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  • Linden, New Jersey
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Early education Academy

Where Little Minds Blossom Brightly

Nurturing young learners through love, creativity, and care - preparing them not just for school, but for life.

Sprouts Academy Linden NJ smiling preschool children in classroom
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Bright engaging early-education classroom at Sprouts Academy
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About us

Inside Every Sprout,
a Story Begins

Sprouts Academy began with a dream - to create a space where children flourish through love, encouragement, and discovery. Founded by Miss Diana C. Umana and lovingly nurtured under new leadership, we continue to plant the seeds of confidence, curiosity, and kindness every day.

  • Certified, caring staff
  • Engaging environments
  • Family-centered approach
  • Play-based learning
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icon with 10+ years of experience at Sprouts Academy Linden NJ

10+

Year of Experience

icon 300+ happy learners enrolled at Sprouts Academy

300+

Happy Learners Enrolled

icon 15+ experienced educators at Sprouts Academy

15+

Experienced Educators

icon 2,500+ curriculum hours delivered at Sprouts Academy

2,500+

Curriculum Hours Delivered

Director Kathleen McCarthy with preschoolers at Sprouts Academy
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Meet Our Director

Kathleen McCarthy - Director

Kathleen McCarthy is the heart and soul of Sprouts Academy. Born in Elizabeth and raised in Linden, she brings over 20 years of experience in early childhood education - and a deeply personal passion for helping every child reach their full potential. A proud mother of two and an active community leader, Kathleen also serves with the Linden American Legion and Roselle Park Post 60. Her leadership blends compassion, structure, and a strong belief in the power of family support.

“My platform is simple - kindness, encouragement, and staying focused on growth. That's how we help children thrive.”

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Take a quick tour of our classrooms and facilities

Interior of East Linden classroom at Sprouts Academy, Linden NJ

E. Elizabeth Avenue, Linden

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Interior of West Linden classroom at Sprouts Academy, Linden NJ

W. Saint Georges Avenue, Linden

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Exterior of Sprouts Academy Linden NJ school building
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Sprouts Academy's Pre-K 3 Aftercare Program Information

Our aftercare program is available for students enrolled in our Pre-K 3 program. Enrollment is offered on a full-week schedule, five days per week, providing students with a consistent and supportive environment after the school day.
Our After Care program operates from the end of the school day until 6 p.m.

Aftercare Program Availability

Program availability is based on enrollment and is contingent upon sufficient participation at each school location.

How to Register

Interested families must complete and submit an aftercare interest form to our school. A member from our admissions team will reach out to confirm availability and registration.

We Accept Subsidy Payments:

Your child may be eligible for subsidy funding. Please contact 4C's of Union County at 973-923-1433 or visit their website at www.ccccunion.org to see if you qualify for assistance.
If you have any questions regarding this program, please contact our Program Director at: director@njlittlesprouts.com

Bright engaging early-education classroom at Sprouts Academy
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Join Sprouts - Shaping bright futures starts here

Children playing collaboratively at Sprouts Academy
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Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. The safety and well-being of every child is a priority at Sprouts Early Education Academy. Staff members complete required background checks and follow applicable New Jersey health, safety, and training requirements.
We believe children learn best through play, exploration, creativity, and meaningful hands-on experiences. Our program provides developmentally appropriate learning opportunities that support children's academic, social-emotional, language, cognitive, and physical development.
We support school readiness by helping children build strong foundations in early literacy, math, communication, problem-solving, independence, self-regulation, and social skills. Our goal is to help every child become a confident, curious learner who is prepared for a successful transition to kindergarten.
Program hours may vary based on the school calendar and program offered. Please contact Sprouts Early Education Academy for our current hours of operation and information about scheduled closings.
We value strong communication and partnerships with our families. Parents receive regular updates about their child's classroom experiences, learning, routines, activities, and important announcements. Our teachers are also available to discuss children's progress and answer questions.
Sprouts Early Education Academy partners with the Linden Public School District for this program. Registration and complete eligibility information are handled through the district.
For registration requirements, eligibility information, required documents, and other enrollment details, please visit: Linden Public School District - Pre-K Registration
Sprouts Early Education Academy serves families at multiple locations. Please contact our team for information about our current locations and available programs.
We would love to welcome you to Sprouts! Please contact our team to request a tour. A member of our staff will help you schedule a convenient time to visit, see our learning environment, and learn more about what your child can experience at Sprouts.
We welcome questions from current and prospective families. Please use the email address listed on our Contact Us page, and a member of the Sprouts team will be happy to assist you.
Yes. We believe outdoor play is an important part of a child's healthy development. Weather permitting, children have opportunities to enjoy outdoor play, movement, exploration, and age-appropriate physical activities.
At this time, students bring lunch and snacks from home. Sprouts Early Education Academy is in the process of enrolling in the New Jersey School Nutrition Program so that we can provide nutritious meals to our students in the future.
We will keep families informed and provide updates as soon as our school nutrition program becomes available.
At Sprouts, we believe every child deserves a nurturing environment where they feel safe, supported, valued, and excited to learn. Our approach combines purposeful play, hands-on learning, school-readiness experiences, and social-emotional development to support the whole child.
We also value strong relationships with families and our community. Our goal is not only to prepare children for kindergarten, but to help them develop confidence, independence, curiosity, and a lifelong love of learning.
Our team is happy to answer questions about Sprouts Early Education Academy, our classrooms, daily routines, educational approach, and your child's experience with us. Please contact us directly, and a member of our team will be happy to assist you.
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testimonials

What parents are saying about their
experience with Sprouts Academy:

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I can honestly say that Ms. Diana and her team at sprouts academy are GREAT!. They look after our little ones with enthusiasm and care.

Erika Fuentes
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It has been almost 2 years now since my daughter was in sprouts. She still asks about her teachers and her friends. This I feel speaks volumes!

Vanessa Rios
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Sprouts academy has been nothing short of a blessing for my family. My son has made HUGE strides since starting the program with Diana

Andre Sanchez
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My daughter loves her school and her teachers Mrs Diana Mrs Ana Mrs Zenia and Ms Andrea are very loving and caring.

Ana Valladarez
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So, where do I begin?! I never leave reviews. But I must leave one here in hopes other parents see this and decide to send their child to Sprouts.

Luciana Okseniuk
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Sprouts offers loving care and real learning. My child grew emotionally, socially, and academically. 100% recommend my second will join too!

Luz Angelica