Family-Owned. Community-Rooted. Trusted Since 2012

Here, Children Are Truly Known, And Every Family Feels At Home

About Crouthers Academy

We Believe Every Child Deserves A Place Where They Belong

At Crouthers Academy, we’ve built a place where children are celebrated for exactly who they are. We’re not a franchise. We’re not a chain. We’re a family-owned school with deep roots in this community, and every decision we make reflects that. When you choose us, you’re choosing a place that genuinely cares about your child and about your family.

THE CROUTHERS DIFFERENCE: YOU’LL FEEL IT RIGHT AWAY

Not a chain

We’re family-owned, and parents, too, so we understand you want a place where your child is known, seen, and welcomed.

Not a franchise

We’re rooted in St Louis and tailored to our community’s needs.

Open all year for working families:

We don’t take long winter, spring, or summer breaks. In fact, we continue to support school-age children with before and after-school care and summer camp, so you know they’re safe, happy, and learning.

We also offer summer camp for school-age children

Owners and teachers who know you

No faceless leadership here. Owner Leslie is on site every day with an open door, and our teachers love to partner with parents.

Consistent learning for kindergarten readiness

Our curriculum is integrated from one age group to the next, so your child develops at their own pace with teachers who know them.

Meet Leslie: The Founder With Decades Of Dedication

Crouthers Academy was founded by Leslie Crouthers, whose passion and experience in early childhood education spans more than thirty years, during which she has taught, directed, and worked as a child care specialist. What began as a deep belief in the power of those first years of life grew into a school built from the ground up, for families who wanted more than just somewhere for their child to be.

Leslie opened the first Crouthers Academy in 2012, and has since served hundreds of families across in St Louis with the same care and intention.

Meet Our Directors

At Eureka

At Chesterfield

Shannon Bell →

Shannon has been with Crouthers Academy since its founding in 2012 — beginning in the infant and toddler rooms before moving into an administrative role in 2015. She studied Elementary and Early Childhood Education at Lindenwood University.

"We could all learn a thing or two about loyalty and drive from preschoolers. When they have a goal, they achieve it. When they love, they love hard. What a world we could live in if we all loved like a three year old."

A Curriculum Built For How Children Actually Learn

From infant to pre-k, our approach is grounded in hands-on discovery, purposeful play, and child-led exploration. Informed by the research-backed Creative Curriculum, every program reflects current best practice in early childhood education.

Healthy Meals, Made On-Site — Included In Tuition

Our on-site cook prepares fresh, balanced breakfasts, lunches, and snacks every day — so your child eats well, and you have one less thing to think about. No packed lunches, no lunchboxes, no morning scramble. Just delicious, nourishing food that keeps them fueled for learning.

Parents Are Always In The Loop

We use Brightwheel to keep families connected throughout the day — photos, activity updates, meals, and milestone moments, delivered straight to your phone. Plus, you’ll have our number, and we are always just a phone call away.

Experience Family-Owned Care Where Your Child Will Thrive

Hear What Parents Have To Say...

“Collectively between our two daughters we have been with Crouthers for 7 years. I would not trust any other daycare the way we trust Crouthers. They have looked after our girls as if they were their own. They are amazing with communication.”

- Mollie Appelbaum

“We have been part of the Crouthers family for over 5 years now and could not be happier with how they have cared for our children! Taylor and Shannon do an amazing job in communicating and supporting the teachers. We never doubt that our girls are in great hands every day.”

- Brittany Wilcutt

“From the very beginning, they have cared for my son like he’s one of their own. As a full-time working mom, there is nothing more reassuring than knowing your child is safe, loved, and thriving.”

- Abby Willie

“We’ve had 3 children in school here and have experienced all the rooms from the infant room up to pre-k. All the teachers at the school, even the ones for other rooms, know every kid.”

- Hannah Harper

“I cried dropping my kids off the first day … and cried when we left to move.”

- Alyssa Reis Markham