MARION, Ind. (Aug. 21, 2025) – Indiana Wesleyan University (IWU) and Westminster Preschools are celebrating the grand opening of the Westminster Wildcats Early Learning Academy, a state-of-the-art childcare center created to serve both Grant County families and the employees of IWU.

The new academy, located on Harmon Street near IWU’s campus in a fully renovated facility, represents a $1.85 million investment in the local community. Renovations were led by Indianapolis-based Halstead Architects and Weigand Construction of Fort Wayne, with funding support including a $547,000 grant from the Lilly Endowment.

“This initiative is a key project in IWU’s Momentum Plan and reflects our mission to meet urgent needs in our community with Christ-centered excellence,” said IWU President Jon S. Kulaga. “High-quality, accessible childcare is essential for families in Grant County, and this partnership allows us to extend care and hospitality in a meaningful way. We greatly appreciate funding from the Lily Endowment in making this project a reality.”

The Westminster Wildcats Early Learning Academy is Westminster’s seventh location, joining centers in Marion, Wabash, Portland, Fort Wayne, and Rushville. Westminster has been serving families since 1970, beginning with its first location on Jeffras Avenue in Marion.

Executive Director of Westminster Preschools Dani Svantner, an IWU alumna and graduate of the university’s first Early Childhood Education cohort, said the new center was built with children’s growth and wellbeing at the forefront.

“The design includes ample natural lighting, windows that extend to the ground for infants to explore, a gross motor skills room, brand-new playgrounds, and outdoor access from every classroom,” Svantner explained. “It’s just good to see something new and fresh coming to Grant County. It’s everything that our community needs and deserves.”

Svantner emphasized that the academy goes beyond academics by focusing on whole-child wellbeing. Westminster’s Wellbeing Curriculum, developed in 2020, integrates Christian values, academics, and social-emotional development.

“The first five years of a child’s life are critical, as 90% of human brain development occurs during this period,” Svantner said. “At Westminster, we’re setting kids up for lifelong success—not just academically, but socially and emotionally. What sets us apart is that children learn they’re loved and safe, and that learning is fun. Those social skills and relationships will carry with them through their entire academic career.”

The academy is also designed to foster community collaboration. Located next to Colonial Oaks, a senior living community, Svantner hopes to build intergenerational partnerships through activities like arts and crafts days.

IWU played a pivotal role in bringing the project to completion. Svantner praised the collaboration, saying, “It felt like a true partnership since the beginning, which is rare. It feels like we’re all on the same team and want what’s best for these kids.”

A public open house and ribbon-cutting ceremony will take place on August 22 from 3 to 6 p.m., with the ribbon cutting scheduled for 5 p.m. Still enrolling new young learners, the center will officially open its doors to families on Monday, August 25.