★ Chester, Pennsylvania's Premier Early Learning School
Where Every Child Begins with Excellence
Nationally accredited, Keystone STARS 4 rated, and committed to whole-child development — Akira Academy offers infant care through school-age programs that prepare Chester's children for a lifetime of achievement.
Chester families trust Akira Academy because we combine rigorous early academics with the nurturing relationships children need to thrive — at every age, every stage.
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STEM-Enriched Learning
Science, technology, engineering, and math woven into play-based discovery from infancy through school age.
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Whole-Child Development
Social, emotional, physical, and academic growth supported together — not in isolation.
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Certified Educators
Lead teachers hold early childhood certifications, with ongoing professional development and low staff turnover.
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Daily Parent Communication
Real-time updates, photos, and milestone tracking via Brightwheel — so you're never out of the loop.
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Meals & Nutrition
Healthy, balanced meals included daily. Pampers and wipes fully provided for children under 24 months.
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Working Family Support
School pick-up and drop-off, before/after care, and summer camp — structured around your family's schedule.
Academic Programs
A Pathway of Excellence for Every Stage
From your child's earliest weeks through elementary school, every Akira Academy program is built to nurture potential and build the foundation for lifelong learning.
Ages 6 Weeks – 23 Months
Infant & Toddler Suite
Personalized, attentive care that honors each infant's unique rhythm — from individualized feeding schedules to sensory-rich activities that spark early brain development.
Pampers & wipes fully provided under 24 months
Personalized daily activity & feeding reports
Exceptionally low child-to-staff ratios
Developmental milestone tracking via Brightwheel
Sensory play, tummy time & language-building
Ages 2 – 3 Years
Early Explorers Toddler Program
Where curiosity becomes confidence. Our play-based, STEM-enriched toddler classrooms channel natural energy into purposeful learning, independence, and joyful discovery.
Pennsylvania's Pre-K Counts program offers free, high-quality pre-kindergarten at Akira Academy. Certified teachers deliver a rigorous, joyful curriculum that prepares children for kindergarten success.
Tuition-free for eligible Chester, PA families
State-certified lead teachers in every classroom
Literacy, numeracy, science & creative arts
Social-emotional kindergarten readiness
Family engagement and progress reporting
Ages 3 – 5 Years
Preschool Academy
A structured, academically rich preschool experience that builds a strong foundation in literacy, math, science, and the social skills children need to thrive in kindergarten and beyond.
Emerging literacy and phonological awareness
Math concepts, patterns & problem-solving
STEM experiments and scientific inquiry
Character education and independence-building
Small class sizes with certified educators
Ages 5 – 12 Years
School-Age Care & Enrichment
Before- and after-school care, summer camp, and enrichment programs designed to support working families and keep school-age children engaged, safe, and growing.
School pick-up and drop-off coordination
Structured homework support and quiet study time
STEM enrichment, arts, and recreational activities
Summer camp with themed weekly programming
Reliable, consistent care your schedule depends on
Ages 6 Weeks – 12 Years
Summer Camp & Seasonal Programs
Summer at Akira Academy means themed adventures, outdoor discovery, STEM exploration, creative arts, and friendships — all in a safe, nurturing environment.
Weekly themes and enrichment activities
Outdoor play, water activities & field experiences
Age-appropriate STEM and creative projects
Flexible enrollment by the week or full summer
Open to current students and new families
A Day at Akira Academy
What Your Child's Day Looks and Feels Like
Structure and joy, learning and play — every hour has a purpose, and every moment is intentional.
7:00 – 9:00 AM
Morning Arrival & Circle Time
Warm welcome, morning greetings, calendar, weather, and the day's theme introduction.
9:00 – 10:30 AM
Guided Learning Centers
Literacy, math, STEM exploration, and small-group instruction with certified teachers.
10:30 – 11:30 AM
Outdoor Play & Movement
Gross motor development, social skill building, and fresh air. Weather-appropriate every day.
11:30 AM – 1:00 PM
Lunch & Rest
Nutritious hot lunch, conversation, and a restful quiet period for recharging young minds.
1:00 – 5:30 PM
Afternoon Enrichment & Pickup
Creative arts, STEM projects, music, dramatic play, and flexible dismissal for working families.
Credentials & Recognition
Standards That Set Akira Academy Apart
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National Accreditation
Akira Academy holds national accreditation, a distinction fewer than 10% of early learning programs achieve, signaling the highest standards of quality and safety.
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Keystone STARS 4
Pennsylvania's highest quality rating for early learning programs. STARS 4 reflects our commitment to curriculum, staff qualifications, and continuous improvement.
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Pre-K Counts Partner
As an approved Pre-K Counts provider, we offer tuition-free pre-kindergarten to eligible Chester families — taught by certified teachers in accredited classrooms.
