When you walk into Christian Village Academy, the first thing you notice isn't the colorful walls or the sound of children playing - it's the purposeful energy. Every classroom, from infants to pre-K, pulses with intentional learning. This isn't your typical daycare center, and that's exactly how founder Essence Marsh designed it.

The Truth About Early Learning

"Kids' brains are like sponges," Essence explains, leaning forward with the intensity of someone sharing a vital secret. "The most they're going to learn - they've pretty much learned everything they're going to learn between birth and five. We've got this small window to give them as much as we can."

This understanding shapes everything at CVA. While some might see early childhood as just a time for basic care and play, Essence and her team recognize these years as crucial for building future success.

A Different Kind of Learning

What makes CVA's approach unique? It starts with their learning guide - a systematic approach that ensures every child, regardless of age, engages with the same concepts at their developmental level.

"If L is the letter for February," Essence explains, "it doesn't matter what classroom you're in, you should still be learning L. We just gear it towards the age level they're on."

This might sound simple, but it's revolutionary in early education. Instead of each classroom operating independently, CVA creates a harmonious learning environment where every child progresses together.

The CVA Way Moving Forward Together

The story of how the CVA Way began reveals something powerful about early childhood education. "I'm student teaching, and I'm realizing, oh my God, I have this kindergarten first grader, and they're not telling me their letters," Essence Marsh recalls about her early teaching days. "This should have been done before. They should have came to me knowing this." This revelation sparked a revolutionary approach to early learning that acknowledges both individual differences and collective progress.

At Christian Village Academy, they've mastered a delicate balance: recognizing that every child is unique while ensuring no one falls behind. "We recognize that every age is a different level of learning, but they're all connected in a way," Marsh explains. This understanding shapes their entire approach. Each age group has its specific assignment, with teachers focusing on their particular "lane" while maintaining connection to the broader learning community. This structured yet flexible approach ensures every child develops at their appropriate pace while staying connected to their peers.

The beauty of the CVA Way lies in its ability to create seamless transitions between classrooms. "If a kid is moving up to another class due to a birthday or if a teacher is out and now this kid has to go to another room temporarily... I never want a child to walk into another classroom and be lost," Marsh shares. This thoughtful approach means that while children might learn differently or have varying interests, they're all moving forward together. Whether it's an infant experiencing letters through sensory play or a pre-K student writing them independently, everyone engages with the same concepts at their developmental level.

This may not be the only way to approach early childhood education, but it is the CVA Way - and its success is undeniable. By honoring different learning domains while maintaining consistent progress across all age groups, CVA has created an educational environment where every child can thrive.

Beyond the ABC Song

Here's a truth that might surprise you: just because your child can sing the alphabet doesn't mean they truly know their letters. "A lot of parents don't understand that because your kid sings the ABC song does not mean they know their ABCs," Essence points out.

At CVA, real learning means:

• Understanding concepts, not just memorizing them

• Building confidence through consistent exposure

• Developing skills at appropriate developmental stages

• Creating a strong foundation for future learning

The Power of Consistency

One of the most unique aspects of CVA's approach is how it handles transitions. Whether a child moves up to a new class or temporarily joins another group, they're never lost. They're always learning the same core concepts, just at their level.

"I never want a child to walk into another classroom and be lost," Essence emphasizes. This approach doesn't just maintain educational continuity - it builds confidence.

Teaching Ahead

"We teach our kids ahead," Essence states proudly. "We don't know where these kids are going when they leave us. Some parents can afford private school. Some parents will go to their neighborhood school. But I never wanted my kids to leave CVA and be below."

This forward-thinking approach has proven successful over CVA's 18-year history. The proof? Their students consistently enter kindergarten prepared and often ahead of their peers.

A Legacy of Learning

Perhaps the most telling evidence of CVA's success comes from their former students. "I have kids now who are probably already graduated from high school," Essence shares. "I have a lot of kids that come back and work for me. I am the first call of 'Ms. Essence, can we get a job?'"

This full-circle moment speaks volumes about the lasting impact of quality early education.

Looking Forward

As CVA celebrates 18 years of excellence, they continue to evolve while maintaining their core principles. Their commitment to providing quality education during those crucial early years remains unwavering.

The educational landscape may change, but CVA's dedication to preparing children for success stays constant. "We just stay consistent," Essence affirms, "and it works."

Ready to see how real early learning happens? Visit Christian Village Academy and witness our unique approach in action. Your child's future success starts here.

Experience the CVA difference - schedule your visit today.