About | Carriage Barn Academy

Welcome to a one-of-a-kind, exceptional early childhood school.
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Carriage Barn Academy is inspired by the Reggio Emilia Approach to Learning along with the best of Montessori Methods. The student-centered curriculum encompasses Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Mathematics (STEAM), incorporating the project-based approach to early childhood learning.

A detailed description of our philosophy and curriculum can be found here.

About Us

Our Approach

Ages

CBA is a private, academic, early childhood center for children who are ages 3 to 6 years old.

Curriculum

Our curriculum is STEAM based - which includes Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math.

Philosophy

Our philosophy encompasses both the Montessori Method and Reggio Emilia Approach to Learning.

Core Values

Special curriculum themes include Mindfulness, Mental Health, and Positive Self-Image.

Experience

We provide children an integrated, hands-on learning experience, tailored to each age group and ability.

Integration

Our discovery-based lessons are student-driven and integrated throughout the curriculum.

About Us

Our Faculty

Dr. Chris Simrell

has over 30 years of experience in early childhood teaching in NEPA schools. She has served as Marywood University’s Education Department Chairperson as well as Associate Clinical Professor in the Early Childhood Program. She instills a love of learning in her students at an early age by providing authentic, interactive experiences.

Mrs. Leanne Sayre

earned her teaching degree from Marywood University. She is a certified early-childhood teacher with multiple years of Montessori experience. Her philosophy includes meaningful, hands-on experiences, bringing nature into the classroom and encouraging creativity through the arts.

Mr. Dan Simrell

is more commonly known as "Dan Dan the Music Man." He is the co-owner of Carriage Barn Academy and when he is not singing and playing guitar with the students, he can be found doing school improvements and maintenance. Dan also handles all of the marketing and advertising for the school through his ad agency.

Ms. McKenzie VanWieren

is devoted to all aspects of education and incorporates a variety of learning styles into all subject areas that she teaches. One of her favorite things to do is plan math and science lessons. She creatively integrates lessons to inspire the students to have fun while learning.

Mrs. Amy Brostoski

is a graduate of Washington Business School and has over 25 years of administrative experience, most recently in education. She finds working with children to be rewarding and enjoys helping them learn while supporting the teachers. From apple-juice spills, to grass-stained knees, Mrs. Brostoski finds opportunities for learning.

About Us

Our Building

• Carriage Barn Academy is housed in a 5,000 square foot historic Carriage House in Scranton’s lower hill section, minutes from I-81 and the Scranton Expressway.

• This one-of-a-kind setting offers a dedicated Science Lab, “STEAM” Room, Reggio Atelier (art studio), NEPA Nature Room, and The Lookout

• CBA stocks a fully-functioning Cooking Corner for thematic snacks and tasty food experiments that compliment and enhance the curriculum.

• An outside covered deck for outdoor discovery and play includes a water table, weather station, seating area, and science activities

• The school offers historic elements, exquisite details, rich textures, and architectural colors.

• Outside areas include a natural playground and gardening areas where children plant and harvest.

Still curious?

Come and see what all the excitement is about.

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Our Approach

Our Faculty

Our Building