For the past 15 years, Kid City Academy has been a beacon of educational excellence, nurturing the growth and development of the area's youngest learners. From its humble beginnings to its current status as a thriving institution, the school has consistently provided a solid foundation for success, empowering children to reach their full potential.

Unlocking the Potential of Every Child

Fostering a Structured, Student-Driven Environment

At the heart of Kid City Academy's approach is a structured, student-driven environment that allows children to excel at their own pace. The school's curriculum is designed to cater to the unique needs and learning styles of each child, ensuring that they are challenged and supported every step of the way. From the Caterpillar Room, where infants and toddlers develop essential self-help and gross motor skills, to the Grasshopper classroom, where 5-year-olds hone their early literacy skills, every level of the program is meticulously crafted to facilitate growth and learning.The key to Kid City Academy's success lies in its unwavering commitment to a student-focused approach. "Everything out here is student-driven: It's student-focused, and teachers are teaching," explains Mitch Salyers, the owner and director of the school. This philosophy ensures that each child is given the attention and guidance they need to thrive, with teachers constantly observing and adapting their instruction to meet the evolving needs of their students.

Nurturing Social-Emotional and Educational Development

Beyond the academic curriculum, Kid City Academy places a strong emphasis on the social-emotional development of its students. The school's programs are designed to help children build essential life skills, such as self-help, routine management, and self-advocacy. Through weekly themes and a thematic curriculum rooted in the Indiana Academic Foundations, students are encouraged to explore their interests, develop their independence, and cultivate a sense of community."Parents, in my opinion, are looking for a place to have their children challenged — whether it's social-emotional, or educational," says Salyers. "There are a lot of different pieces to that, whatever we talk about what kids need." By addressing the holistic needs of each child, Kid City Academy ensures that its students are not only academically prepared but also emotionally and socially equipped to navigate the world around them.

Expanding Horizons: Growth and Transformation

The journey of Kid City Academy has been one of steady growth and transformation. What began as a small facility in Franklin has now blossomed into a thriving 11,000-square-foot building, strategically located near the intersection of Commerce Drive and Graham Road. This expansion has allowed the school to increase its enrollment from 92 children to 152, with subsequent improvements and added instructors further expanding the preschool's capacity.The growth of Kid City Academy has been driven by the Salyers' unwavering commitment to providing a high-quality educational experience for the community. "We firmly believe that everyone has the ability to learn," Salyers affirms. "Kid City Academy offers that. We're not babysitting; we're not standing around watching kids." This belief has fueled the school's continuous evolution, as it has added new features and learning opportunities to better serve the needs of its students and families.

A Legacy of Compassion and Dedication

At the heart of Kid City Academy's success lies the legacy of Jonella Salyers, who, alongside her husband Mitch, had steered the school since 2009. Tragically, Jonella passed away in 2023 after a courageous battle with ovarian cancer, leaving an indelible mark on the school and the lives of those she touched.During the school's 15th anniversary celebration, the community came together to honor Jonella's memory by dedicating the school building as the "Jonella C. Salyers Education Building." This emotional ceremony was a testament to the profound impact she had on the school, her compassion, and her unwavering dedication to the students and families of Kid City Academy."It meant everything," Mitch Salyers reflects. "She gave her life for this place. She worked endlessly for this place. She was truly an advocate for students and families. She is remembered as someone who parents could talk to, could count on."Jonella's spirit and legacy continue to inspire the Kid City Academy community, guiding the school's mission to provide a nurturing and transformative educational experience for the area's youngest learners. As the school moves forward, it does so with a renewed sense of purpose, driven by the values and vision that Jonella so passionately embodied.