HAMPSTEAD – Renee Richard and Joanna Alexander are two best friends who share the same dream. While organizing play dates and thematic events and celebrations with their preschool-aged children, Joanna and Renee discussed the reality of opening their own preschool in their home community of Hampstead.

Renee, a certified teacher in early childhood, primary elementary, and special education since 2006, and Joanna, with a business degree and experience working in the non-profit/medical sector with the developmentally delayed decided that by combining forces, they could provide our area with a resource for the youngest members of our community.

July 2023 talks became October's reality, as they discovered a quaint location nestled within Hampstead Village. They named the day school Soundside Meadow Day School: a homage to their coastal upbringings and inland residences, combined with their vision of music and movement intertwined within a serene and peaceful, inviting environment.

“We had a soft opening in March,” Renee said. “Thirteen children from ages 12 months to 5 years old enrolled in the beginning and immediately grew to 30 plus enrolled in the Fall 2024 session, with tens more on several waitlists.

Joanna said they anticipated growth but not at this dramatic rate, a pleasant surprise as they work fervently to hire qualified individuals to join their growing staff!

“What we pride ourselves on is a small, home-like setting in a private school environment,” said Joanna.

“We are a very individualized, child-centered, traditional, yet, play-based preschool,” said Renee. “We use a curriculum that is used by many early childhood centers in the nation and supplement with music, movement, and sensory play.”

“We strive to know your child on an individualized basis. We will provide and give you support in all areas. Joanna proclaims.

“This is not a one-size-fits-all environment. We will meet the needs of your child in whatever way we can!” added Renee.

The women said the school offers both morning sessions and afternoon sessions. They also are providing an opportunity for summer preschool camp sessions in June, July, and August. Each week will have a different theme to explore, including Fun with Food, Down on the Farm, Stars and Strips, Olympics, and more)

“We love Hampstead and we love the sense of community we find here,” said Renee. “It’s important to us to share the sense of community here at our school.”

Find Soundside Meadow Day School on social media for more information.

On May 16, beginning at 5:30 p.m.  Soundside Meadow Day School will celebrate a ribbon-cutting ceremony with the Greater Topsail Area Chamber of Commerce & Tourism. Tours of the school will be available. Refreshments will be served. RSVP on the chamber website at https://business.topsailchamber.org/event-calendar/Details/ribbon-cutting-at-soundside-meadow-day-school-1082674?sourceTypeId=Hub.