New Horizon Academy Leawood is located conveniently in Leawood, Kansas off of West 135th Street and Mission Road. We have been serving Leawood families with quality childcare and early education services since 2022. Our school offers early learning programs for infants, toddlers, and preschool and pre-kindergarten children. At our Leawood childcare, we use a comprehensive curriculum that includes character development, STEAM, literacy, motor skills, and more, all with an emphasis on building confident and excited learners. We are proud to be NAEYC accredited. We’d love to show you our Leawood daycare center! Please contact us with any questions or to schedule a tour.
Enroll in our toddler or preschool program before 3/27/26 and receive a 25% off your child’s first 12 weeks!
*First-time enrollees or families returning after 9 months only. Not valid with any other offer. Not valid for summer-only enrollment. Leawood location only. Discount must be requested on the first day of enrollment and may only be used during the first 12 weeks. Valid for toddlers and preschool children only. Based upon availability. Family must enroll and pay registration fee by 3/27/26.
I grew up in Overland Park, Kansas, and am now raising my children here. Being rooted in this community has given me a deep appreciation for family connections and relationships, which shape my work every day. I am a proud mom of two children and a trio of high-energy cats who keep our home lively. In my free time, I enjoy caring for plants, getting lost in a good book, and enjoying a great cup of coffee.
Education: Sociology and English, University of Kansas; Early Childhood Education, Rasmussen College
Years of Early Childhood Education Experience: 15+
What do you like about early childhood?
I enjoy supporting children as they develop confidence, understand their place in the world, and build a lifelong love of learning.
What makes your school unique?
Our staff are passionate about creating a safe and loving environment where children thrive and families can feel confident in the care their children receive.
What is your favorite children’s book?
“The Dot” by Peter H. Reynolds
Years
1
Service
Sara McNellis
Director
Years
1
Service
A Unique Early Learning Experience in Leawood
Explore some of the things that make our Leawood early childhood center unique!
Newly Built
New Horizon Academy - Leawood opened in 2022!
Indoor Gym
Our school features an indoor great room for children to enjoy large-motor activities.
Diapers Included
We provide diapers at no extra cost in all classrooms!
Frequently Asked Questions
At New Horizon Academy Leawood, childcare tuition rates vary by:
Number of children you’re enrolling
Age of children
Number of days per week care is needed
Please fill out our contact form or schedule a tour, and our school director will provide your family with personalized tuition rates.
Yes! At New Horizon Academy Leawood, 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 Leawood, we follow Kansas state guidelines for licensed daycare staff-to-child ratios:
Infant classroom – 1:3
Ones classroom – 1:5
Younger twos classroom – 1:7
Older twos classroom – 1:10
Preschool classroom – 1:12
Pre-k classroom – 1:12
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:
Childcare Aware
Partnerships with other organizations and agencies that provide tuition support
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.
An 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:
1. Family Owned & Operated
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.
2. Award-Winning Care
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.
3. Experienced Teachers
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.
4. Modern Facilities
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.
5. Safe and Healthy Environment
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.
6. Age-Appropriate Curriculum
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.
7. Culture of Belonging
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.
8. Food and Nutrition
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!
9. Technology and Innovation
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.
10. Family Involvement
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.
1. Family Owned & Operated
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.
2. Award-Winning Care
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.
3. Experienced Teachers
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.
4. Modern Facilities
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.
5. Safe and Healthy Environment
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.
6. Age-Appropriate Curriculum
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.
7. Culture of Belonging
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.
8. Food and Nutrition
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!
9. Technology and Innovation
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.
10. Family Involvement
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.
After touring several prominent daycare centers in the area, New Horizon Academy in Leawood stood out in every way—and I couldn’t be more thankful that we found this gem! From the moment we walked in, New Horizon Academy felt like a home away from home. The atmosphere is so warm and welcoming, and it was immediately clear that the staff genuinely care about the well-being of each and every child. Every teacher we’ve interacted with is kind, nurturing, and extremely dedicated to creating a safe, stimulating environment for the kids. The staff’s attention to detail and communication with parents has been phenomenal—they always keep me updated on my daughter’s progress and activities throughout the day.
— Cedric S., New Horizon Academy Leawood parent
We are beyond grateful for the incredible care and education our daughter receives at New Horizon Academy in Leawood, KS. From day one, the staff welcomed us with warmth and professionalism, and our daughter quickly found a second home among such nurturing and dedicated caregivers. She absolutely thrives here and looks forward to going every day. We especially love the daily crafts, hands-on learning experiences, and early childhood education strategies that are thoughtfully designed to prepare children for school success. The staff consistently demonstrate patience, flexibility, and genuine compassion for the children in their care.
— LaJuana T., New Horizon Academy Leawood parent
This location has an amazing team of care providers that are great when it comes to communicating to parents and keeping us up to date on activities, meals, nap time, events, you name it. This is all done throughout the day on the user-friendly mobile app. The director always has a positive attitude, is very involved with the kids and day-to-day operations, genuinely cares about creating a fun, safe, and inclusive environment for everyone. I highly recommend bringing your child here as the facility is very clean, safe, spacious, and open during the week as early as 6:30 a.m.
— Jordan P., New Horizon Academy Leawood parent
New Horizon Academy Leawood is an amazing daycare. It’s a very nice facility with wonderful staff, and they offer great programs for children with lots of hands-on learning. We are so happy we changed daycares.
— Courtney G., New Horizon Academy Leawood parent
Helping Families with Childcare Costs
At New Horizon Academy, families can access a wide range of resources, including subsidized tuition and financial aid programs, to make daycare costs more affordable.
Childcare Tax Benefits
Many states offer tax credits, such as the Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit (CDCTC), to offset childcare costs. See what’s available in your state.
We work with local agencies to support families who receive childcare assistance and childcare scholarships. Please see your local school director to learn more.
If you have more than one child enrolled in our schools, your family may be eligible for a sibling discount. Speak with your local school director to learn more.