About Thrive Academy in Ruskin

Empowering Pre K to 8th Grade Children to Reach Their Full Potential

Our Philosophy:

Growth, Discovery, and Excellence

Rooted in the Florida-approved Funny Daffer educational framework, our philosophy is based on developing life skills in an exciting and enriching environment. By blending indoor and outdoor learning in a home-away-from-home environment, we are able to create a space where children feel empowered and ready to learn.

about thrive academy

Thrive Academy is the gold-standard educational hub in Ruskin, Florida, specializing in care and enrichment for children ages 4 - 14.

Founded in 2021 by Yulonda Smith, we believe our innovative approach gives children a bright and positive start in life as we encourage both exploration and discovery, as well as emotional intelligence and building friendships beyond school. We also offer after school clubs and summer camps to keep children engaged and inspired year-round.

Thrive Academy is proud to announce that we now accept Step Up For Students scholarships, helping more families access the high-quality care their children deserve.

🔥 BIG NEWS!: We are now accepting Step Up For Students scholarships & ELC! 🔥 We are committed to making high-quality education accessible to our community 🔥

Why Choose Us?

When you visit us here at Thrive Academy, you’ll see firsthand what makes us different!

Our setting includes:

Specialized Learning Rooms:

Tailored environments for each age group, allowing for a variety of daily activities and stage-appropriate learning.

Adaptable Learning:

Inspired by the Funny Daffer curriculum, allowing children to experience Child-Directed Play and learn valuable life skills through Coach-Directed Lessons.

3 Large Outdoor Areas:

Split by activity and age range, where children can learn, explore, and develop a lifelong love for outdoor education.

Dedicated Parking:

Stress-free drop-off and pick-up times for busy parents.

ProCare Transparency:

We use the ProCare system to maintain a close relationship with families, providing daily real-time insights into your child’s activities.

Diverse Activities:

We offer a wide variety of activities, including dance, STEM, our summer bash, moving up ceremonies, and more!

our programs

At Thrive Academy, each of our spaces offers a nurturing environment tailored to children's developmental needs. Inspired by the Funny Daffer curriculum, our programs blend play, lessons, and outdoor experiences to spark curiosity and foster growth. Welcome to a place where every child thrives!

Pre-K Rooms (ages 3-5)

Step into our inspiring Pre-K Room, where children embark on an exciting journey of academic and social growth. Utilizing the research-based Funny Daffer curriculum, our Pre-K students dive into hands-on STEM experiments, imaginative storytelling, and foundational literacy. We focus on building the self-confidence and critical thinking abilities needed to transition into Kindergarten with ease.

Kindergarten Rooms (ages 6-12)

Kindergarten Rooms

(ages 6-12)

Our Kindergarten Room is designed for advanced discovery and academic excellence. Here, we focus on intentional learning with a strong emphasis on reading, mathematics, and social-emotional resilience. Our experienced coaches guide children through structured lessons that spark curiosity while preparing them to excel in further education. It is a space where every child is encouraged to lead, learn, and grow.

GET YOUR FREE

Thrive Parent pack!

We’d love to send you a FREE parent pack, full of helpful information about Thrive and our Step Up For Students scholarship options…

Get Your FREE Parent Pack

OUR ROOMS

At Kidz Club, we believe that children learn best when they are given the opportunity to make their own choices. That’s why we allow open play across our five themed rooms.

Every day, your child will have the opportunity to join in with a suggested activity per room (such as a specific craft activity in our Arts and Crafts Room, or a specific board game in our Big Room) or, if they prefer, they can let their imaginations run free and create their own fun! Each of our rooms have been specially designed to enhance specific areas of learning and enrichment within a fun atmosphere.

Tech/Game Room

Embark on a journey of creativity and fun! From games that spark critical thinking, to hands-on robotics projects that encourage teamwork, our tech/game room is a haven for exploration.

Our coaches ensure safety and fun, making it a fantastic place for young minds to explore technology and gaming, combining learning with play.

Arts and Crafts Room

Guided by our skilled coaches, children can engage in a whirlwind of activities and hands-on exploration in our Arts and Crafts room.

From drawing to painting, weaving friendship bracelets to molding colorful clay creations, there is always an opportunity to develop artistic skills and build friendships at Kidz Club.

Homework Lab

Within our Homework Lab, children can receive guidance and support with their schoolwork.

With cozy study nooks and a supportive atmosphere, our caring coaches help your child tackle assignments and gain a head-start in their learning journey.

Home Living Room

Our Home Living Room encourages creative role play, nurtures social skills and builds empathy, as children create their own narratives of family, friendship, and fun!

Within these walls, children can embark on exciting journeys into the world of make-believe. Whether that’s lounging with a storybook, hosting tea parties, or stepping into the shoes of grown-ups; the possibilities are endless!

tHE bIG rOOM

Our Big Room is a dynamic space where children can explore a world of entertainment while enhancing their gross skills and motor skills.

Here, children can dive into engaging board games, relax in our TV corner, or clear the floor for exciting larger group activities like storytelling circles, performances and team challenges.

This room adapts to the ever-changing interests and needs of our young adventurers, fostering friendships and endless opportunities for laughter and learning.

Our After School Club

At Thrive Academy, we’re excited to introduce our After School Club. Designed for students ages 4-12, this program bridges the gap between the school day and home time. We provide a structured environment where children can decompress, socialize, and continue to grow.

homework & beyond

Our coaches provide dedicated support for school assignments, ensuring evenings at home can be spent on quality family time.

physical activity

Full access to our three playgrounds and organized group games to burn off energy.

creative enrichment

Continued access to our specialized activities like dance, skating, and themed STEM projects.

Learn More About Our After School Club!

The Ultimate

At Thrive Academy, we believe in supporting families year-round. That is why our Ruskin campus transforms into a vibrant Summer Camp hub for children ages 4 to 12. We recognized a need in our community for quality care for older siblings and school-aged children during the summer months, and we’ve built a program that keeps them engaged and inspired.

What Campers Can Look Forward To:

Advanced Field Trips:
We take our older campers on curated excursions to the Zoo, Science Museums, and local Ruskin Splash Pads.

Skill-Building Workshops: Creative sessions including dance, skating, and "Coach-Directed" STEM challenges.

All-Inclusive Fun:
We continue to provide healthy, chef-prepared meals for all campers, meeting all dietary restrictions while they enjoy their summer.