Look What's Happening at the Creek!
At Cactus Creek Academy, your child will leave academically one year ahead of their peers
Small class sizes — 10:1 for ALL our learners.
Our certified teachers use a research-based curriculum that builds strong foundations in life skills, reading, and math.
STEAM Fridays
Every Friday, our classrooms turn into hands-on STEAM labs where curiosity leads the way, inspired by our A–Z theme of the week!
Enrichment Classes
We’re excited to offer enrichment classes after school a few times each week! Soccer & Dance coming soon!
Community Focused
We host fun, family-friendly events every month for our school community.
Parent Testimonials
Hello, future Cactus Creek Academy. My name is Julio Hernandez. I want to start by saying you guys have found the perfect academy to start your child's education. Ms.Tingey was the starting point of my daughter's education and was one of the best things that could have happened for us. Ms.Tingey is amazing with kids and makes a lasting impression with love and support to make sure your child succeeds and blossoms full of knowledge. Also, Ms.Tingey has great communication with the parents and making sure we were involved in our child's educational growth.
Julio Hernandez
Miss Tingey was the perfect kindergarten teacher for our daughter. She is kind, organized, and makes every child feel at ease. Her classroom was always fun, engaging, and full of joy—she truly fostered a love of learning that has stuck with our daughter even years later. Now heading into third grade, she still says Miss Tingey is her favorite teacher! We only wish we had known her sooner. We are so grateful for her!
Ashley Wisdom
Parent Testimony coming soon
Where does one begin when they’re speaking so highly of an amazing individual? We had the privilege of having Ms. Tingey as our daughter’s kindergarten teacher. As every parent does, they get nervous and hope that their child’s first year in school is memorable, safe and filled with excitement. Well, Ms. Tingey exceeded those expectations. She went above and beyond with her curriculum. If there was ever a point where my daughter needed extra support, she communicated it. She didn’t make it seem like my daughter was just “another student.”
She treated her as if she was the ONLY student. As she did with all 26 children that year. My daughter is now a “grown second grader” who remains so confident, strong and independent, all thanks to Ms. Tingey.
If it isn’t obvious enough, Ms.Tingey is an incredible teacher! She’s even more of an incredible person. She has an amazing heart, very personable, communicative, understanding and sympathetic…the list goes on.
You will not regret welcoming Ms. Tingey into you/your child’s life.
Thank you for everything Ms. Tingey!
Nichelle Hodges
Ms. Tingey is truly deserving of this Awesome Award because she radiates positivity and patience. She is strong leader with a gentle and nurturing approach not only with my child, but with her entire class. Her kindness and encouragement have helped my shy child break out of their shell, and for that, I am forever grateful. Having been part of the Madison School District community for a long time, I've seen many structured teachers, but not many have demonstrated the same level of patience and warmth that Ms. Tingey embodies. She has a true passion for teaching and perfectly exemplifies what a Kindergarten teacher should be; compassionate, dedicated, and inspiring.
Anonymous Madison School District Parent
Parent Testimony coming soon
Why Cactus Creek Academy?
At Cactus Creek Academy, we know your child’s first school experience is a big deal—and we’re here to make it the best it can be.
We believe these early years are magical. They’re full of growth, wonder, and discovery—and we’re honored to be part of that journey with your family.
As a family-owned preschool with small class sizes, we create a warm, welcoming space where every child feels seen, supported, and celebrated. Our main objective at CCA is to foster a love of learning and to make learning fun.
High-quality early education lays the foundation for a lifetime of learning.
During the early years, a child’s brain is growing faster than at any other time. The experiences they have now shape how they learn, think, and connect with the world.
That's why our 3 C’s—Curious, Confident, and Caring—guide everything we do, helping kids develop their sense of wonder, build confidence in themselves, and become caring individuals.
Our 3 C's
Gallery
Mrs. McKenzie Tingey's Impact
100%
While teaching Kindergarten in public schools, Mrs. McKenzie Tingey helped 100% of her students move from below grade level to on or above grade level in reading across the 2023-2024 and 2024-2025 school years.
93%
While teaching Kindergarten in public schools, 93% of Mrs. McKenzie Tingey's students achieved average or above-average growth in reading—and 81% exceeded expected growth in the 2022-2023 school year.
95.2%
While teaching Kindergarten in public schools, 95.2% of Mrs. McKenzie Tingey's students met or exceeded math goals in 2024-2025 school year.
With a strong focus on accelerated early reading and math through our research-based curriculum, life skills, hands-on dramatic play, social-emotional learning, character development, and and lots of opportunities to move, imagine, and explore—your child will get the very best start.
We’re more than just a preschool. We’re a community for you and your child to belong to, and we’re excited to grow with you!