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ELRC Subsidy Accepted
We participate in the ELRC subsidy program, helping working families access high-quality care at Akira Academy with financial support from Pennsylvania.
Chester Families Trust Us
Words From the Families We Serve Every Day
★★★★★
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Akira Academy has been transformative for our daughter. The teachers genuinely know her, celebrate her milestones, and communicate with us every single day. We feel like true partners in her education.
Keisha M.
Parent of a Pre-K Scholar, Chester PA
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As a working mom, I needed somewhere reliable, safe, and academically strong. Akira Academy checks every box. The school-age program and pick-up service have been a lifesaver for our family.
Danielle T.
Parent of two, enrolled since 2021
★★★★★
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My son started in the infant suite and is now in Pre-K Counts. Watching his growth has been incredible. The STEM activities light him up, and the teachers have been with us every step of the way.
Marcus & Shayna B.
Chester, PA family — enrolled 4 years
Ready to Give Your Child the Best Start?
Schedule a tour of Akira Academy and see what makes Chester's premier early learning school the choice of families who refuse to settle.
For over five years, Akira Academy has been Chester, PA's trusted early learning center — combining high academic standards with the warmth and care every young child deserves.
Our Mission
At Akira Academy, we believe early education should do more than prepare children for the next grade level. It should help them build confidence, curiosity, independence, and a genuine love of learning that lasts a lifetime.
That is why our approach supports the whole child — nurturing social and emotional development alongside academic readiness, physical growth, and creative expression. We don't separate the heart from the mind; at Akira, both matter equally.
Our Educational Philosophy
We draw on research-backed early childhood frameworks to create classrooms where children feel safe, respected, and excited to explore. Our philosophy is built on three pillars:
Relationships First: Children learn best when they feel known and valued by their teachers.
Purposeful Learning: Every activity — from sensory play to STEM investigations — has an intentional developmental goal.
Family Partnership: Parents are essential partners, not observers. We communicate daily and involve families in their child's journey.
Why Chester Families Choose Akira Academy
In a community where quality childcare can be hard to find, Akira Academy stands apart by offering private school standards at accessible prices — backed by national accreditation, Keystone STARS 4, and a team of educators who are genuinely invested in every child they teach.
Families choose us for the academics. They stay because of the relationships.
5+
Years Serving Chester
4★
Keystone STARS Rating
What "Whole-Child" Means at Akira
✦Social: Building friendships, empathy, and communication
✦Emotional: Self-regulation, resilience, and confidence
✦Cognitive: STEM, literacy, math, and creative thinking
✦Physical: Gross motor, fine motor, and healthy habits
Our Educators
High-Caliber Teachers Who Know Your Child by Name
Every Akira Academy classroom is led by a certified early childhood educator committed to professional growth and genuine relationships with each family.
Teacher Qualifications & Professional Standards
Akira Academy holds itself to the staffing standards required for national accreditation and Keystone STARS 4 — meaning our educators exceed minimum licensing requirements in Pennsylvania.
Lead teachers hold Pennsylvania Early Childhood Education certifications or equivalent credentials
All staff complete ongoing professional development and annual training requirements
CPR, First Aid, and child abuse clearances current for every team member
Low teacher-to-child ratios maintained in all classrooms, exceeding state minimums
Experienced in early childhood STEM education, social-emotional learning, and inclusive practices
Active participation in Pennsylvania's STARS professional development registry
We invest in our team because we know that teacher quality is the single greatest predictor of children's early learning outcomes. When your child's teacher loves their work, your child feels it.
See Akira Academy for Yourself
The best way to experience what makes our school different is to walk through our doors. Schedule a personal tour and meet the educators who will champion your child.
From infant care to school-age enrichment — every Akira Academy program is designed with developmental intentionality, certified educators, and the conveniences working families need.
Ages 6 Weeks – 23 Months
Infant & Toddler Suite
Your youngest child deserves the most attentive care available. Our infant suite is Chester's most nurturing environment for babies — where certified caregivers follow every child's individual schedule, track every milestone, and build the secure attachment that forms the foundation of all future learning.
The period from birth to age three is the most critical window for brain development. Every interaction, every song, every responsive feeding builds neural connections that shape your child's capacity to learn, relate, and regulate emotions for life.
At Akira Academy, we approach infant care as a professional, developmental discipline — not just supervision. Your baby is learning every moment they're with us.
Parent Communication PromiseDaily reports including feeding times, diaper changes, nap schedules, developmental observations, and photos — sent directly to you through Brightwheel.
Ages 2 – 3 Years · Early Explorers Program
Toddler Program in Chester, PA
Toddlers are natural scientists — perpetually curious, fearlessly energetic, and ready to discover how everything works. Our Early Explorers classroom harnesses that energy through play-based STEM learning, social skill development, and joyful routines that build confidence and independence every single day.
