Explore our brand-new daycare, preschool, and before-and-after-school care programs in Ankeny, Iowa! We officially opened our doors in February 2025 to children and families in Ankeny and surrounding areas. Conveniently located off US 69 and NW 36th Street near Rock Creek Elementary, enrollment is available for children ages 6 weeks to 10 years. Each of our infant, toddler, preschool, pre-kindergarten, and school-age classrooms utilizes a research-based curriculum that helps students build social-emotional, cognitive, language, and motor skills while integrating STEAM concepts to nurture innovation and exploration. While we are currently undergoing NAEYC accreditation, which requires us to be open for at least one year, we remain dedicated to providing the highest standards of education and care for young children. We can’t wait for you to check out New Horizon Academy Ankeny! Schedule a tour today to meet our dedicated teachers and staff, see our brand-new classrooms and facilities, and witness high-quality early education programs in action!
Awards and Accolades
Tour lasts 30 minutes. Not seeing a time that works for you? Request a phone call
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My husband and I share a home with our three children and two dogs. When I’m not fulfilling my role as “Mrs. Baker” at work, I’m living the busy mom life with our kids, enjoying watching them grow into their independent selves and cheering them on at their activities. I love shopping, decorating, cooking, and I’m a frequent flier to Nashville, TN.
Education – University of Northern Iowa
Years of Early Childhood Education Experience: 15
What do you like about early childhood?
Working in the field of early childhood is incredibly rewarding. You get to see the lightbulbs go off in their little minds when they make connections. You get to be a part of their milestones—big and small, mental and physical—and contribute to something so important for families. The best part is that, even though it’s a significant role, it can still be silly and fun!
What makes your school unique?
We are one of the few New Horizon Academy schools in Iowa with a mother’s room. We are located in the northern part of Ankeny, with easy access from surrounding towns. Our school has welcoming staff and brand-new equipment, ready to support children’s growth and development!
What is your favorite children’s book?
“When Sophie Gets Angry – Really, Really Angry…” by Molly Bang
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I am a busy mom of four living my husband, four children, two cats, and a dog! When I’m not at NHA, I am supporting my four children at all of their events. I enjoy baking, camping, and supporting Ava’s Way Foundation in honor of brave my niece, Ava Hutchinson who is forever 11.
I cared for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers for almost a decade in my in-home childcare until eventually becoming a preschool teacher. Caring for children has always been so rewarding to me as it is such an important role and an honor to be trusted to do so. Plus, who doesn’t love some good baby snuggles?
Years of Early Childhood Education Experience: 16
What do you like about early childhood?
I love seeing the excitement when a new skill is learned. The children are so excited to grow and learn. It’s the best feeling when you see them light up after conquering something new.
What makes your school unique?
The positivity is 100%. All our staff strives for good vibes and a positive environment.
What is your favorite children’s book?
“The Giving Tree” by Shel Silverstein
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At New Horizon Academy Ankeny, childcare tuition rates vary by:
Please fill out our contact form or schedule a tour, and our school director will provide your family with personalized tuition rates.
Yes! At New Horizon Academy Ankeny, we have an on-site cook trained in nutrition, USDA guidelines, and proper portions for young children. Our school provides nutritious and nourishing meals every day including breakfast, lunch, and snack. All meals are included in the cost of tuition.
If your child has a special nutritional need, a food allergy, or requires adaptation to our menu, please alert our school director, and we will partner with your family to create a suitable meal plan.
Our Ankeny school offers both full-time and part-time schedules to accommodate the different needs of our families.
Please contact our school director for current childcare openings and availability.
Yes! To promote security and independence for young children in our infant classrooms, we’ve eliminated swings, bouncers, and other restrictive equipment. By creating a space that encourages exploration and discovery, infants can develop essential cognitive and social skills at their own pace. This approach fosters positive interactions with peers and caregivers, enhancing emotional development and laying the groundwork for future learning. Ultimately, a nurturing environment empowers infants to thrive and establishes a solid foundation for their educational journey.
At New Horizon Academy Ankeny, we follow Iowa state guidelines for licensed daycare staff-to-child ratios:
We prioritize maintaining a fully-staffed team at all times, ensuring that your child’s care and education are never impacted by staff shortages or unexpected closures. This commitment helps us provide consistent, dependable care while preserving the stability of your child’s routine.
“They’ve really made our family feel welcome and like a part of their community!”
Puneet & Samantha, New Horizon Academy parents, Lakeville, MN
“Our daughter has been very happy at New Horizon Academy!”
Camila & Lauren, New Horizon Academy parents, St. Paul, MN
“We immediately felt at peace bringing our child here.”
Ronnie & Kaitlyn, New Horizon Academy parents, Lakeville, MN
“The relationships between the children and teachers are incredible.”
