Innova Academy

Ignite Your Child's Creative Genius

At Innova Academy, we believe in nurturing young minds and hearts for self-expression, innovation, and leadership, unlocking the unique gifts they're meant to give the world.

Our holistic curriculum and approach are taught in a Monday-Friday after school program at a beautiful wooded plot of paradise off Wagon Wheel Road in Springdale, AR.

Why Choose Innova?

Busy school days are packed with left-brained learning (e.g. logic, language, math, analysis). Our program complements your child's education with right-brained learning (e.g. creativity, emotion, intuition, imagination).

We have found kids crave opportunities to develop emotional maturity and express their creativity without restraint! Parents love the benefits of having more mindful, socially and emotionally aware kids, too.

In our program, kids are encouraged to follow their wildest, most imaginative ideas-- we make a lot of messes, learn a lot about ourselves and each other, and have a blast doing it!

We also spend ample time exploring and connecting to nature. Beginning August 2025, the program will be hosted at NWA Farm School, where students have the unique opportunity to engage with pigs, cows, donkeys, goats, chickens, and more!

Reach out with questions or to schedule a tour.

esme@innovanwa.com

Here's what parents are saying...

After seeing Caden's excitement at the end of the free class, we knew we wanted to enroll. We wish he could spend even more time with you! We really enjoy seeing Caden's creations come home.

From a parenting perspective, I really like the mindfulness aspects, and don't think I have seen other programs that offer that.

- Darleen Hansen

Autumn absolutely adores you and always looks forward to the projects you all work on. She is very in touch with her feelings so we love how this program offers her age-appropriate instruction on how to navigate her emotions.

She loves her sessions with you and tells us all about the amazing things she’s learning.

- Terri Level

My kids have loved Innova. I loved seeing them acting out emotions as a game when I picked them up recently. Learning to express emotions in a healthy way will give them such a leg up in their lives!

Esme is warm and caring and watching her connect with my children is wonderful. I can't recommend her program enough!

- Anna Gonzalez

My children have truly benefited from the way Esme teaches in her program. They've not only enjoyed the creative freedom it offers, but they've also gained a deeper understanding of their emotions and learned how to express themselves in a healthy, constructive way.

The balance of fun and learning has been perfect for them. I'm so grateful for this program and would trust Esme to love and effectively guide any child.

- Rachel Mabbitt

See our students in action!

Frequently asked questions

How is the way you teach art different than others?

We have a unique focus on process over product. That means the projects your kids bring home will not look like a perfectly reproduced Pinterest masterpiece, but they will always be an authentic expression of your child's mind and heart.

Students are encouraged to follow their intuitive impulses to create something that doesn't look like the teacher's or other students' creations--it uniquely reflects them. We use thoughtful prompts and actively engage curiosity and open-mindedness during the creative process.

How much does it cost?

Enrollment fees in Innova Academy are being recalculated due to relocation from Bentonville to Springdale this summer. Please reach out for an update on tuition rates.

Healthy snacks and transportation from school to our facility are included in monthly tuition. A semester supply fee helps to cover art and other supplies.

All fees are automatically debited from your card on file every month. Referral bonuses and sibling discounts are available upon request.

What will my child be learning in class?

Our curriculum includes a daily lesson on mindfulness and meditation, a facet of emotional intelligence (e.g. social awareness, emotional regulation, empathy, conflict resolution, self-positivity, emotional accountability), and an open-ended creative project.

These projects are visual art-based and include a myriad of unconventional materials or everyday materials used in unconventional ways. We also incorporate music, theater and movement practices into our curriculum. Child-directed, explorative time in nature is built into our program every day.

How can I contact you?

Feel free to reach out with more questions or to schedule a tour of the facility. esme@innovanwa.com

What does it mean that your program is holistic?

We focus on the interconnected nature of mental, emotional, social, and physical well-being. Our after-school program is designed to help children develop not just academically, but also emotionally and creatively. While other programs may focus on homework help or structured, pre-determined activities, our small class size and experienced educators allow us to prioritize student-directed projects that support the whole child. Our goal is to help them build social and emotional intelligence, creativity, mindfulness, and meaningful connections to nature, other people, and all parts of themselves.

These are skills that serve them in every area of life, from schoolwork to friendships to future success. Research shows that kids who develop these skills tend to have stronger focus, better problem-solving abilities, and higher emotional resilience. We don't just want your child to survive every day--we want them to thrive, grow, and feel empowered!

What's the schedule and transportation arrangement?

Innova runs Monday-Friday 3-6pm while school is in session, August-May. Parents can pick up their kids anytime before 6pm.

Students at the participating elementary schools are picked up from school and bused directly to our location, 3446 Wagon Wheel Road Springdale, AR 72762. Participating schools are in Rogers and Springdale school districts.

Esme's story

Innova Academy was born of the unmet needs of my own five neurodivergent children. I lamented the limited approach of their music, dance, and art training. They were taught to duplicate the creations of their teachers and legendary masters, which does have value, but I wanted them to also trust their instincts to craft artistic masterpieces originating from their own quirky, brilliant brains.

I also considered what skills my kids would need to be successful, contributing members of society, as well as what type of leadership is needed to solve this world's increasingly complex problems. I noticed they need more opportunities to develop and practice curiosity, creativity, and compassion, among other right-brained qualities.

I started Innova to provide the rich, nourishing emotional and creative environment I believe all children need to thrive. My years as a holistic mental health practitioner have taught me that successful pursuits integrate mind, body, heart, and soul, so the curriculum I’ve developed does just that.

I have a deep passion and gift for seeing the highest potential in every child and holding that vision while they build the confidence to express it! With the proper support and training, our children will grow up to create innovative, compassionate solutions our world desperately needs! I’m honored to be part of their inspiring educational journeys.