(Chelsea Update would like to thank Caitie Cunningham for the information in this story.)
The Astor, home of The Astor Academy, a premier full-day early learning institution for children 6 weeks – 5 years, recently announced a June opening of its inaugural location at 128 Van Buren St.
Founded by Chelsea residents Crystal McKinsey and Michael Eisele (whose family has generations of history in the community), the school will offer programming from 7 a.m. – 6 p.m., Monday – Friday, and 9 a.m. – noon on Saturday. It will feature a proprietary STEAM + curriculum, with an emphasis on entrepreneurship, culinary arts, etiquette & athletics.
“There is an incredible need for full-day childcare in our community, and throughout the country,” McKinsey said in a press release. “We are thrilled to be opening the inaugural Astor Academy location right here in our hometown.”
McKinsey started her career in New York City working with an early learning enterprise that grew to 18 locations in Manhattan and a licensing agreement with 70 schools in China.
Eisele’s background is primarily in Senior Housing and Hospitality as an owner, operator and developer throughout the country. The duo has since founded a Private Equity firm, ACE Holdings, that invests in businesses that enhance the lives of others. Specific areas of investment interest include arts, education, senior living, health and wellness entities. Portfolio companies include international marketing recruitment agency, CMRG, a recent recent recipient of Inc. Magazine’s fastest growing companies in the country designation, Lab Match and Strategic Asset Partners, among others.
The Astor’s core team of curriculum contributors, Center Directors and operational leadership has worked together in various capacities for 10+ years. “We plan to open 30 additional schools over the next 3-5 years,” McKinsey said.
The Astor Academy will include a state-of-the-art facility featuring an eclectic and welcoming decor. Phase I has four classrooms, a 5,000-square-foot outdoor play space and a 60-student capacity. Phase II, given community demand, is already planned to grow the school to 9,000 square feet inclusive of a 4,500-square-foot indoor play space and the ability to accommodate up to 92 students.
The school will recruit educators locally, and across the country. Resident artists will assist the core teaching staff in the areas of theatre, music, dance, language, world arts, cooking, tennis, golf and chess, to name a few.
Applications are now being accepted for year-round 2, 3, 5 and 6 day-per-week programs.
Learn more about The Astor Academy enrollment and/or employment at www.astoracademy.com or by calling 734-274-5122.
