes a diverse team of passionate educators who are committed to your child’s success.

What to Expect from Tomlin Academy

Our mission is to provide the highest quality childcare in Missouri, if not the world!

As part of our commitment, we provide all of our kids with:

  • Healthy meals each day that meet dietary restrictions such as gluten-free, vegan, etc.

  • Flexible hours to accommodate parents with busy schedules.

  • The opportunity to explore the surroundings with field trips to various locations, such as Wonder Scope, Kansas City.

  • Events that allow kids to learn more about the world around them like career day and guest speakers.

  • The opportunity to have fun while learning, with lots of themed activities and focus on play-based learning.

  • Outdoor play that teaches little ones how to respect Mother Nature and interact with her in a meaningful way.

  • A diverse, all-inclusive environment where all cultures and traditions are honored and respected

We would be thrilled to have you join our Tomlin Academy family in Kansas City. Contact us with any questions at
816-785-7878 or click the button below to schedule a tour!

Schedule a Tour at Tomlin Academy

The best way to discover what makes Tomlin Academy special is to see it firsthand. We provide engaging and interactive tours at our Kansas City location daily. We look forward to meeting you soon and getting to know you and your child more!

Contact Us

9700 Holmes Road,

Kansas City, MO 64131