Private school excellence, made accessible to Chester's scholars.
Akira Academy is a nationally accredited, Keystone STARS 4 early learning academy serving scholars ages 6 weeks through 12 years — where rigorous academics meet genuine, daily warmth.
Why Chester families choose Akira
- — Certified lead educators in every classroom
- — STEM-enriched, whole-child curriculum
- — Daily updates & photos via Brightwheel
- — School pick-up & drop-off support
- — ELRC subsidy & free Pre‑K Counts accepted
Private school quality. Childcare warmth.
Chester families trust Akira Academy because we combine rigorous early academics with the nurturing relationships every scholar needs to thrive — at every age, every stage.
STEM-Enriched Learning
Science, technology, engineering, and math woven into play-based discovery from infancy through school age.
Whole-Child Development
Social, emotional, physical, and academic growth supported together — never in isolation.
Certified Educators
Lead teachers hold early childhood certifications, with ongoing professional development and low turnover.
Daily Communication
Real-time updates, photos, and milestone tracking via Brightwheel — you're never out of the loop.
Meals & Nutrition
Healthy meals included daily. Diapers and wipes fully provided for scholars under 24 months.
Working Family Support
School pick-up and drop-off, before/after care, and summer camp — built around your family's schedule.
Chester's trust, backed by independent recognition.
A pathway of excellence for every stage.
Jump straight to the program that fits your scholar — each link below goes directly to that classroom's details, not back to the top of the page.
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.
- Diapers & wipes fully provided under 24 months
- Personalized daily activity & feeding reports
- Exceptionally low child-to-staff ratios
- Developmental milestone tracking via Brightwheel
Early Explorers Toddler Program
Where curiosity becomes confidence. Play-based, STEM-enriched classrooms channel natural energy into purposeful learning and joyful discovery.
- Play-based STEM exposure and hands-on science
- Language-rich environment: books, songs & storytelling
- Social-emotional learning & conflict resolution skills
- Professional, supportive potty training
Pre‑K Scholars — Pre‑K Counts
Pennsylvania's Pre‑K Counts program offers free, high-quality pre-kindergarten at Akira Academy, taught by certified teachers in accredited classrooms.
- Tuition-free for eligible Chester, PA families
- State-certified lead teachers in every classroom
- Literacy, numeracy, science & creative arts
- Kindergarten-readiness assessments & family conferences
Preschool Academy
A structured, academically rich experience that builds a strong foundation in literacy, math, science, and the social skills scholars need for kindergarten and beyond.
- Emerging literacy and phonological awareness
- Math concepts, patterns & problem-solving
- STEM experiments and scientific inquiry
- Small class sizes with certified educators
School-Age Care & Enrichment
Before- and after-school care, summer camp, and enrichment designed to support working families and keep school-age scholars 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 & Seasonal Programs
Themed adventures, outdoor discovery, STEM exploration, and creative arts — all in a safe, nurturing environment, open to current and new families.
- Weekly themes and enrichment activities
- Outdoor play, water activities & field experiences
- Flexible enrollment by the week or full summer
Structure and joy, learning and play.
Every hour has a purpose, and every moment is intentional.
Warm welcome, morning greetings, calendar, and the day's theme introduction.
Literacy, math, STEM exploration, and small-group instruction with certified teachers.
Gross motor development, social skill building, and fresh air, weather-appropriate every day.
Nutritious hot lunch, conversation, and a restful quiet period.
Creative arts, STEM projects, music, and flexible dismissal for working families.
Straightforward answers on cost — before you ever ask.
Tuition varies by program, age, and schedule, so we won't guess a number here that might not match your family's situation. Here's what we can tell you plainly:
- ✓ Pre‑K Counts is 100% tuition-free for income-eligible families ages 3–5 — no cost, same accredited classrooms.
- ✓ ELRC childcare subsidy accepted — our team will help you apply if you haven't already.
- ✓ Sibling enrollment discounts are available — ask our admissions team.
- ✓ No surprise fees: meals and diapers/wipes (under 24 mo.) are included in tuition, not billed separately.
- ✓ Flexible payment scheduling is available on request.
Exact tuition is quoted per family during your tour, based on your scholar's age and schedule — this keeps quotes accurate instead of a generic rate that may not apply to you.
Get your personalized quote
Tell us your scholar's age and the schedule you need, and our admissions team will follow up with an exact tuition figure and any subsidy or Pre‑K Counts eligibility — usually within one business day.
Request a Tuition QuotePrefer to ask by phone? Call (484) 452-4540. Wondering about free Pre‑K first? Check your eligibility below ↓
See if your child qualifies — right now.
Answer four quick questions for an instant estimate. This isn't an official determination — our admissions team confirms final eligibility — but it'll tell you where you likely stand in under a minute.
This estimate uses the 2026 federal poverty guidelines (300% of FPL) and general Pre‑K Counts age/residency rules — actual eligibility can depend on additional factors. Final eligibility is always confirmed by Akira Academy's enrollment team — schedule a tour or call (484) 452-4540 to complete your official determination.
Simple enrollment. Personal support.
Our admissions team guides your family from first question to first day — with clarity, warmth, and zero pressure.
Schedule a Tour
Walk through our classrooms and meet our educators. Tours are personal, not scripted.
Choose Your Program
We'll discuss your scholar's age and your schedule, and recommend the best classroom fit.
Complete Enrollment
Submit forms securely through Brightwheel — our team walks you through every step.
Welcome to Akira
Confirm your scholar's start date and classroom placement.
Schedule your tour right here
This form is hosted by our scheduling provider and loads directly on this page, so you never have to leave akirachester.com to book.
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Submitted over an encrypted connection. Your family's information is never sold or shared.
Words from the families we serve.
"Akira Academy has been transformative for our daughter. The teachers genuinely know her and communicate with us every single day."
"As a working mom, I needed somewhere reliable, safe, and academically strong. The school-age program and pick-up service have been a lifesaver."
"My son started in the infant suite and is now in Pre‑K Counts. The STEM activities light him up, and the teachers have been with us every step."
Build a meaningful career in early childhood education.
We're growing — and building a team of caring, skilled professionals who believe this work matters. Select a role below to apply for that specific position.
Submit your application.
Select the position you're applying for and tell us a bit about yourself — we'll follow up directly.
Your questions, answered.
What ages does Akira Academy serve?
Akira Academy serves scholars from 6 weeks through 12 years old, across the Infant & Toddler Suite, Early Explorers, Preschool Academy and Pre‑K Counts, school-age before/after care, and summer camp.
What is Pennsylvania Pre‑K Counts, and does my child qualify?
Pre‑K Counts is a state program funding free, high-quality pre-kindergarten for eligible 3- and 4-year-olds, based primarily on income. Akira Academy is an approved provider — try our instant eligibility estimator or contact our admissions team.
Do you accept ELRC childcare subsidy?
Yes. We participate in Pennsylvania's ELRC subsidy program and can work directly with the ELRC to apply approved benefits to tuition.
What are your hours of operation?
Monday through Friday, 6:30 AM – 8:00 PM, and Saturday 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM. Closed Sundays and major federal holidays.
How do I schedule a tour?
Use the scheduler embedded directly on this page in the Admissions section, or call us at (484) 452-4540.
Are meals included in tuition?
Yes — nutritious daily meals are included, and diapers/wipes are fully provided for scholars under 24 months at no extra cost.
What accreditations does Akira Academy hold?
Akira Academy holds national accreditation (NECPA) and a Keystone STARS 4 rating — Pennsylvania's highest quality designation — and is an approved Pre‑K Counts provider.
Find us in Chester.
Chester, PA 19013
Saturday: 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM