Academic Excellence Preschool will have after school and preschool programs at 302 W. North Ave.

by Mark Powell

A new learning academy will open later this year on W. North Avenue to provide Northside parents with preschool curriculum, after school programming and tutoring.

Academic Excellence Preschool is attached to the Northside Institutional Church at 302 W. North Avenue. The school will have daytime preschool classes and an after school program will run until 6 p.m. that will be open to any child between the ages of 2 to 13.

“I wanted to open up a quality preschool in which children could enjoy an enriching education,” said school Principal Tawnya Moye. “I want them to have a strong foundation to build on.”

Moye’s vision for the school is a program that can balance physical education and learning. She plans to include dance programs, karate and organized sports into the preschool and afterschool the curriculum.

The opening of Academic Excellence Preschool will give Northside parents the option to send their kids to four-star certified childcare program. All programs will be led by certified teachers.

Moye understands the struggles of Northside parents to send their children to upper class private schools around the city. She sent her son to Sewickley Academy outside of Pittsburgh.

“It was unfair for me to pay that much for a private school education for my son,” said Moye. “I want to bring Sewickley Academy to the hood.”

Academic Excellence Preschool will provide after hours care that will focus on academic enrichment, the performing arts and mental and physical fitness. The school will also provide food and transportation per request of the parent.

“After the state cut funding for free tutoring, parents couldn’t afford to hinder to their child’s specific needs,” said Moye.

Moye has 12 years of teaching experience, is a certified principal and received a masters degree in education.

The Academic Excellence Preschool will be open from 6 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. starting in late November.