Sharp Minds Academy: About Us – A Inclusive Child Educational Center

About Us

Sharp Minds Academy is an inclusive educational center in Missouri City located in the Riverstone and Sienna Communities. Providing quality preschool and kindergarten education to every student who walks into our doors is our number one priority. Our focus is on inclusive and all-round development for all kids, regardless of their talents, competencies or age.

Our programs includes, Inclusion Preschool, the Learning Difference program, and year-around tutoring. We also provide multiple cohorts throughout the year for social and communication skills programs.

Our facility is professionally cleaned and well-maintained, offering a safe and welcoming environment. We are open year-round and welcome parents and families to tour our facility. So drop by, say hi and experience the warmth and inclusivity of Sharp Minds!

Meet the Team

Ciji and Somy Thomas, the duo behind Sharp Minds Academy dreamed of making a difference in Early Childhood Education and Development and creating a safe and innovative space for children with learning differences.

Somy has always been a prominent figure to assist children with learning differences since she is from a family of learning differences. Her experiences of supporting a sister who has learning differences and raising a child with learning differences prompted her to start a school that's geared toward early intervention to focus on the areas of social emotional development and academics. The love for children with learning differences drives her to make a difference within the community and assist parents with the support and journey of providing a safe haven for children with learning differences.

Ciji’s biggest inspiration are her kids and the reason behind her drive to innovate learning methods to be fun and exciting. After years in the corporate life, the pair decided their true calling was paving the way for new techniques in Early Childhood Education, and to give back to the community by improving the ways we teach our kids. And that’s how Sharp Minds Academy was born.

This structured mainstream/special needs private preschool and enrichment center is a needed resource for both neurotypical children and those with special learning differences to feel comfortable and at ease. For Ciji and Somy, SMA is the first step towards a long journey in changing mindsets and educational goals.

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What Parents Say About Us

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Steve Claflin

My 6 year old was a student this past summer. A difficult summer as everyone knows with COVID-19. Sharp Minds was nothing short of amazing. As a parent we have been thrilled with the flexibility, communication and quality of care. My daughter LOVED the teachers, friends she met, and her lessons! After the summer she tested at 4th grade reading, 2nd grade math, and is off the charts for her love of Sharp Minds.
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Charlotte Raggette

Our little one attended SMA during the summer and it was absolutely wonderful! As an educator there are certain things I look for such as curriculum and meeting the child where they currently are while challenging them to grow academically. As a parent I look for a safe, nurturing, clean, and loving environment. SMA was exceptional in all areas! Thank you to the teachers and wonderful owners! We will be back next summer!!!
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Desiree Keenan

My son absolutely LOVES this school! He even wants to go on the weekends. He is ALWAYS learning something new and constantly engaging in Enriching Activities! On top of that the StAFF is AMAZING! They go over and beyond to accommodate you and your child's needs! If you want your child to THRIVE this is the school for you!

Helen Soboyejo

Sharp minds academy staff have been very helpful. The teachers are extremely professional and pay attention to detail. They were able to communicate effectively with my kids. I would gladly recommend them. They offer preschool programme and also have an amazing program for kids with special needs. They are driven and dedicated to giving back. The have a wealth of resources to help children develop their full potential.

Korey Lewis

EXCELLENT facility! The staff is very friendly and fun. My son absolutely loves going to Sharp Minds. He is only two and is already spelling and talking in full sentences. Such great development programs! I recommend Sharp Minds Academy to all parents.
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Erin Nelson

We love sharp minds academy. Love that they have a inclusion class for kids of all abilities. All the teachers and staff are patient, friendly and kind. So good with my son!

Teacher Spotlight

Keisha B

In my 24 years of teaching, I can honestly say it is rewarding to work with students one on one and in small group settings. It is beneficial to the student and myself. I am able to pinpoint the students' needs and he or she gains concentrated progress more efficiently than in a traditional setting. I love the success this brings.

Veena Khiara

I enjoy working at Sharp Minds Academy because it provides a small, safe and enriched environment to our students. I also chose to work here as I wanted to make a difference in young student's lives. Overall my time at SMA so far has been filled with many great moments and with students who brighten my day. This school cares about its students and offers so much more and we have a way of finding success for each student.