Alex Casey, New Horizon Academy parent and former student, Stillwater, MNAn investment in a New Horizon Academy education is an investment in your child’s future. Families trust New Horizon Academy to set their children up for success. Here are a few reasons why:
From a single preschool classroom in 1971 to 100 schools today, much has changed for New Horizon Academy, but our commitment to children, families, teachers, and our communities remains the same.
One hundred percent of our eligible schools are accredited by NAEYC, the gold standard in early childhood accreditation. This is an accomplishment no other childcare provider of our size has achieved.
We hire teachers with experience, give them the training and support they need to succeed, pay them above market average, and help them achieve their goals. This results in stable, consistent care for your child.
Our state-of-the-art schools provide children with thoughtfully designed classrooms, playgrounds, and learning tools. We regularly update our schools to ensure they reflect our high standards for safety, quality, and care.
Your child’s safety and well-being always come first. Our childcare centers create caring, secure environments focused on supporting each child’s health and happiness. You can feel confident that your child is in good hands.
Our research-based curriculum offers engaging, hands-on activities in STEAM, language and literacy, social-emotional learning, physical development, and more to support kindergarten readiness and lifelong learning.
As an organization, we strive to foster a welcoming and inclusive culture where all children, families, and staff feel a sense of belonging. We approach our relationships with curiosity, compassion, and respect.
A nutritious breakfast, lunch, and snack are prepared fresh each day by our school chef, with menus developed by our nutrition specialist to ensure every meal is balanced. All meals are included in the cost of tuition!
Our mobile app keeps parents connected with daily updates, allowing teachers to share information, send messages, and delight you with photos and videos from your child’s day, so you never miss a moment.
Families are always welcome to come in for visits, participate in activities, and join us for family fun events. We love having parents involved in their child’s learning and value every opportunity to build a strong community.
From a single preschool classroom in 1971 to 100 schools today, much has changed for New Horizon Academy, but our commitment to children, families, teachers, and our communities remains the same.
One hundred percent of our eligible schools are accredited by NAEYC, the gold standard in early childhood accreditation. This is an accomplishment no other childcare provider of our size has achieved.
We hire teachers with experience, give them the training and support they need to succeed, pay them above market average, and help them achieve their goals. This results in stable, consistent care for your child.
Our state-of-the-art schools provide children with thoughtfully designed classrooms, playgrounds, and learning tools. We regularly update our schools to ensure they reflect our high standards for safety, quality, and care.
Your child’s safety and well-being always come first. Our childcare centers create caring, secure environments focused on supporting each child’s health and happiness. You can feel confident that your child is in good hands.
Our research-based curriculum offers engaging, hands-on activities in STEAM, language and literacy, social-emotional learning, physical development, and more to support kindergarten readiness and lifelong learning.
As an organization, we strive to foster a welcoming and inclusive culture where all children, families, and staff feel a sense of belonging. We approach our relationships with curiosity, compassion, and respect.
A nutritious breakfast, lunch, and snack are prepared fresh each day by our school chef, with menus developed by our nutrition specialist to ensure every meal is balanced. All meals are included in the cost of tuition!
Our mobile app keeps parents connected with daily updates, allowing teachers to share information, send messages, and delight you with photos and videos from your child’s day, so you never miss a moment.
Families are always welcome to come in for visits, participate in activities, and join us for family fun events. We love having parents involved in their child’s learning and value every opportunity to build a strong community.
We absolutely love this daycare! From the start, everyone has been so kind, caring, and welcoming. What really makes me happy is how much my 3 year old has blossomed. He was at a different daycare for several months and never opened up there, but within days at New Horizon Academy, he’s like a new kid!… chatting about his friends and teacher, excited to go every morning, and even asking if he can go on his off days. It makes my heart so happy to see him thriving. The whole place just has a great vibe— organized and professional, but still relaxed and comfortable for both kids and parents. I feel totally at ease dropping my kids off every day, and that peace of mind is everything. I couldn’t be more thankful!
If you are considering New Horizon Academy, you’ve found the right place! We were SO nervous to send our 2 year old to daycare for the first time, but New Horizon Academy in Ankeny has exceeded our expectations! All of the staff here are so kind and take amazing care of the kids.
I highly recommend New Horizon Academy! My son is in the toddler class, and he is absolutely thriving. He loves his teachers, who are very hands-on with him. They send updates on the app frequently, so I get to see what he is doing throughout the day—and when I see pictures of him playing and smiling, I know I chose the right place for him. He also comes home saying new words every day, and it lights up my face. NHA is beyond amazing!
We could not be happier with New Horizon Academy Ankeny! My children are absolutely in love with their teachers. The building is beautiful, and we love the great room. My 3-year-old is finally trying new foods again, as their menu offers more than just “kid food” and meals are provided in a low-stress, no-pressure environment. The directors are so dedicated to their school, staff, and kids.
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