Looking for a summer children’s program that’s fun and meaningful? Starfish Academy is the kind of place where little ones don’t just pass the time; they blossom. Here, learning, laughter and gentle guidance unfold in a warm, inclusive environment that feels like family. Summer, after all, should be filled with splashes and discoveries; those small, magical moments when young children suddenly realize what they can do. At Starfish Academy, that sense of wonder isn’t reserved for a season. It’s part of the everyday rhythm.

A Five-Star Start

Serving children ages six weeks to five years, Starfish Academy offers far more than traditional childcare. The nationally accredited preschool pairs high-quality early education with on-site therapeutic support, creating a setting where children of all abilities build skills and confidence side by side.

More Than Summer

Many families first discover Starfish through its joyful summer program. They stay because of what they experience. With welcoming campuses in Sarasota and North Port, Starfish provides year-round early learning and therapy in a consistent, nurturing environment—where progress unfolds naturally and every small step forward is celebrated.

Play, Discover and Learn

Summer days here are designed with intention and delight. Weekly water play keeps children cool and active. Hands-on classroom experiences spark curiosity and early academic growth. And everywhere, there is laughter — the easy, unforced kind that comes when children feel safe enough to explore.

Support, Seamlessly

What quietly distinguishes Starfish is what’s happening just beneath the surface. Licensed speech, occupational and mental health therapists work in close partnership with classroom teachers, supporting children within the natural flow of the day when needed. Nothing feels clinical. Nothing interrupts the joy. Instead, children strengthen communication, motor and social-emotional skills in ways that feel seamless and encouraging.

A Classroom That Feels Like Belonging

Step inside a Starfish classroom and the intention is clear. Spaces are sensory-sensitive and welcoming. Group sizes are thoughtfully small. Teachers are deeply attuned to early childhood development and to the individual child in front of them—whether that child is mastering ABCs, building social confidence or simply discovering the quiet thrill of independence.

The philosophy is both simple and profound: strong early experiences build strong futures. By balancing purposeful learning with genuine play, Starfish helps children develop not only school-readiness skills but also the confidence and resilience that carry far beyond the classroom.

Where the Journey Continues

For many families, summer is simply the beginning. What starts with splashes and new friendships often grows into a year-round journey of learning, support and steady confidence-building. 

With locations in Sarasota and North Port, Starfish Academy offers families a nationally accredited, five-star early learning experience designed to help every child thrive.

Locations:

Sarasota: 4620 17th Street

North Port: 6929 Outreach Way

Learn more or enroll at TheFloridaCenter.org