School readiness for preschool children in Lawrence County.
Free and affordable early learning, preschool, and child care at eleven schools across the county, from Ironton to Proctorville.
Enroll a Child
Head Start and preschool enrollment is open now for the 2026–27 year.
Start enrollment →Find a Location
Eleven schools countywide, so there is an Academy door near you.
See all locations →Work With Us
Teachers, aides, and child care workers: come grow with us.
See open positions →
Welcome to the Academy
For more than 60 years, Lawrence County families have trusted us to give their children a strong, joyful start. Every one of our eleven schools holds Ohio’s highest Gold quality rating, and Head Start is free for families who qualify. We would love to meet yours.
About the AcademyFind your school
Every Academy site holds a Gold rating from Ohio’s Step Up to Quality program. Call any school directly; they would love to meet you.
- Ironton Head Start & ECE(740) 532-2905
- Chesapeake Elementary(740) 867-4700
- Applewood Head Start & Child Care(740) 886-0504
- Hanging Rock Child Care(740) 532-0178
- Dawson-Bryant High School(740) 532-8258
- Getaway Head Start / Child Care(740) 867-3893
- Sybene Head Start(740) 894-4100
- Deering Elementary(740) 532-6898
- Symmes Valley Elementary(740) 643-2690
- Small Miracles Daycare(740) 533-7424
- South Point ElementaryPhone coming soon
All locations & hours or call the Academy office: 740-533-9077
Interactive map of our locations across Lawrence County. The full list of schools, with phone numbers and links, is shown beside this map.
From Ironton to Proctorville, no family is far from an Academy door.
A program for every age
From six weeks to kindergarten’s doorstep, taught by degreed early childhood educators.
Early Head Start
Nurturing care and first discoveries for our youngest learners, plus weekly home visits for expecting mothers.
Learn more →
Head Start
Comprehensive preschool, meals, health screenings, and family services at no cost to eligible families.
Learn more →
Preschool & Pre-K
Play-based learning that builds kindergarten-ready skills, led by teachers with degrees in early childhood education.
Learn more →
Child Care
Full day care at 5 of our locations, built around your family’s work and school schedule.
Learn more →A day at the Academy
Safe, joyful routines that children can count on, and parents can peek into.
Morning circle
Songs, stories, and hellos. Every day starts with belonging.
Learning through play
Blocks, paint, and pretend: the serious work of being four.
Home connections
Daily updates and family services that support the whole household.
Free, healthy meals every day
Every child receives nutritious meals and snacks at no cost to families.
Children at the Academy are served breakfast, lunch, and snacks prepared to USDA nutrition standards through the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP), a federal nutrition program. Depending on how long your child is with us each day, meals at the Academy cover one third to two thirds of their daily nutritional needs.
- Breakfast, lunch, and snacks at no cost to every enrolled family
- Menus planned to USDA standards: high nutrients, low added sugar and sodium
- Allergies and special diets accommodated. Talk to your site about your child’s needs
Come grow with us.
We are hiring teachers, classroom aides, and child care workers, with paid training toward your CDA credential.
What’s happening
Registration days, closings, and news from around the Academy.
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Inside the classroom: sensory play builds early math skills
Counting beans, sorting shapes, and pouring water. A look at how play becomes learning at our Ironton campus.
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Summer enrollment is open for center-based child care
Full day care at five Academy locations. Openings are limited, so call your school today.
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Academy holding open interviews at the OMJ One-Stop Center
Child care workers, classroom aides, and credentialed teachers: bring your resume and meet our directors.