ABOUT US
The Refuge Academy is a preschool ministry of The Refuge Church. We provide a program of excellence for children ages 2 years through pre-K in early education, along with an understanding of God’s love. We offer an inclusive environment that meets each child’s social, emotional, physical, intellectual, and spiritual needs.
Our preschool ministry uniquely features an individualized, small-scale, caring environment in a safe setting. We offer Monday/Wednesday or Tuesday/Thursday programs. We are conveniently located just two minutes off Highway 31 on Campbell Station Parkway in Spring Hill.
CURRICULUM & PROGRAMS
The Refuge Academy uses My Father’s World® Christian homeschool curriculum, uniquely adapted by our teachers to enhance hands-on learning in the classroom environment. My Father's World® curriculum combines classical education and studies with a biblical worldview and global focus. Children learn with finger plays and creative play, and experience spiritual growth, cognitive development, reading and math readiness, and develop a love of learning.
“If I were a butterfly, I’d thank you Lord for giving me wings.” Yes, each morning starts joyfully with children’s worship, like the butterfly song, followed by a little organized wiggling before heading to class.
While we focus on learning, it is not all study and no play at The Refuge Academy. In addition to regularly scheduled indoor and outdoor play (weather dependent), we also have fun special days, including Talk Like A Pirate Day when littles have the option to dress like a pirate (Arrr!), Teddy Bear Day (bring your favorite squishy), and one of our favorites, Grandparents Day.
PROGRAMS & SCHEDULES
Our program starts with morning worship, and continues with classroom time, outdoor/gym time (weather dependent), and rest time. We also love to celebrate birthdays.
Parent participation is encouraged. Read a book in your child’s class, share a special family tradition or cultural tradition, and/or help with parties, open houses, and special events. We encourage and appreciate your suggestions for new and interactive parent
participation ideas.
Littles attend the two-day program of your choice:
Monday and Wednesday: 9:15 am – 2:15 pm; or
Tuesday and Thursday: 9:15 am – 2:15 pm
ENROLLMENT & TUITION
We welcome your littles with open arms and raised hands. Our program opens shortly after the start date for Williamson County Schools, with our fall semester commencing each August. Our academic year closes shortly before traditional schools let out for summer.
The first step in the enrollment process is to schedule a tour. Tours are offered by appointment only, Monday through Thursday, from 10am to 2pm. Or f you prefer to skip the tour, you can start the enrollment process.
Enrollment Fees:
A $100 registration fee and a $50 supply fee (both nonrefundable) are required to confirm your child’s spot.
Payment may be remitted via PayPal or by check. It is important to note that PayPal may charge processing fees. Please make checks payable to The Refuge Academy and mail or hand-deliver to:
2001 Campbell Station Pkwy, Suite A-6
Spring Hill, TN 37174
Tuition:
Tuition is $210 per month and due by the first of each month starting September 1st. If you have multiple children that attend The Refuge Academy, you will receive a $10.00 discount per child.
MEET THE TEAM
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Jazmin Barajas, Principal
Ashlee Bowen, Assistant Principal/Lead Teacher
Allie Battles, Lead Teacher
LORI BASOLA Lead Teacher Pre k
Lori loves teaching the 3-year and 4-year old's at the Refuge Academy. No matter their age, Lori loves to teach children about God and academics, too. Lori says that the Refuge Academy is like no place she has every worked—that it is “one big family.” We agree. Lori is all about family. She enjoys spending time with her husband and children and attending her sons’ baseball games. She also loves precious time with her adorable granddaughter. When she is not teaching kids, cheering on kids, and nurturing grandkids, she loves to travel. Lori holds a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education from Illinois State University.
HALlie Basola, Lead Teacher
KATIE Jackson
Katie Jackson is the Kids Pastor at the Refuge Church which includes executive oversight of the Refuge Academy. She loves everything about the Academy, including watching the kids learn and grow. And most importantly, learning about the love of Jesus. In her spare time, she enjoys the outdoors and sports. When she is indoors, she enjoys puzzles. It’s her appreciation for teamwork and attention to detail that makes her an excellent administrator of our church children’s ministries.Katie holds a bachelor’s degree in health and human performance licensure K-12.
Pastor
Tony
“Pastor Tony” is the Lead Pastor of The Refuge Spring Hill, and our Academy is a ministry of this welcoming church. “Pastor Tony” earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Biblical Studies and Music, and a Master of Divinity in Theology and Pastoral Studies.
As time permits, he enjoys golfing, bowling, and traveling. His favorite pastime is fellowship with family, including his sweet little grand-babies, and dear friends. We share his love for this verse, “Whoever humbles himself like a little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 18:4.
SAFETY / PARENT COMMUNICATION
Your child’s safety is our number one priority. Every staff member at the Refuge Academy has passed an extensive background check and is CPR certified.
Our premises are always secured. A doorbell is located at the front entry for your convenience when dropping off, visiting, and picking up your littles. In addition, security cameras are in the main lobby, the classrooms, and the indoor and outdoor play areas.
Our team uses Brightwheel, a parent-teacher communication app. When your child arrives, we check them in on the app. Approved adults of your choosing can see when your child is checked in or out. We also snap an adorable pic of your little every day, both during classroom time and when taking a sweet nap. You can check the app at any time, and even invite grandparents, nannies, and friends (with control over what they can see). Of course, we always welcome your phone calls and visits during the day if you prefer phone and in-person communication.
STATE REGISTRATION
The Refuge Academy is registered with the Tennessee Department of Human Services Child and Adult Care Licensing as a “Parents Day Out Program” (Tenn. Code Ann. § 71-3-503(a)(6)."Parents' Day Out" programs are operated by religious or similar organizations that provide custodial care and services for children of less than school age, with no child attending more than two (2) days in each calendar week for not more than six (6) hours each day.