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Play-based STEM exposure: simple machines, nature science, building
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Language-rich environment with books, songs, and storytelling
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Social-emotional learning and guided conflict resolution
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Fine motor development: painting, drawing, cutting, building
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Gross motor play and daily outdoor time
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Creative arts, music, and movement every day
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Professional, patient, positive potty training support
Science, technology, engineering, and math aren't subjects reserved for older children. In our toddler classrooms, STEM shows up in water tables, block towers, ramps and balls, sorting games, and nature trays — activities that look like play and work like education.
Research shows that early STEM exposure dramatically increases children's later engagement with math and science. At Akira Academy, we lay that foundation long before kindergarten.
A Typical Toddler MorningArrival → Morning circle & calendar → STEM discovery center → Snack → Outdoor play → Read-aloud → Art project → Lunch
Ages 3 – 5 Years · FREE Through Pennsylvania Pre-K Counts
Pre-K Counts Program in Chester, PA
Pennsylvania's Pre-K Counts program funds high-quality pre-kindergarten for eligible families — at no cost. As an approved Pre-K Counts provider, Akira Academy delivers this program with the same certified teachers, rigorous curriculum, and exceptional environment as our private preschool classrooms. Your child gets a premium early education; Pennsylvania picks up the tuition.
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Tuition-free for eligible Pennsylvania families in Chester
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State-certified lead teachers in every Pre-K Counts classroom
Pre-K Counts is available to Pennsylvania children ages 3–5 who meet income eligibility guidelines. Eligibility is determined based on family income, and many working families in Chester qualify.
You don't need to navigate the eligibility process alone. Our enrollment team will walk you through the application, explain what documents are needed, and help you secure your child's spot at no cost.
Why Families Are Surprised by This ProgramMany Chester families don't realize that free Pre-K Counts is available at a nationally accredited, STARS 4 school like Akira Academy. This is the same quality they'd pay for elsewhere — just without the tuition.
Ages 5 – 12 Years
School-Age Care & Enrichment
For working families, reliable before- and after-school care isn't just convenient — it's essential. Akira Academy's school-age program gives children a structured, enriching, and safe place to be before and after school, while giving parents the peace of mind they deserve.
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School pick-up and drop-off coordination with local Chester schools
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Structured homework time with educator support
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STEM enrichment, arts and crafts, and recreational activities
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Nutritious afternoon snack included
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Summer camp with themed weekly programming
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Safe, supervised environment with familiar, caring staff
When school lets out, the adventure begins. Akira Academy's summer camp offers weeks of themed exploration — from science labs and engineering challenges to creative arts and outdoor adventures.
Children ages 6 weeks through 12 years are welcome. Enrollment is flexible by the week or the full summer, and the same trusted Akira Academy team runs every session.
Summer Camp HighlightsWeekly themes · STEM projects · Outdoor activities · Creative arts · Field experiences · Ages 6 weeks–12 years
Find the Right Program for Your Child
Not sure which program fits? Our enrollment team will help you find the perfect classroom match for your child's age, schedule, and developmental needs.
Simple Enrollment. Personal Support. A Confident Start.
Our enrollment team is here to guide your family from first question to first day — with clarity, warmth, and zero pressure. Let's find the right program for your child together.
How Enrollment Works
Four Simple Steps to Your Child's First Day
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Schedule a Tour
Walk through our classrooms, meet our educators, and get a real feel for the Akira Academy environment. Tours are personal, not scripted.
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Choose Your Program
Our team will discuss your child's age, your family's schedule, and program availability — and recommend the best classroom fit.
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Complete Enrollment
Submit your enrollment forms securely through Brightwheel, our digital parent platform. Our team walks you through every step.
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Welcome to Akira
Confirm your child's start date and classroom placement. We'll make sure the first day feels as exciting as it should be.
Competitive tuition for Chester, PA's highest-rated early learning center
ELRC childcare subsidy accepted — we'll help you apply
Free Pre-K Counts for eligible families ages 3–5
Flexible payment scheduling available
Sibling enrollment discounts — ask our team
No surprise fees: meals, Pampers (under 24 mo.), and activities included
Free Pre-K Counts
Does My Child Qualify for Free Pre-Kindergarten?
Pennsylvania's Pre-K Counts program provides free, high-quality pre-K to eligible 3- and 4-year-olds. Income-based eligibility means many Chester working families qualify. Our enrollment team will help you determine eligibility and complete the application — at no cost and with no obligation.
Ready to Get Started?
Schedule Your Tour Today
The best way to know if Akira Academy is right for your family is to experience it in person. Tours are personal, unhurried, and always welcome.
