PLYMOUTH, Minn. (May 21, 2018) – New Horizon Academy, a Minnesota-based family-owned and operated child care provider, has announced plans to expand in Iowa, adding three Des Moines area locations in 2018. The three schools will bring 530 much-needed openings for children ages six weeks through five years as the region continues its rapid growth, particularly of young families with children.
The opening of the first New Horizon Academy, located at 550 SW 9th Street in the Gray’s Landing development in downtown Des Moines, which is currently under construction, is slated for July. Ground will be broken for a second location, in West Des Moines at 9040 University Ave., on May 21, with an opening expected in September. Next month, construction begins on a third location in Johnston, at 8633 Crescent Chase, which is expected to open in October.
Teachers will care for and educate children between the hours of 6:30 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. The New Horizon Academy schools features safe, well-equipped, and age-appropriate indoor and outdoor classrooms and playgrounds that are thoughtfully designed to enhance learning through play.
“Our expansion team closely tracks demographics to identify communities that are experiencing population booms and analyze the need for child care resources for growing families,” said Chad Dunkley, CEO of New Horizon Academy, which has 60 locations concentrated primarily in the Twin Cities of Minnesota. “We also match demographic criteria of communities against what we’ve seen in the Twin Cities in terms of parent expectations for care and early childhood education, and how we can uniquely serve these needs. All around, Iowa was a natural choice for our national expansion and we look forward to becoming a part of the Des Moines community.”
As part of its presence in communities, the company also advocates for families at the state and federal levels, on opportunities and issues related to quality rankings and standards for child care facilities, and access and affordability of quality care for families. New Horizon Academy is a recognized leader for its involvement in early childhood brain development research as well as research on the economic returns of investing in early learning programs.
“We look forward to partnering with Iowa legislators and representing a greater portion of the Midwest at the U.S. capitol, on behalf of Des Moines families,” said Dunkley, who currently serves as president of the Minnesota Childcare Association and has been a leader in the launch of the state’s early childhood scholarships and the Parent Aware ranking system for families choosing care for their children.
New Horizon Academy has been serving families since 1971, and provides highly trained teachers, a proven curriculum, and safe and secure facilities, all aimed at supporting children’s self-esteem and preparing them for kindergarten and beyond. New Horizon Academy is a nationally recognized high quality early learning provider with all of its eligible centers accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), the gold standard in its industry. New Horizon Academy’s mission is to provide the best child development on the planet. For more information, call 515-608-6933 or visit www.NewHorizonAcademy.net
Explore our exceptional daycare, preschool, and before-and-after-school care programs in Urbandale, Iowa! We officially opened our doors in March 2024 to children and families in Urbandale, Waukee, Clive, Grimes, and other surrounding areas. Conveniently located on the corner of 128th Street and Meredith Drive, enrollment is available for children ages 6 weeks to 5 years. Each of our infant, toddler, preschool, pre-kindergarten, and school-age classrooms utilizes a research-based curriculum that helps students build social-emotional, cognitive, language, and motor skills while integrating STEAM concepts to nurture innovation and exploration. With national accreditation from NAEYC, we ensure exceptional education and care for your infant, toddler, or preschooler. We can’t wait for you to check out New Horizon Academy Urbandale! Schedule a tour today to meet our dedicated teachers and staff, see our beautiful classrooms and facilities, and witness high-quality early education programs in action!
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Enroll before 6/26/26 and receive a 25% off your child’s first 12 weeks!
*Newly enrolled families only. Urbandale location only. Not valid with any other offer or discount. Not valid for summer-only enrollment. Offer must be requested by the first day of enrollment and may only be used during the first twelve weeks. Must pay registration fee in full and start attending by 6/26/26. Account must be paid in full at all times, or promotion will become invalid. Based on availability.
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Hello! My name is Haleigh Johnson, and I am the director of our Urbandale location. I started working in childcare in 2017 and have never looked back because of how much I enjoy working with young children. In my free time, I enjoy going on walks with my dog, spending time with family, and occasional trips to Target.
Education – University of Northern Iowa
Years of Early Childhood Education Experience: 8+
What do you like about early childhood?
I am passionate about encouraging children and creating safe spaces for them to grow and learn. Knowing that 80% of a child’s development occurs in their first three years is crucial, and being a part of that process is incredibly rewarding. Providing a nurturing environment where all children can develop their social and emotional skills is my focus and what I am truly passionate about.
What makes your school unique?
Our school is proudly accredited by the National Association for the Education of Your Children (NAEYC). To receive this accreditation, New Horizon Academy Urbandale follows their best practices and procedures to promote high-quality learning for all young children.
What is your favorite children’s book?
“The Pout-Pout Fish” by Deborah Diesen
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I am from a small town named Perry, but I currently live in Urbandale with my husband, our son, and our dog. If I’m not at work, you can find me at home baking or out finding new restaurants or coffee shops to try!
Education – Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential
Years of Early Childhood Education Experience: 8+
What do you like about early childhood?
I love seeing all the children learn new things and reach their different milestones!
What makes your school unique?
We are NAEYC-accredited, and we still have some teachers here who have been with us since we opened in 2024!
What is your favorite children’s book?
“Where the Wild Things Are” by Maurice Sendak
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“It’s a great opportunity for people who are creative and love to be lifelong learners.”
Jessi G., Senior Conscious Discipline Specialist
“I’ve built so many relationships with families and children at New Horizon Academy.”
Emilia S., Teacher
“All decisions are made to benefit the children, employees, or parents.”
Kami T., District Manager
“New Horizon Academy pays for your education!”
Tracey D., Assistant Director
Our kids love this New Horizon Academy location and look forward to seeing their teachers and friends every day! Everyone from the teachers to the staff knows our kids’ names and seems genuinely happy to see them. The curriculum is well-developed, and our three-year-old always surprises us with new things he’s learned. The director and assistant director are great at communicating, so we never feel out of the loop, and they are always willing to answer any questions we may have.
We have been so impressed with New Horizon Academy in Urbandale. Our son started in the two year old room and already knows his ABC’s, shapes, colors, and can count to 20! We are impressed that beyond the learning, New Horizon Academy also leaves plenty of time for play and fun. We get a completed piece of artwork, photo, or project to take home almost every week. We appreciate that safety and communication have always been top priorities.
We really enjoy New Horizon Academy! Our little babe is in one of the infant rooms and the teachers are great! I was nervous leaving her with someone new when we first started, but the teachers do such a great job communicating throughout the day, sending pictures, and loving her like their own. Our baby smiles every time we bring her there and she sees her teachers.
Our boys joined the Urbandale New Horizon Academy this summer and it has been great! The building is absolutely top-tier, and the folks that work there are truly genuine.