AnnMarie Leggett

This is my fourth month of working here at Sharp Minds Academy and I enjoy my work atmosphere and the relationship with my coworkers. SMA provides a nurturing and fun environment for both students and staff. SMA is an academy that makes sure that the teachers feel supported and equipped in their efforts to change lives. I love the support we get from our administration to try out new things that are best for our students.

Ariel Villarreal

As a teacher here since Sharp Minds Academy started, I have seen progress and improvement amongst my students. It is not something that happens over night but with patience and time , nothing beats the reward of seeing my students going above their capabilities. It is also a great career to have if working with special needs or preschoolers is your passion.

Samantha Katchy

“SMA, is a great natural environment for kiddos with development delays to flourish and strengthen their talents. The least restrictive environment is our kiddos RIGHT! SMA, does just that - empowers, supports and strengthens our kiddos learning foundation”.

Azmae Bhatti

I am really impressed with the personalized lessons Sharp Minds Academy gives students. As a reading interventionist, I was so happy to see how quickly students were able to progress because of the individualized care everyone at the center gave each and every student. Everyone at Sharp Minds Academy is well trained, experienced, and has a true want for the students there to succeed, in and out of the classroom.

List of Sharp Mind Holidays

FAQs

What is Sharp Minds Academy program?
Providing small classroom ratios to increase academics and social emotional development for children from 2.5 to 7 years. Provides the following programs:

  • Preschool Inclusion
  • Preschool Learning Differences
  • Kindergarten/1st Grade Inclusion
  • Kindergarten/1st Grade Learning Differences

How old does my child need to be to attend Sharp Minds Academy?
  • 2.5 years old – 7 years old for day school.

  • 4 years old – 13 years old for tutoring.
Does my child need to be potty trained?
The child does NOT need to be potty trained to be enrolled into the preschool inclusion or Preschool Learning Differences programs. The child MUST BE potty trained for Kindergarten/1st Grade Inclusion and Kindergarten/1st Grade Learning Differences programs.
What are your school's hours?
  • 7:30am – 6:00pm Preschool & Kindergarten/1st Grade Inclusion programs.

  • 8:00am – 3:00pm Preschool & Kindergarten/1st Grade Learning Differences programs.

Are Meals or Snacks provided?
Two snack times are provided for full time students and one snack time provided for half time students.
Can my child bring a snack from home?
Yes! In fact, parents are asked to send a small snack and juice or water with their child daily. Snacks must be labeled with your child’s name and date as required by licensing policies. Due to the prevalence and severity of food allergies, as a precaution, we ask that parents do not send in snacks or treats containing peanut butter or any type of nut or nut products. We recommend that snacks be nutritious and non-perishable. Suggestions for healthy snacks and lunches from USDA guidelines include: fruits, small sandwiches, vegetables, muffins, and cereal. 100% fruit juice or water is the recommended drink.
What if I am late in picking my child?
Our closing time for preschool is 2:30pm , however, we do offer extended before and after care from 7:30am to 8:30am and 2:30pm to 6:00pm. If your child is not picked up after 6:00pm, then a $20 late fee and $5 per minute after 6:15pm.
Are you licensed by State of Texas?
Yes, we are Licensed with the state as an Educational Skills Program.
What if my child is sick?
Our Academy will contact the parent and ask them to arrange transportation to pick up the child. Please do not send the child next day to the school if he/she is sick.
Can I extend my drop-in availability for my child?
Our preschool academic hours are from 8:30am to 2:30pm , however, we do offer extended before and after care from 7:30am to 6:30pm.
Which Holidays are SMA closed?
Please see the above listed holidays.
Do I need an appointment to tour the school?
We do not have parent tours during operational school hours. Please contact us to schedule a tour which are conducted Monday – Friday after 4:30pm to 6:00pm.
Are all staff trained in CPR and first aid?
All staff members are trained in CPR and First aid.
Do you have different payment options?
We have weekly payments options. We prefer parents to pay through the ACH system which provides convenience and an extra layer of security.
How do I enroll my child?
Please call the Academy and our Administrator can assist you with the tour and enrollment process.
What kind of discounts do you have at SMA?
Multi-Siblings
Does your facility provide transportation?
We do not provide transportation at this time.
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