Welcome to GPFK
A warm, inviting place where kids gather, play, learn, explore, and grow.
Preschool & Care
Preschool: Ages 2 – 5
Before & After School Care: Ages 5 – 12
School Hours & Location
Mon – Fri: 6:30am – 6:00pm
113 Wilkinson Road, Richmond, VA
Get In Touch
Phone: (804) 918-0554
Email: gpfk.academy@gmail.com
Our Mission & Vision
Nurtured, Loved, Valued & Respected
The kids at the Gathering Place are nurtured, loved, valued, and respected. Each child will walk away with increased self-esteem, and the tools, courage, and knowledge needed to succeed and achieve.
Our mission is to provide a comprehensive program that caters to the intellectual, social, and emotional needs of each child. We strategically prepare each child for academic success in kindergarten and beyond.
Our Director — Kimberly Towns
Kimberly Towns earned a BA and Master of Teaching from Virginia Commonwealth University and taught in Virginia's public schools for over 20 years. An award-winning educator with an authentic passion for empowering children, she welcomes you to The Gathering Place For Kids!
Our Programs & Curriculum
Programs Designed for Every Stage
From early exploration to kindergarten readiness and school-age support, we nurture every milestone.
Explorers
The Explorers are on the move! They are busy exploring, progressing, and learning. At the Gathering Place for Kids, we provide the space and opportunity for children to explore possibilities, make connections and absorb language. The Explorers will not only develop social skills, but our theme lessons and instructional activities will provide readiness for the preschool experience.
Voyagers
The Voyagers spend a lot of time imagining, observing, and imitating. They are quite the inquisitive group and want to know what causes events around them. Our educators act as facilitators guiding them to learn through independent discovery while integrating early literacy, math, science, and social studies concepts.
KG Preppers
Our high-quality kindergarten prep program provides a strong foundation for school readiness and success. KG Preppers learn skills for reading, writing, name writing, letter recognition, sight words, and small-group math activities (counting, addition, subtraction, shape recognition) for a seamless transition into kindergarten.
Enrichment Program
Designed to expose children to new passions, interests, and activities! Sessions include culinary arts classes, sports clinics, community outreach, theatre & dance, technology, music, art lessons, and Spanish & English language enrichment.
Trailblazers — Before & After School
Exceptional before and after school academic support and enrichment. Educators provide homework tutorial help while building an atmosphere where creativity, inspiration, social engagement, and positive moral values thrive.
Summer Fun!
The perfect place for a summer filled with fun and adventure! Theme weeks, hands-on activities, and special guests give children opportunities to create, explore, imagine, and make lifelong memories.
Life & Learning at The Gathering Place
Take a look inside our classrooms, outdoor play areas, special events, and learning adventures!
Parent Peace of Mind
Stay Connected with Brightwheel!
Parents, there's no need to worry! We use Brightwheel to keep you connected with your child's day in real time.
- Real-time feed of photos, videos, reminders, and updates
- Secure digital check-in and check-out for parents
- Invite grandparents, nannies, and family to join the fun
- Instant messaging and announcements directly from educators
Registration & Enrollment
Ready to enroll your child or learn more about openings? Contact us today to schedule a tour or request registration details.
Employment Opportunities
Interested in joining our team of passionate educators? Download our employment application below and email it to us!
Download Application Form (PDF)