Our brand-new school in Thornton, Colorado is now open for enrollment! Since opening October 2025, our dedicated teachers and early childhood professionals have been committed to providing high-quality daycare and preschool programs for children ages 6 weeks to 5 years. We are conveniently located off East 136th Avenue and Colorado Boulevard, primarily serving families in Thornton, Westminster, Arvada, and Henderson. Each of our childcare programs is designed to nurture and prepare children for kindergarten, by using a comprehensive curriculum that incorporates STEAM, reading, social-emotional learning, motor development, and more. We are actively pursuing NAEYC accreditation, which requires a minimum of one year in operation. In the meantime, our school is committed to ensuring that our infant, toddler, preschool, and pre-k programs align with the highest standards of quality and care. Schedule a tour at our new Thornton daycare center to explore our brand-new facilities and see our programs in action!
Awards and Accolades
Tour lasts 30 minutes. Not seeing a time that works for you? Request a phone call
Your tour has been scheduled and you should receive an email confirmation message soon. We look forward to meeting you.
My name is Katelyn Palmer and I have worked in childcare since 2002 and have been with New Horizon Academy since the end of 2021. Since joining NHA, I started as an Assistant Director and stepped into the Director role in February 2023, and it’s a role I hold close to my heart. I have loved leading school families, making connections with our community, working with amazing educators, and having a small hand in shaping little learners.
When the opportunity to open the Thornton school came, I was excited to bring the same love and magic to a brand-new community! I look forward to making connections within the Thornton community and building a wonderful school family.
I am a wife, mom to two boys, and bonus mom to a son and daughter. I look forward to meeting your family and children!
Education – Director Certification
Years of Early Childhood Education Experience: 23+
What do you like about early childhood?
I love being a part of shaping those early years and helping set a foundation where kids will love to learn for years to come.
What makes your school unique?
We are a brand-new school!
What is your favorite children’s book?
“Where the Wild Things Are” by Maurice Sendak
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I am an early childhood educator with a background in journalism and a passion for building strong school communities. While I have six years of experience in early childhood education, I have spent the last 13 years teaching, leading teams, and co-directing a church education program. I am excited to step out of the classroom and support a team of educators in a management role. When I am not at work, I enjoy spending time with my family, reading, or baking.
Education – B.A. in Journalism, A.A.S in Early Childhood Education
Years of Early Childhood Education Experience: 6
What do you like about early childhood?
I love watching children discover new skills and ideas. It’s rewarding to nurture their curiosity and see their growth and excitement every day.
What makes your school unique?
Our school is unique because we are building it from the ground up – everything from the classrooms to the culture is fresh, welcoming, and designed to grow with our community.
What is your favorite children’s book?
“Oh, the Places You’ll Go!” by Dr. Seuss
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At New Horizon Academy Thornton, childcare tuition rates vary by:
Please fill out our contact form or schedule a tour, and our school director will provide your family with personalized tuition rates.
Request Thornton Tuition Rates
Our Thornton early childhood center is open Monday-Friday every day with the exception of nine holidays:
*On Christmas Eve, New Horizon Academy closes at 3:00 p.m.
*If one of these holidays falls on a weekend, it will be observed on either Friday or Monday.
*Our school will remain open during inclement weather to ensure children still have access to quality childcare.
Our Thornton school offers both full-time and part-time schedules to accommodate the different needs of our families.
Please contact our school director for current childcare openings and availability.
Yes! At New Horizon Academy Thornton, we have an on-site cook trained in nutrition, USDA guidelines, and proper portions for young children. Our school provides nutritious and nourishing meals every day including breakfast, lunch, and snack. All meals are included in the cost of tuition.
If your child has a special nutritional need, a food allergy, or requires adaptation to our menu, please alert our school director, and we will partner with your family to create a suitable meal plan.
At New Horizon Academy Thornton, we follow Colorado state guidelines for licensed daycare staff-to-child ratios:
Yes! New Horizon Academy proudly partners with a variety of childcare assistance programs, scholarships, and tuition support options to help families access high-quality early education and care. Examples include:
For more details about eligibility and availability in your area, please contact your director, who will be happy to guide you through the process and answer your questions.
“They’ve really made our family feel welcome and like a part of their community!”
Puneet & Samantha, New Horizon Academy parents, Lakeville, MN
“New Horizon Academy truly feels like the best place for our family.”
Daquella, New Horizon Academy parent, Plymouth, MN
“Our daughter has been very happy at New Horizon Academy!”
Camila & Lauren, New Horizon Academy parents, St. Paul, MN
“I am confident my grandsons are prepared for kindergarten.”
