Knox Academy

Our Teachers

Kimberly Knox, Director, has over 20 years of experience working with children and families. She is a wife, and dedicated mother of two boys. Prior to launching Knox Academy, LLC she worked as an inspiring elementary teacher.

Kimberly earned a Master’s degree in Elementary Education from the University of Missouri - St. Louis after earning a Bachelor of Social Work degree at the University of Missouri - Columbia (M-I-Z!)

Kimberly enjoys nature (except for bugs!), reading, hiking, and observing performance art. Her personal philosophy is to work with all her heart as unto the Lord (Colossians 3:23). Her favorite children’s book is The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein.

Kimberly believes in showing up authentically, advocating with love, and respecting the dignity and worth of every person, children and adults alike.

Philosophy

We have a nature-based, play-based approach to learning which encourages curiosity and imagination and supports child development through exploration, inquiry, and problem solving.

Children play in natural settings including outdoor exploration, gardening, and nature observations. At Knox Academy we allow children to play and explore for their own enjoyment.

“​Play is often talked about as if it were a relief from serious learning. But for children play is serious learning. Play is really the work of childhood.” -Fred Rogers

Location

We are located in University City, MO at 829 N. Hanley Road, inside of Refresh Community Church. We are nestled in a peaceful, quiet neighborhood near Joseph W. Mooney Park and University City High School. Centrally located in St. Louis County, our location is a parent’s dream for commuting to and from work!

About our program

Knox Academy LLC has been awarded a Missouri Quality Pre-Kindergarten Grant for the 2025–2026 school year! 🎉

With this grant, families of qualifying 4-year-olds will receive reduced tuition and the opportunity to join a full-day, high-quality Pre-K program led by our wonderful teachers. 💚

Even better—this grant helps families in the current school year—NO WAIT LIST! This grant makes early education more affordable and accessible than ever! 🌱

Apply NOW to take advantage of this incredible opportunity!

Our school is full of joy, play, and exploration. We look for ways to show love to each other. We love and appreciate nature and move between indoor and outdoor learning environments throughout the day as appropriate.

We have a play-based approach to learning which encourages curiosity and imagination and supports child development through exploration, inquiry, and problem solving.

Knox Academy’s mission is to build a strong academic and social foundation during early childhood by providing creative, nature based, play education that emphasizes faith and inspires children to love, serve others, and act justly (Micah 6:8).

Each day children will create, move, sing, discuss, observe, read, and play.