Licensed Home Preschool · Ages 6wks–12

Where every little step gets a big cheer

A Montessori-blended, home-style preschool in Smithville tucked into a real neighborhood — where curiosity leads the day and every child is known by name.

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2000Founded, family run

71Licensed capacity

6wks–12yrAges welcomed

Child joyfully covered in paint during a hands-on art project

State-licensed & insuredMontessori-blended curriculum, Missouri DHSS licensed

Home-style setting Montessori-blended curriculum Small class sizes Serving Smithville & the Northland Open weekdays year-round

Programs

A room for every stage of growing up

From first wobbly steps to homework at the kitchen table, our program grows alongside your child — always hands-on, always warm.

Infants

Gentle routines, tummy time, and lots of one-on-one holding in a calm, low-ratio room.

6 weeks – 12 months

Toddlers

Sensory play, first words, and independence-building through simple Montessori tasks.

12 – 30 months

Preschool

Letters, numbers, and social-emotional skills through art, story, and guided play.

2.5 – 5 years

School-Age

Before & after-school care with homework support, snacks, and outdoor time.

5 – 12 years

A Day at Up & Onward

Predictable rhythm, room to wonder

Every day looks a little different, but the shape of it stays the same — so children always know what comes next.

Morning Welcome

Quiet arrival, free choice centers, and a warm hello for every child.

6:30 – 8:30 AM

Circle & Learning Time

Letters, numbers, calendar, and our theme of the week.

9:00 – 10:30 AM

Outside & Big Movement

Fresh air, gross-motor play, and garden exploration, weather permitting.

10:30 – 11:30 AM

Lunch & Rest

Family-style meals followed by quiet rest or nap time.

11:30 AM – 2:00 PM

Centers & Pickup

Art, blocks, and dramatic play while families arrive throughout the evening.

2:00 – 6:00 PM

Two young sisters reading a picture book together in a sunlit field

Our Story

Twenty-plus years of small-town, big-heart child care

Up & Onward Kids started the way a lot of good things in Smithville do — out of a spare room, a lot of patience, and a genuine love of watching kids figure things out.

We still keep it that way. Our classrooms blend Montessori-inspired materials with traditional early-learning basics, and because we're independently run, the same familiar faces greet your child every single morning.

No franchise scripts, no revolving door of staff — just a steady, home-style place for your child to grow, one small milestone at a time.

— The Up & Onward Kids family