Deb D., New Horizon Academy grandparent, Blaine, MN
“We immediately felt at peace bringing our child here.”
Ronnie & Kaitlyn, New Horizon Academy parents, Lakeville, MN
“The relationships between the children and teachers are incredible.”
Alex Casey, New Horizon Academy parent and former student, Stillwater, MNAn investment in a New Horizon Academy education is an investment in your child’s future. Families trust New Horizon Academy to set their children up for success. Here are a few reasons why:
From a single preschool classroom in 1971 to 100 schools today, much has changed for New Horizon Academy, but our commitment to children, families, teachers, and our communities remains the same.
One hundred percent of our eligible schools are accredited by NAEYC, the gold standard in early childhood accreditation. This is an accomplishment no other childcare provider of our size has achieved.
We hire teachers with experience, give them the training and support they need to succeed, pay them above market average, and help them achieve their goals. This results in stable, consistent care for your child.
Our state-of-the-art schools provide children with thoughtfully designed classrooms, playgrounds, and learning tools. We regularly update our schools to ensure they reflect our high standards for safety, quality, and care.
Your child’s safety and well-being always come first. Our childcare centers create caring, secure environments focused on supporting each child’s health and happiness. You can feel confident that your child is in good hands.
Our research-based curriculum offers engaging, hands-on activities in STEAM, language and literacy, social-emotional learning, physical development, and more to support kindergarten readiness and lifelong learning.
As an organization, we strive to foster a welcoming and inclusive culture where all children, families, and staff feel a sense of belonging. We approach our relationships with curiosity, compassion, and respect.
A nutritious breakfast, lunch, and snack are prepared fresh each day by our school chef, with menus developed by our nutrition specialist to ensure every meal is balanced. All meals are included in the cost of tuition!
Our mobile app keeps parents connected with daily updates, allowing teachers to share information, send messages, and delight you with photos and videos from your child’s day, so you never miss a moment.
Families are always welcome to come in for visits, participate in activities, and join us for family fun events. We love having parents involved in their child’s learning and value every opportunity to build a strong community.
From a single preschool classroom in 1971 to 100 schools today, much has changed for New Horizon Academy, but our commitment to children, families, teachers, and our communities remains the same.
One hundred percent of our eligible schools are accredited by NAEYC, the gold standard in early childhood accreditation. This is an accomplishment no other childcare provider of our size has achieved.
We hire teachers with experience, give them the training and support they need to succeed, pay them above market average, and help them achieve their goals. This results in stable, consistent care for your child.
Our state-of-the-art schools provide children with thoughtfully designed classrooms, playgrounds, and learning tools. We regularly update our schools to ensure they reflect our high standards for safety, quality, and care.
Your child’s safety and well-being always come first. Our childcare centers create caring, secure environments focused on supporting each child’s health and happiness. You can feel confident that your child is in good hands.
Our research-based curriculum offers engaging, hands-on activities in STEAM, language and literacy, social-emotional learning, physical development, and more to support kindergarten readiness and lifelong learning.
As an organization, we strive to foster a welcoming and inclusive culture where all children, families, and staff feel a sense of belonging. We approach our relationships with curiosity, compassion, and respect.
A nutritious breakfast, lunch, and snack are prepared fresh each day by our school chef, with menus developed by our nutrition specialist to ensure every meal is balanced. All meals are included in the cost of tuition!
Our mobile app keeps parents connected with daily updates, allowing teachers to share information, send messages, and delight you with photos and videos from your child’s day, so you never miss a moment.
Families are always welcome to come in for visits, participate in activities, and join us for family fun events. We love having parents involved in their child’s learning and value every opportunity to build a strong community.
I cannot thank New Horizon Academy enough for all of the love and care that they provide to my daughter each day. The teachers are positive, kind professionals who are trained in early childhood development and are able to provide quality curriculum, instruction, and support. My daughter is busy learning and playing all day long, and I’m confident that all the students are safe when they’re at this school.
We are absolutely thrilled with our experience at New Horizon Academy! As parents, it’s essential for us to find a safe, nurturing, and stimulating environment for our son, and this exceptional daycare has exceeded our expectations in every way.
We love New Horizon Academy and the wonderful team that cares for our daughter. The teachers and staff are communicative and caring, and we’ve had nothing but positive experiences.
I can’t express enough how much gratitude I have for New Horizon Academy. The staff is like family, my son learns so much, and he is always excited to see his friends every day. The school is always so clean and neat. It’s very comforting to know that he is in a caring environment. Learning and socializing are very important to me, and without a doubt, I know he’s with the best! Thank you so much for all that you do!
A school tour typically lasts 30 minutes. Not seeing a time that works for you? Request a phone call
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