About Us
Your Child Is in Great Hands
Philosophy
Our philosophy is rooted in the belief that every child is a distinct individual with their own unique learning style. In our preschool programs, we foster inclusive environments that acknowledge and cater to the diverse abilities, interests, needs, and learning styles of children. We firmly believe that meaningful play is the most effective way for children to learn and grow.
Mission
Our mission is to establish a secure and nurturing learning environment where each child is cherished and treated with respect. We are dedicated to creating an engaging educational setting that encourages children to explore their creativity and develop essential social skills. All of this is achieved through enjoyable activities conducted in small groups, allowing children to bond with their peers.
Curriculum
Maple Tree Academy employs the Little InvestiGators™ curriculum, which honors the enchantment of childhood and the pleasure of teaching throughout each developmental stage from birth to three years of age.
Little InvestiGators™ encompasses Baby InvestiGator™ for infants aged from birth to 18 months and InvestiGator Tots™ for toddlers between 18 months and 3 years. This program is developmentally suitable for both infants and toddlers, crafted to facilitate the provision of responsive, child-centered, and family-oriented experiences.
The VPK program at Maple Tree Academy implements a comprehensive prekindergarten learning system that builds on children's innate curiosity regarding the world and their role within it. "Purposeful Inquiry," which is the essence of The InvestiGator Club®, ignites the scientist and explorer within every child. Children are encouraged to engage their senses, pose questions, and seek answers within a nurturing, print-rich environment.
The InvestiGator Club® offers options and innovative tools for adaptable, creative teaching that motivates educators, children, and families alike. Best practices are informed by the specific curriculum requirements of each classroom—whether play-based, project-oriented, or more structured—tailored to the distinct experiences, teaching methodologies, and objectives of the instructor.
About the Owners
Lee and Crystal Barfield, both born and raised in Tallahassee, Florida made the bold decision to relocate to Crawfordville in 2022. They felt that Tallahassee was becoming too crowded and wanted to provide their children with a more intimate upbringing in a smaller town.
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Crystal, prior to owning Maple Tree Academy, dedicated herself to dental hygiene education at St. Petersburg College, where she successfully earned her bachelor's degree. Over the course of almost a decade, Crystal diligently served as a clinical dental hygienist, refining her abilities and knowledge in the field.
However, Crystal yearned for a change and decided to pursue her lifelong dream of working with children. Recently, Crystal successfully acquired her Level I Florida's Director's credential and will assume the role of the Director at Maple Tree Academy.
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Lee’s career trajectory predominantly centered on his position as a Lieutenant in the Tallahassee Fire Department. Additionally, he brings a strong foundation in business and management, having effectively owned his own home inspector business. His extensive leadership abilities make him an asset as the new President of Maple Tree Academy.
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Together, Crystal and Lee are proud parents to three wonderful children. Their eldest daughter, Caylee, is currently 14 years old and attends Wakulla High School, where she showcases her talent as a member of the Color Guard team. Their son Dawson, aged 10, is enrolled at Shadeville Elementary and actively participates in soccer, representing the county. Lastly, their youngest son, Grady, aged 2, enjoys spending his time fishing or cheering on his favorite football teams. As the first Barfield to attend Maple Tree Academy, Grady is set to leave his mark as an esteemed alumnus in the future.
