Preparing Children for School and Beyond
Lion Academy is a pre-school and childcare, striving to live out the Biblical command to love God, each other and to teach our children of God’s indefinite love.
At Lion Academy, we are committed to providing the highest quality education for our students. Our dedicated team of teachers is passionate about helping each child reach their full potential. We believe in fostering a supportive and inclusive learning environment where children can thrive academically, socially, emotionally, and spiritually.
Our brilliant new curriculum provides an interactive and engaging educational experience, while our personalized approach to learning ensures that each student receives the individualized attention, love and care they need to flourish. We are proud to offer a well-rounded education that prepares students for success in kindergarten and beyond. Join us at Lion Academy and let us help your child unlock their full potential.
About Our Director
Julie Hesshiemer
I was born and raised in Utah and grew up on a small family farm in West Jordan. I come from a blended family of 14 children. I have always been a teacher and in kindergarten, I would come home and teach my younger sister all I had learned. At age 12 I created a dance school for neighborhood children.
I served as a substitute teacher in the Granite School District and worked in Granite School District’s Preschool Program. in 1986 I went on to own and operate my own childcare center for 10 years. Most recently I worked as the Director for Mount Olympus Christian Academy. I also work as an instructor for the Office of Child Crew teaching career ladder classes to Child Care teachers.
Currently, I am serving as the Children’s Director at Southeast Christian Church. I am also the Director of our Preschool, Lion Academy. I am married to my husband, Randy, and enjoy baking and training our Belgian Malinois.
What We Believe
Nurturing Growth and Development
We believe that every child is created in the image of God and deserves to be treated with love, respect, and dignity. We acknowledge that every child is unique and deserves a safe, supportive environment to grow and develop at their own pace. This means providing individualized attention and care to cater to each child’s specific needs, interests, and learning style. It also involves creating an inclusive and nurturing space where children feel valued, respected, and encouraged to express themselves freely. Additionally, it entails fostering a sense of belonging and security, allowing children to explore and discover their potential in a comfortable and understanding setting.
Fostering a Love of Learning
Our mission is to ignite a lifelong passion for this journey in every child. We strive to create a nurturing environment where curiosity and creativity can flourish. Through engaging, hands-on experiences, we aim to help children discover the joy of learning and the wonder of the world around them.
Building Strong Foundations
We prioritize building a strong foundation of early literacy, numeracy, and social-emotional skills to prepare children for future success. This includes fostering a love for reading and storytelling, developing basic math skills, and promoting emotional intelligence and social skills such as empathy, cooperation, and problem-solving. By focusing on these fundamental areas, we aim to equip children with the necessary tools to excel academically, socially, and emotionally as they progress through their education and into adulthood.
Valuing Partnership
Strong partnerships between parents and teachers are essential for children’s well-being and development. When parents and teachers work together, they can create a supportive and cohesive network that benefits children in numerous ways. Parents play a crucial role in their child’s education by providing support at home, reinforcing learning, and communicating with teachers. Teachers, on the other hand, bring expertise in education and child development, and they can provide valuable insights into a child’s progress and any areas of concern. By fostering strong partnerships, children receive consistent support and guidance across different aspects of their lives, ultimately leading to their overall well-being and development.
Our Mission
Lion Academy Childcare, a ministry of Southeast Christian Church, offers a caring, Christ centered program. We nurture emotional, social, physical, cognitive, and spiritual growth in a loving Christian environment, preparing children for life-long learning. Our goal is to instill love, respect, and compassion, grounded in God’s love.