WELCOME TO BARNYARD ACADEMY

Learning, Play, and a Safe Place to Be Small

Early learning and child care for infants through school age, close to home in Middle Tennessee. Come see where your child's day begins.

Cartersvill

States

L

Community Schools

20,000+

Families Served

A small group of babies sit on the floor playing with various toys while their teacher supervises and engages them. They are each dressed casually and appear content.
What We Do

Big Lessons in Small Moments

Our teachers turn everyday play into real learning, in a school where your child is known by name and you're part of the day. From the first drop-off to the last goodbye, we pay attention to the small moments that help children feel secure: a familiar face at the door, a teacher who remembers their favorite book, and a routine they can count on.

A Typical Day

What a Day in Our Care Looks Like

Mornings start with a hello at the door and breakfast while friends arrive. From there, the day moves through circle time, learning centers, outdoor play, lunch, rest, and afternoon activities, with a rhythm that stays steady so children know what comes next. Your child's teacher will tell you how it went, and the Engage app shows you along the way.

Our Values

Five values shape every decision we make, from how we structure the classroom to how we partner with families

Safety

A safe setting for our children, our teams, and our communities, every single day.

Quality

Environments that foster development, encourage success, and are built with integrity from the start.

Partnership

We work together as one team, with our families, and with the communities we serve.

Inclusion

Every child, every family, and every team member is welcome and belongs here.

Growth

We keep improving our programs and growing our people, so children always thrive.

Our Programs

Learning at Every Stage

Philosophy

The Early Years Shape Everything

The early years are a once-in-a-lifetime window, when brains, hearts, and habits all take shape. Our schools are built around that opportunity: safe classrooms, caring teachers, and play-based learning that helps children grow academically, socially, and emotionally.

Why Our Families Trust Us

Marilyn Guzman
Barnyard Academy - Lewisburg
"I chose this school because my nieces and nephews went to it before and they liked it. I have had my son enrolled here since 5 months old. It’s great school but it could use some improvement with updating the building especially the air conditioning. I love the pro care app I like that I can get notified about my child’s well being. I have really noticed the improvement it makes with my child being independent and learning life skills/ motor skills and being more outgoing. The teacher that my son has had so far been good. I love his teacher speak Spanish to him since we do speak Spanish only to him. Makes him feel comfortable. His toddler A class teachers are amazing and I’m grateful they are patient with him especially with his behavior he’s having. Thank you!"
Amanda Brown
Barnyard Academy - Lewisburg
"I chose Barnyard Academy because I wanted an environment that would truly support my daughter’s educational growth and development, and they exceeded my expectations. The teachers were incredibly hands-on, caring, and dedicated to preparing her for kindergarten—not only academically, but with the confidence she needed to succeed. She has now been in kindergarten for six weeks and is absolutely loving it and excelling in every area. I truly credit so much of that strong foundation to the hard work and dedication of the teachers and staff at Barnyard Academy. They go above and beyond for every child, and I am incredibly grateful for the wonderful experience my daughter had there." A very special thank you to Mrs. Jada and Chelsey! ❤️ They are incredibly caring, patient, and loving with my daughter, and you can truly see how much they care about the children. My little one feels comfortable and happy with them, which means everything to us. We are so grateful to have found Lakestone Academy and truly appreciate all the love and attention they give our daughter. I would highly recommend them to any parent looking for a caring and trustworthy daycare! ❤️"
Kaiden G
Barnyard Academy - Shelbyville
"We chose this school because it was recommend by many and our close friends and family who have now schools age children. When enrolling, the process was extremely expensive despite the other childcare rates in the community. We were told we would get a deposit back and we never received one even after putting in a 2 week notice out our child’s termination. Our child started at 6months and stayed until she was 18months. She was sent home 1-2 per week every week for numerous reasons. She was even sent home one day at 9:35, when we arrived home, she did not have a fever that they said she did. I let the school know and they still would not let her return the next school day. The teachers were rude and inconsistent. We never had the same teacher. My child never had a stable routine which was crucial for early childhood development. When dropping off my child a teacher, Lindsey Lanier, told another teacher that they were short staffed so they would have to figure out which children needed to go home. She was unaware that I overheard her and my child was one of the 3 children sent home that day for “vommiting.” When trying to go to upper management about situations, they always defended their staff stating they would never do things like or act the way they did. My child came home with more bite marks, strath marks, and bruises than she has ever gotten while playing with others at her new daycare. All in all, I highly DO NOT recommend barnyard to any parent who truly cares about the well being of their children. It was the worst experience we have ever had."
Sova Yos
Barnyard Academy - Murfreesboro
"When we moved here and started our daycare hunt for our infant, we visited a few daycares before finding Barnyard Academy. The warm, welcoming energy and genuine care from the staff was the first thing I noticed when we walked into the building. When I asked about the weekly expense, I originally thought to myself, ""Okay, that's pretty equivalent to the other daycares."" Towards the end of the tour, I brought up the tuition amount again and she corrected me when I stated the incorrect amount---I heard 50 when she had really said 15. That pleasant correction surprised me and really did pushed our decision to enroll our son into Barnyard. Our son is now almost 2 years old and he has learned a lot. The curriculum-based classrooms was one of the essential boxes for us in a daycare facility. We're currently potty-training him and Barnyard is assisting in making sure he is learning about the potty there as well. The staff has watched our son grow from an infant to him taking his first steps to him using sign language there and at home. He used to cling onto us and/or cry whenever we dropped him off and would rush to us as soon as he saw us at pick up time. Now, overtime, he doesn't cry or cling to us as much--still happens every now and then--but most times, he's in a good mood. There have been times when we would go pick him up and he doesn't want to leave! They often have little fun events, too! Their fall festival is coming up and it's always a good time for the kids!"
Korey Nolan
Barnyard Academy - Murfreesboro
"As a single mom, finding a daycare where I genuinely feel safe and confident leaving my children is incredibly important to me. I have had the most amazing experience with Barnyard Academy – Murfreesboro! Their Director, Sydney, is incredible. As a mom of four herself, she runs a very organized, clean, and well-managed daycare, and her communication is truly top-notch. You can tell how much she cares about the children, families, and staff. I feel completely safe leaving my children in their care every day. My kids absolutely ADORE their friends and teachers, and they are always excited to go to school in the morning—which means everything to me as a mom. I highly recommend Barnyard Academy in Murfreesboro, and especially want to recognize Sydney for the amazing job she does leading the center. Thank you, Barnyard, for providing my children and me with such an incredible experience! ❤️" Our son is now almost 2 years old and he has learned a lot. The curriculum-based classrooms was one of the essential boxes for us in a daycare facility. We're currently potty-training him and Barnyard is assisting in making sure he is learning about the potty there as well. The staff has watched our son grow from an infant to him taking his first steps to him using sign language there and at home. He used to cling onto us and/or cry whenever we dropped him off and would rush to us as soon as he saw us at pick up time. Now, overtime, he doesn't cry or cling to us as much--still happens every now and then--but most times, he's in a good mood. There have been times when we would go pick him up and he doesn't want to leave! They often have little fun events, too! Their fall festival is coming up and it's always a good time for the kids!"

Take the First Step Today

One step closer to an exceptional education for your child, every day.

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