Chroma Academy Expands, Tackling Atlanta's Childcare Needs

METRO ATLANTA, GA – December 30, 2025 – As Metro Atlanta’s population continues to surge, the demand for high-quality, accessible childcare has become a critical issue for working families. Answering this call, Chroma Early Learning Academy has announced a significant expansion, opening three new campuses and bringing its regional network to 19 locations. The move solidifies its position as a major early education provider, now serving over 3,000 children from infancy through after-school care.

The expansion comes at a pivotal time, blending strategic growth with system-wide investments in safety and a deepening commitment to community support, positioning the academy as a key partner in the region's economic and social infrastructure.

Strategic Growth in High-Need Corridors

Chroma’s latest expansion is not a random sprawl but a calculated response to the specific needs of Metro Atlanta's workforce. The new campuses are strategically situated in Austell, Murrayville, and Newnan—areas characterized by growing residential communities and major employment hubs.

The Austell location at 2081 Mesa Valley Way is poised to serve families connected to the Cobb Wellstar Hospital corridor. In Newnan, the campus at 40 Bledsoe Road targets the workforce of the bustling Shenandoah Industrial area. Meanwhile, the Murrayville site at 5760 Wade Whelchel Road aims to support the rapidly growing residential and employment base of North Hall County.

This rapid growth, which saw the provider expand from 16 to 19 centers in the final quarter of 2025, underscores the intense demand. While Metro Atlanta features a competitive childcare market with established national brands and local centers, Chroma's expansion into these specific communities—some of which involved acquiring and rebranding existing facilities—suggests a strategy of meeting families where they are, filling localized service gaps, and alleviating pressure on working parents.

Redefining Safety with System-Wide Upgrades

Beyond simply adding locations, Chroma is implementing comprehensive safety upgrades across its entire network, most notably by transitioning all its playgrounds to modern, turf-based surfaces. This system-wide investment moves beyond basic compliance to set a higher standard for outdoor learning environments.

"Safety is not an add-on—it is foundational," said leadership at Chroma Early Learning Academy in a statement. "Our playground upgrades and outdoor learning enhancements reflect our belief that children learn best in environments that are both engaging and secure."

This initiative aligns with best practices recommended by national safety organizations. According to playground safety guidelines from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), impact-absorbing surfaces are critical for preventing serious fall-related injuries. Artificial turf, especially when installed with shock-absorbing padding, provides superior fall protection compared to traditional surfaces like grass or dirt. Furthermore, it offers enhanced hygiene by eliminating mud and common allergens, ensures better accessibility for children of all abilities, and provides a durable, year-round play surface that is resistant to weather.

For providers seeking accreditation from bodies like the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), which often requires inspections based on CPSC standards, such upgrades demonstrate a profound commitment to child well-being.

Aligning with Georgia's Renewed Pre-K Push

The timing of Chroma's expansion coincides with a major revitalization of the state's signature early education initiative. The academy announced that registration for its free Georgia Pre-K program for the 2026–2027 school year will open in January 2026. This offering is more crucial than ever, as Georgia lawmakers recently approved a landmark $97 million funding increase for the lottery-funded program.

This new investment is set to usher in significant reforms, including reducing a statewide cap on class sizes from 22 to 20 students and implementing salary parity for Pre-K teachers to match their K-12 counterparts. These changes are expected to elevate the program's quality, helping Georgia meet all 10 quality benchmarks set by the National Institute for Early Education Research (NIEER).

Despite a recent dip in overall statewide enrollment, a persistent "mismatch of supply and demand" plagues the Pre-K program, with significant waitlists in high-growth metro areas. Providers like Chroma, by offering state-funded Pre-K slots in its new and existing centers, are directly addressing this gap and providing a much-needed service for families seeking to prepare their children for kindergarten without incurring the high cost of private preschool.

Beyond the Classroom: A Model of Community Investment

Chroma's mission extends beyond its campus gates through its nonprofit arm, Foundations for Learning. The organization frames its work as a crucial component of its identity, underscoring a belief that child, family, and community well-being are interconnected.

Through this foundation, the academy reports it has awarded over $60,000 in scholarships to families in need, organized packaged meal programs for local veterans, and delivered meal supplies to communities facing food insecurity. These initiatives reflect a holistic approach to early childhood support, recognizing that factors like nutrition and financial stability are fundamental to a child's ability to learn and thrive.

"We believe strong communities build strong children," Chroma leadership stated. "Our nonprofit work allows us to support families not just during school hours, but in meaningful, lasting ways."

By weaving together strategic expansion, pioneering safety standards, alignment with public policy, and deep community investment, Chroma Early Learning Academy is creating a comprehensive model for early childhood education. This multi-faceted approach not only supports the immediate needs of Metro Atlanta's working families but also contributes to the long-term educational and economic vitality of the region.