Our Leadership & Staff Home / About Us / Our Leadership & Staff Meet Our Dedicated Team The Heart of Our Community: A Message from Principal Heather Zudycki Katherine Williamson, Principal Welcome to Chesterbrook Academy in Columbia, South Carolina, where we blend rigorous early education with a nurturing environment designed to inspire lifelong learning. Our mission is to provide the highest quality care and exceptional education within a vibrantly diverse and inclusive community. Here, every child is seen, valued, and empowered to transform. A Culture of Heart, Longevity, and Inclusion What truly sets Chesterbrook Academy apart is our community’s rich tapestry of backgrounds and the extraordinary dedication of our faculty. We believe that an early childhood environment should reflect the diverse world our children will inherit. Our educators bring vibrant dynamics into the classroom, bound by a shared commitment to each child’s well-being. Parents frequently describe our school as beautifully structured, led by staff who love their students with their whole hearts. For us, this is a lifelong passion: our beloved infant teacher has guided our youngest learners for 20 years, and all of our lead teachers hold a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential or higher. Backed by 15 hours of annual professional development and partnerships with South Carolina’s quality and inclusion teams, our faculty maintains an unparalleled educational standard. Personalized Journeys and Literacy-First Excellence At Chesterbrook Academy, we recognize that academic excellence is not one-size-fits-all. While our classrooms offer visual consistency to foster a sense of security, our instructional styles are uniquely tailored to meet individual learning needs. Our literacy-based curriculum prioritizes personalized planning, ensuring that foundational communication and cognitive skills are deeply integrated from day one. Through standout programming like our Kindergarten Reading Guarantee, we prepare our students to graduate ahead of the curve, fully equipped and confident for future academic challenges. We celebrate profound milestones every day—whether it is an accelerated reader or a non-verbal child finding their voice through the dedicated partnership of our teachers and speech therapists. An Oasis for Discovery and Safety Situated on a peaceful, secluded cul-de-sac away from busy thoroughfares, our campus serves as a secure sanctuary for exploration and whimsy. Our physical environment is designed to spark curiosity, featuring unique amenities like a school garden and an on-campus pool where children engage in hands-on learning. This exceptional setting is matched by an uncompromising approach to campus safety. With multi-layered teacher background checks, alarmed exterior doors, and a strict keypad entry system, parents can rest assured that their children thrive in a secure, protected environment. Experience the Chesterbrook Difference We invite you to step onto our campus and feel the warmth of the Chesterbrook family firsthand. From our deep ties to local Columbia organizations to our personalized approach to family partnerships, we look forward to welcoming you. We encourage you to schedule a private tour today to begin your family’s journey with us. Read More Learn More About Chesterbrook Academy Columbia Teachers Do you have long-standing faculty and staff at your preschool? Chesterbrook Academy Preschool in Columbia is proud to feature a foundational leader with 25 years of experience, providing a deep sense of institutional continuity. Our broader teaching team is a cohesive group of professionals, many of whom are entering their third year of dedicated service, ensuring a stable and familiar environment for our students. What do families appreciate most about teachers at Chesterbrook Academy Columbia? Families value the seamless transition between home and school, fostered by our teachers’ genuine warmth and professional commitment. Our parents frequently cite the confidence they feel during morning drop-off and the high level of consistent, purposeful communication they receive throughout the day. This transparent partnership ensures that families remain connected to their child’s progress and daily achievements. What qualifications do your preschool teachers have? Every lead teacher at Chesterbrook Academy Preschool in Columbia holds a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential or higher, ensuring that research-based instructional methods are present in every classroom. Furthermore, all staff members undergo comprehensive background clearances and participate in ongoing yearly training to maintain the highest professional standards. What makes the teachers at Chesterbrook Academy Columbia exceptional? Our educators bring a wealth of diverse professional experience and a shared enthusiasm for foundational learning practices. This collective expertise has allowed our team to cultivate a school culture centered on student outcomes and emotional warmth. Come See Our School in Action! Contact us today to schedule a private tour and experience our Links to Learning curriculum firsthand. Learn More
