Quality care when you're not there

Tracey Delgardo’s history in the early learning field began first as a Head Start parent and an in-home family childcare in the early 1990s.

She later expanded, alongside her husband, to operate a center serving infants to 12-year-olds in the Skyway community. After 25 years, she branched off to open MARS Early Learning Academy in the Rainier Beach community.

As a pillar of these communities for over 30 years, she has left an indelible mark through an unwavering dedication to nurturing our youngest learners and their families.

Her latest endeavor embodies a passion for extending quality childcare and educational opportunities to the underserved. Focusing on children from birth to five years old, the academy offers a stimulating learning environment that fosters growth and development.

Her tireless efforts and selfless actions serve as a shining example of commitment to uplifting and empowering the youth of the community.

Our Commitment to Early Childhood Education

MARS is an Dual Language (English/Spanish) Early Learning Academy that takes an approach to learning and development which incorporates areas of Mathematics, Arts, Reading (Literacy), and Science/Social Studies. Play is a fun and important part of children’s learning and development. Through our MARS activities children will:

• Ask questions, explore, and build skills and theories about their world
‍
• Utilize problem solving skills individually and work with others to solve problems.
‍
• Think creatively and critically to develop their imagination.
‍
• Engage in what they are learning at their own pace.
‍

‍Our mission:
Is to provide a holistic early education that prepares children for kindergarten success while empowering families and building community. We nurture learners from six weeks through five years, fostering the academic and social-emotional foundations for lifelong achievement. With a dedicated focus on students of color and families experiencing poverty, our culturally responsive model builds pride and competence. We go beyond the classroom through our partnership with the Rainier Beach Community Resource Center, offering direct support like rental and furniture assistance and building connections through Family Bingo Night, Movie Nights and Community Engagement Events. We believe that by educating children and supporting families with essential resources, we create a vibrant, inclusive community where everyone thrives.

‍

Inspiring

Our Core Vales

‍Caring: Children in our care are nurtured, encouraged and treated with compassion.
‍
Community: Our families share, build relationships and contribute to our Academy and our local community.
‍
Inclusion: We respect and embrace multiculturalism, diversity, difference and fairness.
‍
Quality: Our educators aim to build genuine connections with children, families, and community
‍

All staff undergo a rigorous screening to make sure they are capable and qualified to teach your child.

Learn More

Community Partners

Tod and Tara Leiweke

Tod and Tara Leiweke are distinguished figures within the Seattle community, whose contributions extend significantly within the professional sports sphere, notably with the Seattle Kraken organization.

Northwest Black Pioneers

Was founded by O.L. Mitchell, Dr. Robert Gary Sr., Paul Mitchell, and Paul Buller to provide the greater Seattle community with educational programs and the opportunity to experience touring22 HBCU's with historical culture awareness to our young people.

Marc Joy Media

Marcus Joyner, the esteemed owner and Senior Project Manager at Marc Joy Media is a visionary artist known for his captivating Afrofuturistic Art.

Providing Quality Education and Care for Children in Rainier Valley

At Mars Early Learning Academy, we are dedicated to providing a nurturing and educational environment for children. Our highly qualified staff has years of experience in early childhood education and is committed to helping each child reach their full potential.

50%

of children at our academy have shown significant academic progress.

50%

of our dedicated staff hold advanced degrees in early childhood education.

Inspiring