The Four Points area will welcome a new YMCA facility in 2025, beginning with an early childhood education center as the first phase of its development.
A $3 million donation from the Schmetterling Foundation will fund the initial phase, which will feature the YMCA’s first Tomorrow Academy. Scheduled to open in early 2025, this academy will provide early education for children from 6 weeks old to pre-kindergarten.
Background and Impact
Greater Austin YMCA CEO Kathy Kuras noted that the new center has been in planning for a decade. While the Tomorrow Academy was always part of the Four Points YMCA’s blueprint, the generous gift from the Schmetterling Foundation enables it to be the inaugural phase of the project.
Colleen Clark, co-founder of the Schmetterling Foundation, emphasized the community’s need for such a facility. “This area is growing quickly, and many families have limited resources,” Clark said. “Given my own experiences with finding childcare and the increased demand post-pandemic, this is a critical addition.”
Kuras explained that a community needs assessment identified child care and early education as top priorities in Four Points. “We plan to build six to eight new early learning academies, known as Tomorrow Academies, by around 2030,” she said.
Currently, the YMCA operates six preschools across Austin, offering early education to children aged 6 weeks to 4 years through its Extend-A-Care YMCA Early Education programs. The new facility will expand capacity significantly, serving 800-1,000 students daily compared to the current 130.
“The early years are crucial for literacy and preparing children for kindergarten and future learning,” Kuras said, highlighting the significant impact of the new center.
Financial Assistance and Accessibility
A major focus of the Tomorrow Academy will be providing financial assistance and ensuring the program remains affordable. Funding for these programs comes from YMCA donors and corporate sponsors. Assistance is tailored to individual needs, as each case is unique.
“Child care costs have risen significantly due to inflation, so we must work harder to secure necessary funds and explore innovative solutions,” Kuras said.
Future Phases of Development
Following the establishment of the Tomorrow Academy, Phase 2 will introduce outdoor amenities, including a swimming pool, splash pad, playground, outdoor fitness areas, and family gathering spaces. Phase 3 will complete the YMCA with indoor fitness centers, health and wellness studios, and additional facilities.
In addition to early education, the new YMCA will offer a range of health and wellness activities for children and STEM-based programs. The center will include swimming lessons, nutritional classes, a digital media area, and a mini science activity area for children.
Kuras hopes the new YMCA will become a central community hub for the Four Points area. “The RM 620 corridor has seen rapid growth, but there hasn’t been a central space for these expanding communities to connect,” she said. “The YMCA will serve as a gathering place for everyone in the area.”
The YMCA facility will be located at 8300 N. RM 620, Austin.