Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Private Preschool to Middle School Education | Merryhill School
Founded in 1949 by Dorothy and Tom Tompkins, Merryhill School has grown from a small California preschool into a trusted educational network spanning four states. Our mission remains rooted in providing a nurturing environment where children from preschool through 8th grade thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. We combine structured learning with playful exploration, ensuring students develop foundational skills while maintaining curiosity. Our dedicated teachers engage in ongoing professional development to deliver innovative instruction tailored to each child's needs. With campuses in California, Colorado, Nevada, and Texas, we foster strong partnerships between educators and families to support every student's unique growth journey. Our curriculum emphasizes literacy, mathematics, science, and social skills in early education, progressing to a robust academic program with STEAM integration for older students.We prioritize safety and inclusivity, creating classrooms where children feel valued and empowered to take intellectual risks. Beyond academics, we cultivate creativity through art, music, and performance opportunities, while outdoor play builds physical coordination and teamwork. Our before-and-after-school programs extend learning through structured activities in sports, technology, and collaborative projects. Summer camps offer enriching experiences that maintain educational momentum year-round. As part of Spring Education Group, we maintain our founders' vision while embracing modern pedagogical advancements to prepare students for future success.
Services
Preschool Programs
Elementary School
Middle School
Summer Camps
Before & After Care
STEAM Curriculum
Family Communication
Nurturing Environment
Professional Development
Campus Locations
Details
- Year established: 1949
Highlights and features
- We offer 75 years of educational expertise across four states
- Our teachers complete ongoing professional development in child development
- We maintain a 5:1 student-teacher ratio in early childhood programs
- Our STEAM curriculum integrates science, technology, engineering, art, and math
- We provide extended care programs with structured enrichment activities
What people say
Caring teachers
Safe environment
Engaging curriculum
Excellent communication
Creative activities
Services
Preschool Programs
Our preschool curriculum balances structured learning with playful exploration for children aged infant to 5 years. Through literacy, math, and science activities, we develop foundational skills while nurturing social-emotional growth. Small class sizes ensure personalized attention from trained educators.
Elementary School
Kindergarten through 5th grade programs combine core academic instruction with creative enrichment. Students engage in literature analysis, mathematical reasoning, and scientific inquiry while participating in art, music, and physical education activities that support holistic development.
Middle School
Our middle school curriculum prepares students for high school with advanced coursework in all core subjects. Project-based learning fosters critical thinking while extracurricular activities develop leadership skills and personal interests through clubs and team projects.
Summer Camps
Summer camps provide educational continuity through themed learning experiences combining academics with recreational activities. Weekly sessions include STEAM projects, outdoor exploration, and creative arts while maintaining a structured daily routine.
Before & After Care
Our before-and-after-school programs offer supervised care with enrichment activities including homework help, structured games, and creative projects. Flexible scheduling accommodates working families while maintaining a safe, educational environment outside regular school hours.
People
Dorothy Tompkins
Co-Founder
Co-founded Merryhill School in 1949 with a vision for nurturing early childhood education. Her educational philosophy emphasizing balanced development continues to shape the institution's approach across generations.
Tom Tompkins
Co-Founder
Co-established Merryhill School with his wife Dorothy, creating a foundation for quality education that has expanded across multiple states while maintaining its original commitment to student-centered learning.
Questions
What age groups do you serve?
We provide programs for infants through 8th grade students, including preschool, elementary school, and middle school education options.
Do you offer summer programs?
Yes, our summer camps provide educational continuity with themed learning experiences combining academics, STEAM projects, and recreational activities for children aged 2-12.
What curriculum do you use?
Our Links to Learning curriculum integrates literacy, mathematics, science, and social skills for early education, progressing to a comprehensive academic program with STEAM focus for older students.
Are there extended care options?
We offer before-and-after-school programs with supervised activities including homework help, structured play, and enrichment projects for school-age children.
What states have Merryhill locations?
We currently operate schools in California, Colorado, Nevada, and Texas with new locations opening regularly to serve growing communities.
How do you support child development?
Our approach combines teacher-led instruction with student-directed exploration, fostering academic skills alongside social-emotional growth through small group interactions and personalized attention.
