New Horizon Academy CEO Discusses Commitment to Excellence and Shares Special Offer

PLYMOUTH, Minn. – In an interview with Minnesota and Company at Kare11, CEO of New Horizon Academy, Chad Dunkley, shared the inspiring story of the company’s beginning and its continuous commitment to providing the highest quality early childhood education. As the largest family-owned provider of center-based childcare in the nation, New Horizon Academy has been a pillar of the Minnesota community for over 54 years.
Founded by Sue Dunkley in 1971, New Horizon Academy has deep family roots, with Chad following in his mother’s footsteps to lead the company after experiencing the profound impact of early childhood education. “I didn’t always know I would stay in our family business. It was always my dream to work for my dad’s law firm. But the moment I held my infant son in my arms, I knew there was no more important work than providing the best early education programs for young children and their families,” said Chad Dunkley.
Chad emphasized the extraordinary quality of New Horizon Academy’s classrooms, noting that nearly 100 percent of eligible schools are accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC)—the gold standard in early education. He also shared that most preschoolers in New Horizon Academy classrooms are already meeting or exceeding kindergarten-readiness benchmarks.
One of the key highlights of the conversation was the importance of social-emotional learning at New Horizon Academy. Chad explained that creating a safe, nurturing environment where children feel connected is essential for fostering key skills such as self-discipline, emotional regulation, and resilience. These foundational skills are not only crucial for academic success, but also for building healthy relationships throughout life. New Horizon Academy’s award-winning social-emotional learning curriculum is integral to the overall growth of children, ensuring they are equipped for both life and learning.
Chad also shared why parents choose New Horizon Academy, citing the school’s exceptional outcomes, high parent satisfaction, and recognition as a top workplace. With a 98 percent parent recommendation rate and numerous community awards, New Horizon Academy continues to lead the way in early childhood education, remaining steadfast in its commitment to what is best for children and families.
Exclusive Offer for Minnesota and Company Viewers
As part of a special promotion, Minnesota and Company viewers can receive a 25 percent discount off the first 4 weeks of enrollment at New Horizon Academy. To take advantage of this offer and learn more about New Horizon Academy’s approach to early education, call 763-557-1111 or visit www.newhorizonacademy.net to find a location near you.