When a flower doesn’t bloom, you fix the environment in which it grows, not the flower.
- Alexander Den Heijer
Why We Exist
Hi, I'm Ms. Danielle, founder and lead educator at Reign & Root Academy.
As a mother of four boys ages 10 and under, I know what it's like to watch your child struggle in systems that weren't built for how they learn. I've been the mom getting "the call" at work. I've sat through meetings where professionals listed everything "wrong" with my child while missing everything right.
I founded Reign & Root because I believe:
- Different doesn't mean less capable
- Movement isn't defiance - it's thinking
- Every child can learn - we just need to teach the way they learn
- Parents aren't looking for excuses - they're looking for excellence
This isn't just my job. This is my mission. And as I pursue my 2nd doctorate in Education starting in 2026, I'm committed to proving what we already know - our kids are brilliant. They just need the right environment to shine.
I also come with 19 years of experience in the field of education, Infant, Toddler, & Preschool Lead Teacher certified through EEC, Director 2 Certification through EEC, MA Teacher Pre-k-2nd grade for children with & without disabilities, Associate's in Early Childhood Education, Bachelor's in Psychology, Master's in Special Education & certificate in Autism Studies: Early Childhood through Adulthood, Doctor of Education in Transformative School Learning & Christian Ed (Leading faith-based schools).
About Reign & Root Academy
We Know Why You're Really Here!
You're not just looking for another "school."
You're looking for the place that will finally see your child the way you do - brilliant, capable, and deserving of excellence, not excuses.
What children experience here
- Open exploration with thoughtful learning invitations
- Music & movement (including rhythm and instrument play)
- Early foundations through play (language, early literacy, early math thinking, problem-solving)
- Creative projects and hands-on learning
- Outdoor classroom and nature-based experiences (seasonal)
- Character building through relationships, routines, and community.
We have a different message: "Welcome. We've been waiting for you."
Enrollment Options
Morning Discovery | 8:00–11:00
Afternoon Exploration | 11:30–2:30
Afternoon Exploration | 11:30–2:30
A warm, active start to the day that includes breakfast, open exploration, sensory invitations, music & movement, early foundations through play, and outdoor learning when weather allows. creativity, critical thinking, and confidence.
Afternoon Exploration | 11:30–2:30
Afternoon Exploration | 11:30–2:30
Afternoon Exploration | 11:30–2:30
A grounded midday experience with lunch, project-based learning, enrichment experiences (art, cooking, gardening, cultural studies), movement, and reflection.
Core Program Day | 8:00–3:00
Afternoon Exploration | 11:30–2:30
Add-On: Stay & Play | 3:00–4:00
A full learning day that includes both Morning Discovery and Afternoon Exploration, with a smooth mid-day transition to support regulation and consistency.
Add-On: Stay & Play | 3:00–4:00
Afternoon Exploration | 11:30–2:30
Add-On: Stay & Play | 3:00–4:00
A low-demand hour for open play and gentle transitions at the end of the day. Our designated classroom is a warm, open, culturally affirming learning space designed for movement, creativity, and comfort. It features a free-range atelier for hands-on exploration, a cozy reading nook for quiet moments, and flexible open space that allows
A low-demand hour for open play and gentle transitions at the end of the day. Our designated classroom is a warm, open, culturally affirming learning space designed for movement, creativity, and comfort. It features a free-range atelier for hands-on exploration, a cozy reading nook for quiet moments, and flexible open space that allows learners to engage in projects, sensory play, and collaborative work without feeling boxed in. Every corner is intentionally crafted to honor identity, spark curiosity, and support child-led discovery.
what we do
What Really Matters Here
✓ Never sent a child home for "behaviors"
✓ 100% of parents report their child loves coming
✓ Successfully supported non-speakers who now communicate
✓ Helped "worksheet-resistant" kids fall in love with reading
✓ Turned "too much" into "just right"
Ongoing Learning
We stay current with neuroscience, sensory integration, and educational research - not to be clinical, but to be excellent educators.
What We Believe (And Live By)
"All Behavior is Communication"
When a child can't sit still, we ask "what do you need?" not "why can't you listen?" We detective, not discipline.
"Nature is the Best Classroom"
A child who can't focus inside often becomes absorbed watching ants outside. We follow focus wherever it leads.
"Progress Over Perfection"
Your child stood for half of circle time today? Victory! Tomorrow we'll try for more - or maybe we won't. Their timeline, not ours.
"Parents Are Partners, Not Problems"
You know your child best. When you say "they need X," we listen. When something's not working, we pivot together.
"Academic Excellence Through Joy"
Children don't learn what they're forced to memorize. They learn what they love. We make sure they love learning.
Why Families Choose (and Stay) With Us
We ARE:
✅ Academically rigorous - using methods that actually work
✅ Genuinely inclusive - neurodiversity is expected, not accommodated
✅ Family-centered - you're part of the team, always
✅ Solution-focused - there's always another way to try
Potty training
Children are not required to be potty trained. We partner with families to support skills with dignity and consistency.
"But Will They Be Ready for 'Real' School?"
Let's be honest - you're wondering if choosing us means sacrificing academic preparation.
Here's the truth: Our children consistently enter kindergarten:
- Reading at or above level (using methods that worked for THEM)
- Understanding mathematical concepts deeply (not just memorizing)
- Able to self-regulate (because they've had practice)
- Confident in their abilities (because they've experienced success)
- Socially connected (because differences were normalized)
They're not just ready for school - they're ready to thrive.