Welcome to Windmill Creek Academy!

NOW ENROLLING 2025-26 VPK STUDENTS.  LIMITED ENROLLMENT IN PRE-K

It is with great pleasure that we introduce you to Windmill Creek Academy!  Our mission is to develop strength of character and strong academic skills in our students.  For over 35 years, the founder of Windmill Creek Academy, and her family, have been dedicated to the education of young children.  Our well-qualified, caring (and background screened) teachers guide and encourage our students on the path to academic excellence, while celebrating each child’s creativity and unique gifts.  Love, acceptance and the joy of childhood guides our curriculum and Reggio-Emilia inspired philosophy. Our goal is that Windmill Creek Academy graduates leave not only as enriched students, but as children of great character!

 

Our Philosophy

  • Encouraging the unique talents and potential of each child in a safe and nurturing environment
  • Embracing the joy of learning!
  • Promoting academic excellence
  • Developing the strength of character to make morally sound decisions
  • Providing support and service to our families
  • Treating the members of our community – students, staff and parents – with respect and kindness
  • Nourishing compassion and the desire to serve others.

Exceptional Care

At Windmill Creek Academy, we offer a boutique preschool experience, distinct from “big box” environments, with a focus on each child’s unique strengths and potential. Our personalized approach ensures that students receive the attention and nurturing they need to thrive academically, socially, and creatively.

Measuring Milestones

To support individualized growth, we use Ages and Stages Questionnaires (ASQs) to assess developmental progress at key stages. These evaluations measure five fundamental areas:

  • Communication Skills
  • Problem-Solving Skills
  • Personal-Social Skills
  • Fine Motor Skills
  • Gross Motor Skills

By identifying and nurturing strengths while addressing challenges, we create tailored learning opportunities that foster confidence and early academic success. Early intervention and ongoing encouragement are key components of our approach.

Music & The Arts

Music and Movement are at the heart of our curriculum, with weekly classes led by Owner/Director Janine Klaassen Welsh. These engaging sessions help children develop whole-brain learning, as music and movement activate both the creative and analytical sides of the brain. This stimulation enhances neural pathways, supporting higher cognitive function.

In addition to music, we emphasize creative expression through the arts, offering opportunities for:

  • Painting and collage
  • Multi-media exploration
  • Creative drawing
  • Dramatic arts and storytelling

Our students also engage in S.T.E.A.M. (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math) activities, both indoors and outdoors, fostering curiosity and problem-solving skills.

Watch The Music & Movement video

Social & Emotional Development

Beyond academics, we nurture character development, compassion, and social skills by guiding children in:

  • Learning how to be a friend
  • Practicing kindness and respect
  • Developing empathy and cooperation

At Windmill Creek Academy, we believe in whole-child development, ensuring that every student grows not just intellectually, but also emotionally and socially, preparing them for a lifetime of learning and success.

Testimonials

At Windmill Creek Academy, we take pride in creating a nurturing, engaging, and inspiring environment where children feel safe, valued, and excited to learn each day. Our parents have shared their heartfelt experiences, highlighting the exceptional care, dedicated teachers, and enriching programs that make Windmill Creek Academy a truly special place. Here’s what families are saying about their experience:

  • Mother of One-Year-Old Daughter
    My family loves Windmill Creek Academy!  As a first-time mom I stayed at home with my daughter for 1 year and I knew daycare wouldn’t be the same as being at home, but they have made the transition AMZING!  Any questions I have had they responded quickly, effectively and are just overall awesome!  I feel so great knowing my daughter in such great hands!
    Mother of One-Year-Old Daughter
  • Mother of Student (Age 3 through 5)
    This is the best preschool, hands down.  My son attended for three years.  I am an educator, and I am so impressed with the entire program and staff.  Communication is stellar.”  “The curriculum is one of a kind and truly prepared my son for kindergarten.  He is writing his first and last name, sounding out words, reading sight words.  His math skills are outstanding for 4 years old.  He counts to 100, shows 1:1 correspondence.  He has a basic understanding of addition and subtraction.  They have prepared him for homework by sending out a weekly homework packet, projects, and they really involve the parents.”  “He has all the foundation skills he needs and then some.  He loves learning.  He loves his teachers – they are all amazing.” “I love the fact that the director gets super involved with the kids.  She has done a great job of always making my son feel special.  He loves music and loves to sing.  This program definitely helped him to discover that.  Windmill Creek Academy is the best.  They understand kids, love kids and they take the time to know families as well.  I am sad to see my son leave this school, but I am so happy with how prepared he is to move on.
    Mother of Student (Age 3 through 5)
  • Mother of VPK Student
    This is by far the absolute BEST preschool/daycare I’ve had the pleasure of experiencing.  I’ve raised 6 children.  Trust me when I say I have certainly [experienced] multiple schools over the years.  Windmill Creek Academy not only provides a clean atmosphere, but their attention to the little details for each and every child is a breath of fresh air!
    Mother of VPK Student
  • Mother of VPK Student
    My daughter recently graduated VPK at Windmill.  The ceremony was such a memorable experience for us.  The kids had so much fun singing, telling us on the mic where they are going to Kinder and showing us all the wonderful things they learned that year.”  “The creative nature of learning, singing weekly with Janine and the outdoor shaded space each age group had was what sold me on the school.  [Our daughter] loved her teachers (misses them & her friends) and was excited to go each day.  They offer a school lunch program & use an app to communicate during the day with the teachers and see photos of daily activities.
    Mother of VPK Student
  • Father of 4-Year-Old Son and Infant Daughter
    I can’t say enough about Windmill Creek Academy.  My son spent all of his daycare years at the creek & my daughter is just getting started.  The atmosphere is warm, loving and supportive.  The children are encouraged to learn creatively, practice manners & have fun being kids.
    Father of 4-Year-Old Son and Infant Daughter
  • Mother of VPK student and 2 year old
    Windmill Creek Academy has been the perfect fit for my family.  The teachers are all so wonderful!  I can tell they care deeply for my children.”  “The art projects they create are priceless.  They have multiple playgrounds for each skill groups, tons of learning toys and music class twice a week.  They are open 7:00 am – 6:00 pm and they offer a lunch program.  They have an app for easy communication between the teachers and it allows us to see what the kids do throughout each day.
    Mother of VPK student and 2 year old
  • Mother of VPK daughter
    My daughter went to WCA for VPK and I couldn’t have asked for better!  My shy girl made friends quickly because the teachers had made such a welcome and safe environment for the kids.  They always had something fun going and they were phenomenal with communication both in person and through the app.  I felt confident that the campus was safe and secure, and she loved her teachers ….
    Mother of VPK daughter

Accolades and Recognition

At Windmill Creek Academy, we are proud to be recognized for our commitment to excellence in early childhood education. Our dedication to creating a nurturing, engaging, and inspiring environment has earned us accolades that highlight the trust and appreciation of our community.

Parent Resources

We’re committed to keeping our families informed and prepared throughout the school year. Below are helpful documents that provide important information about enrollment, daily routines, classroom needs, and our school philosophy.

Downloadable Documents: