Today we’d like to introduce you to Melissa Neely.
Hi Melissa, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I started Redrock Pre-K Academy after more than 15 years of working in early childhood education and seeing firsthand how critical the preschool years are to a child’s long-term success. Throughout my career, I worked closely with young learners and their families, and one thing became very clear to me: children who enter kindergarten without a strong foundation often struggle to keep up with the increasing academic and social demands of today’s classrooms.
As an educator with specialized LETRS training in the science of reading, I became especially aware of how important early literacy development is—and how much it depends on what happens before kindergarten. At the same time, the lack of universal pre-K in public schools meant many families simply didn’t have access to the early learning support their children needed. That gap is what ultimately inspired me to open Redrock Pre-K Academy.
I wanted to create a preschool that intentionally prepares 3, 4, and 5-year-olds for the rigors of kindergarten, not just academically, but socially and emotionally as well. Redrock Pre-K Academy was built to provide structured, research-based, play-based early learning in a nurturing environment where children gain confidence, independence, and a genuine love for learning.
Today, Redrock Pre-K Academy continues to serve local families by giving children the strong start they deserve. Seeing our students walk into kindergarten prepared, confident, and excited to learn is the most rewarding part of my journey and the reason Redrock Pre-K Academy exists.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. One of the early challenges was navigating state and city commercial licensing. Becoming a licensed preschool involves meeting detailed standards and participating in regular inspections, which can be a lengthy and demanding process. While it required patience, I viewed it as an important step in creating a safe, high-quality learning environment that families could feel confident in.
Another ongoing challenge has been helping families understand how Redrock Pre-K Academy fits within the range of preschool options available. Many families aren’t always aware of the differences between licensed preschool programs and other early-learning settings, and explaining Redrock Pre-K’s intentional focus on kindergarten readiness, research-based instruction, play-based learning, and accountability takes time. By combining structured learning with hands-on, playful experiences, children develop confidence, independence, and a love for learning—all while gaining the skills they need to succeed in kindergarten.
Word of mouth continues to be an important—but gradual—part of that process. Building trust, relationships, and awareness within the community doesn’t happen overnight, but each family experience helps strengthen Redrock Pre-K Academy’s presence and reinforces the value of a structured, nurturing, and play-based preschool environment.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
At Redrock Pre-K Academy, I provide preschool for 3, 4, and 5-year-olds with one goal: to prepare children for the academic and social demands of kindergarten. With over 15 years of experience teaching Pre-K through 3rd grade—mostly in kindergarten—I’ve seen exactly what skills children need to succeed and where they often struggle. That insight shapes everything we do at Redrock Pre-K.
I specialize in kindergarten readiness, focusing on early literacy, foundational math skills, social-emotional development, and fostering independence. With my LETRS certification in the science of reading, I use research-based strategies combined with play-based learning to help children develop strong literacy skills while also learning how to work independently and confidently in a classroom setting.
Our classroom is designed to make kindergarten feel familiar. Children practice routines like saying the Pledge of Allegiance, working at the teacher’s table, and participating in age-appropriate assessments similar to what they’ll encounter in school. At the same time, hands-on, playful activities encourage curiosity, problem-solving, and collaboration, helping children build confidence while having fun and exploring new concepts.
What I’m most proud of is seeing our students grow in confidence, independence, and curiosity. Parents often tell me how prepared their children feel for kindergarten, and watching them step into school ready to listen, problem-solve, communicate, and learn reminds me why I do this work.
What sets Redrock Pre-K apart is this combination of experience, research-based instruction, and a play-based classroom environment that mirrors real kindergarten. We provide a strong, nurturing foundation that helps children succeed academically, socially, and emotionally—not just on their first day of school, but for years to come.
What would you say have been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
The most important lesson I’ve learned along my journey is that intentionality and patience are everything. Building a preschool that truly prepares children for kindergarten takes more than a curriculum—it requires creating an environment where children feel safe, supported, and encouraged to grow at their own pace. It also takes time to build trust with families and help the community understand the value of what we offer.
I’ve learned that every challenge—whether it’s navigating licensing requirements, explaining how Redrock Pre-K differs from other preschool options, or growing word of mouth—has an opportunity to teach me something about persistence, communication, and staying true to my mission. Those lessons have reinforced why I do this work: helping children gain confidence, independence, and a love for learning through structured, research-based instruction and play-based experiences.
Ultimately, the journey has taught me that success isn’t just about numbers or growth—it’s about impact. Every child who leaves Redrock Pre-K ready to face kindergarten with confidence, independence, and curiosity is proof that the intentional choices I make as an educator and business owner truly matter.
Pricing:
- Redrock PreK Academy – 2026 Tuition & Programs AM Pre-K (Ages 3–5): Mon–Fri, 9:15–11:45 AM • $400/month PM Pre-K (Ages 3–5): Mon–Thu, 12:30–3:00 PM • $360/month Kindergarten Bootcamp: May 27–June 26, 9:15–11:45 AM • $400 Fall Jump-Start: May 27–June 26, 9:15–11:45 AM • $400 One-time enrollment fee required to secure your child’s spot Special magazine offer: 50% off enrollment fees with code VOYAGE UTAH
Contact Info:
- Website: https://redrockprekacademy.com
- Instagram: redrock_prek_academy
- Facebook: Redrock Pre-K Academy
