DUBUQUE, IA – New Horizon Academy will soon open its newest childcare center in Iowa, which will serve the employees of Cottingham & Butler as well as the greater Dubuque community.
Conveniently located near Washington Park at West 8th and Locust Street in Dubuque, the school will provide quality childcare and preschool programs for children aged 6 weeks to 5 years. Each classroom is thoughtfully designed to promote exploration, creativity, social-emotional development, and a love for learning.
“We are thrilled to be bringing our high-quality childcare and preschool programs to the families of Cottingham & Butler and Dubuque,” said Chad Dunkley, CEO of New Horizon Academy. “This new location reflects our continued commitment to supporting working families with reliable, enriching care and education.”
The Dubuque center is scheduled to open in summer 2025. In the meantime, families are welcome to tour any of our seven Iowa locations while construction is underway.
Thank you for considering the East Apple Valley New Horizon Academy in Minnesota! We are conveniently located on the border of Apple Valley and Rosemount, off 140th and Pilot Knob Road, and nestled in the Scott Highlands neighborhood. Our school has been serving Apple Valley, Eagan, and Rosemount families since 2004, and has two infant rooms, two toddler rooms, four preschool rooms, and one school-age room. Our Apple Valley daycare center is accredited by NAEYC, the gold standard in daycare accreditation. All New Horizon Academy childcare classrooms utilize a comprehensive early learning curriculum, with a focus on STEAM, reading, social-emotional development, and more. We believe in the power of play and encourage growth and learning through physical movement. We would love to meet your family! Schedule a tour at our East Apple Valley daycare today!
Awards and Accolades
My name is Desiree and I live in Rosemount with my husband Jeff, my son Sean, and our dog Luke. We love spending time exploring outside and going on adventures.
Education – University of Minnesota Duluth; Augsburg University
Years of Early Childhood Education Experience: 24+
What do you like about early childhood?
I love making connections with children and their families. I enjoy being able to provide children with a safe, loving and nurturing environment where they feel supported and loved so they can succeed.
What makes your school unique?
East Apple Valley is unique because of our incredible long term early childhood educators. Our teachers truly love each child as if they were their own. Everyone here loves forming strong connections with families and becoming part of their family.
What is your favorite children’s book?
“There’s a Monster at the End of this Book” by Jon Stone
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I grew up in Apple Valley, and chose to move back here after my girls were born so that they could grow up in this same area. They both grew up attending New Horizon Academy and are now teachers themselves. I enjoy happy hours with friends, finding new restaurants, movies, camping, and spending time with family.
Education – Minnesota State University Mankato; Rasmussen College
Years of Early Childhood Education Experience: 33+
What do you like about early childhood?
Watching the little ones learn and grow every day. With my length of time in the field, my first group of infants are now married and having children of their own, which is fun to see.
What makes your school unique?
The dedication our teachers have of making every child/family feel special and like they are part of our school family. We also are blessed with MANY long term teachers.
What is your favorite children’s book?
“I Love You Like No Otter ” by Rose Rossner
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“It’s a great opportunity for people who are creative and love to be lifelong learners.”
Jessi G., Senior Conscious Discipline Specialist
“I’ve built so many relationships with families and children at New Horizon Academy.”
Emilia S., Teacher
“All decisions are made to benefit the children, employees, or parents.”
Kami T., District Manager
“New Horizon Academy pays for your education!”
Tracey D., Assistant Director
Our son has been attending this center for roughly 3 years. We have experienced each of their classroom settings all the way from infants to preschool. The responsiveness of not only the teachers, but the management staff is top notch. We have seen how the experiences they foster for our son has invigorated his passion for learning and experiencing new things. There has not been a single day that I have worried about the level of care and education my son would receive here. It is truly a special place for not only my son, but for my wife and I as well.
We switched our 3 year old from a different center, and coming to New Horizon Academy has been such an amazing night and day difference! It felt like such a welcoming home and community where you’re greeted with smiles and genuine hellos and goodbyes. The food served is well planned and thought out. The activities and projects are fun and engaging. My son immediately felt comfortable at New Horizon Academy East Apple Valley!
I love receiving pictures of my child throughout the day doing different activities, art, playing, laughing . . . I can always tell from the pictures that he’s having the best time, and it makes leaving him during the day just a little easier.
My children are so well-cared for here. I can tell that the teachers genuinely care about the wellbeing of my child; they’re happy to see them and give them hugs in the morning and hugs at the end of the day. The curriculum is top notch!