Our enrollment team is happy to answer your questions about programs, availability, scheduling, tuition, and financial assistance before you commit to anything.
Build a Meaningful Career in Early Childhood Education
Akira Academy is growing — and we're building a team of caring, skilled professionals who believe the work of early education is among the most important work in the world.
Why Work at Akira Academy
A Professional Community That Invests in You
We don't just hire educators. We develop them — with professional growth opportunities, a collaborative culture, and the respect every early childhood professional deserves.
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High-Quality Environment
Work in a nationally accredited, Keystone STARS 4 center where standards are high, materials are excellent, and the work is taken seriously.
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Professional Development
Ongoing training, annual professional development hours, and support for credential advancement — including participation in Pennsylvania's STARS registry.
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Collaborative Culture
A team of educators who genuinely support one another, share ideas, and hold the shared belief that every child deserves an extraordinary start.
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Room to Grow
As Akira Academy expands to a new location, we're creating new leadership opportunities for dedicated educators ready to take on more.
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Mission-Driven Work
Every day you come to work, you're shaping the trajectory of a child's life. That's not a small thing. We take it seriously — and we celebrate it.
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Competitive Compensation
Compensation that reflects your credentials, experience, and the important role you play in the lives of Chester families.
Open Positions
Current Opportunities at Akira Academy
We're actively growing our team. If you're passionate about early childhood education and ready to work in Chester's premier learning environment, we'd love to meet you.
If you're passionate about early childhood education and looking for a professional home where your work is respected and your growth is supported, Akira Academy is ready to meet you.
From enrollment and tuition to daily routines and Pre-K Counts eligibility — we've answered the questions Chester families ask most.
Common Questions
Everything You Need to Know Before You Enroll
Akira Academy serves children from 6 weeks through 12 years old. Our programs include the Infant & Toddler Suite (6 weeks–23 months), Early Explorers toddler program (ages 2–3), Preschool Academy and Pre-K Counts (ages 3–5), school-age before/after care (ages 5–12), and summer camp for all ages.
Pre-K Counts is a Pennsylvania state program that funds free, high-quality pre-kindergarten for eligible 3- and 4-year-olds. Eligibility is primarily income-based, and many working families in Chester qualify. Akira Academy is an approved Pre-K Counts provider, meaning your child receives the same certified teachers and accredited curriculum as our private preschool — at no tuition cost to you. Contact our enrollment team to learn if your family qualifies and to get help with the application.
Yes. Akira Academy participates in Pennsylvania's Early Learning Resource Center (ELRC) childcare subsidy program. If you've been approved for a childcare subsidy, we can work directly with the ELRC to apply your benefits to your child's tuition. If you haven't applied yet, our team can help guide you through the process.
Akira Academy is open Monday through Friday from 6:30 AM to 8:00 PM, and Saturday from 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM. We are closed on Sundays and major federal holidays. Professional development closure days are communicated to families well in advance. Before- and after-school care runs according to local school schedules.
Brightwheel is our digital parent communication and enrollment platform. Through Brightwheel, parents receive daily activity reports, photos, feeding and nap updates (for infants), milestone observations, and direct messaging with teachers. All enrollment forms are also completed securely through Brightwheel. It's available as a mobile app on iOS and Android.
Yes. Nutritious daily meals are included for enrolled children. Infants under 24 months also have Pampers and wipes fully provided — no need to pack diapers. We follow nutrition guidelines to ensure balanced, age-appropriate meals. Please let us know about any allergies or dietary restrictions during enrollment.
Akira Academy holds national accreditation and a Keystone STARS 4 rating — Pennsylvania's highest quality designation for early learning programs. We are also an approved Pre-K Counts provider and participate in the ELRC subsidy program. National accreditation is achieved by fewer than 10% of early learning programs nationwide and reflects our commitment to quality in curriculum, staffing, safety, and family engagement.
You can schedule a personal tour directly through our website at akiraacademy.iks.center/schedule-a-tour. Tours are personal and unhurried — you'll walk through our classrooms, meet our educators, and have the opportunity to ask all your questions. We strongly encourage prospective families to tour before enrolling, and there's no obligation involved.
Yes. Akira Academy provides school pick-up and drop-off coordination for our school-age program, working with local Chester-area schools. Please ask our enrollment team about current transportation routes and availability when inquiring about our before- and after-school program.
STEM — science, technology, engineering, and math — is woven throughout our curriculum at every age level. For infants and toddlers, this looks like sensory experiments, building with blocks, and exploring cause and effect through play. For preschoolers, it means hands-on science investigations, patterns, counting, and structured problem-solving. For school-age children, it includes enrichment projects, engineering challenges, and applied learning activities. STEM at Akira isn't a separate subject — it's embedded in how we think about every learning experience.