Accolades

"I wanted to take a moment to praise the staff at the Chappell Riverside location. Both of my sons have attended Chappell and all of the ladies watching my boys have been great. I was sad to see Mrs. Shannon leave as she watched over both of my babies during her employment. She always remembered my sons' birthdays and little moments that she knew were special. Currently, my youngest son is in the 2 year old room and appears to be learning all kinds of things like how to count, say his ABC's and singing all kinds of songs. I appreciate everything the Riverside location does to help ease my peace of mind."

Regan, Riverside parent

"I brought my daughter to your school two months ago after changing her daycare several times.  I always worry for her when I am at work, but the school you have in Riverplace was the end of all my worries.  I am very happy with the people who are working there, especially Director, Linda Fox.  She is always welcoming and very nice.  She has a great personality that makes me feel comfortable in leaving my daughter.  Mrs. Fox is checking on my daughter and letting me know how she is doing.  I am telling everyone I know at work what a great childcare facility Chappell Riverplace is." 

Golbarg Mohammadi, Riverplace parent

"My daughter and I joined the Ina Thompson Center in August 2010 for VPK. The first time I visited the center for my tour and met Director, Angela Mitchell, all my fears (of a new childcare center) were comforted.  Ms. Mitchell is one of those people who you can just meet and feel their genuine compassion and warm spirit.  Since day one my daughter and I have been thoroughly please with the service and care provided at the Ina Thompson Center by all of the staff members.  Ms. Mitchell and her staff are always welcoming and make each child feel like they appreciate them individually.  I cannot explain the great amount that my daughter has learned and the personal growth she has acquired, directly in relation to this school and their staff.  I want to assure you that this facility is the best child care provider in Tallahassee.  The only regret I have about Chappell Ina Thompson is that you do not offer every grade so we would never have to leave."

Shelby Millette, Ina Thompson parent

"Hi, My name is Dominique Mack, I am Harper's mom. I just wanted to thank Ms. JoeAnn, Ms. Felicia, Ms.Ashley, and the entire staff here at the Chappell School Kent Campus! This has been an incredible first year of school for Harper...He has developed a new found love of learning, and has shown growth in so many areas, academically, since attending this school. He loves getting up in the morning & getting ready to come to school. It has been a truly pleasant experience. I want to thank the staff for always going above and beyond, in making each day special. Every holiday and birthdday was recognized and celebrated. And ordinary days were made extraordinary, with daily festivities, crafts, & fun. The staff is always caring, and we felt so comfortable having Harper in such good hands. It is a bittersweet experience with him moving on to VPK next year; I know he will miss you all so much, as he talks about you guys all the time. You have made a wonderful impact on his life, and I know he will never forget coming to school every day with Mommy and Daddy & going to his little school. I think he actually thinks he is a college student as well! Harper has made some wonderful friends this year. And I know that as he grows up into a young man, he will always look back and remember this special time in his heart! Thank you all for making this year so memorable. A wonderful first year of school, like this has been for Harper, sets children up for a lifetime of love for learning. And we thank you so much for this gift!"

Dominique mack, FSCJ Kent Campus parent

 "I just wanted to say that Ms. Tarsha is very great. Anytime that I've had any questions or concerns Ms. Tarsha has handled it with care and gets it done immediately. She handles all the children as if they were her own. I love this school I wouldn't want to send my child anywhere else."

Natassia Sepulveda, FSCJ South Parent

To Ms. Amy and Chappell Staff,

"You were a very important part of Alan's life and mine, as one of the first teachers for Alan. You helped me with Alan's potty training and so much more! Alan loves Chappell, and misses it too. Mrs. Julie is a sweet person and I appreciate her so much. Everyone is so good there and I recommend the school everytime I can. In fact, I recommended Chappell Schools to a friend of mine, and he is already registered. Love you guys."

                          Diana Arbelaez, Deerwood Parent 

        

"I just wanted to extend another accolade about how much I appreciate the wonderful staff at Chappell Riverside. Sherrie is doing a phenominal job at running the school and the other staff is responding really well to her leadership. The amenities at Chappell Riverside(classrooms, toys, equpment, nursing room, lullaby room) is everything I've ever dreamed of in a child development center and fulfills the learning needs of the children. The center is clean and the staff are professional, warm, friendly and they do an excellent job at taking care of my 8 month old. I love the "special events" held by the center throughout the year; from the baby prom to the tea parties, this is not your ordinary school. I also want to mention the creative artwork and craft activities the staff and children creat throughout the year. This is a very important part of my child's development and I love that Chappell Riverside stresses the importance of this. Lastly, my daughter smiles at her teachers every morning when I drop her off. This speaks volumes as to how great this school is; Chappell Riverside is not just a day school for Ella, but is the closest thing to family for us here in Jacksonville. We love Chappell Riverside. Please continue to keep up the good work."  

Evelyn Shannon, Riverside parent

"I would like to say that Tarsha is an amazing director here at Chappell. Tarsha has great communication skills and always informs parents on changes that will affect the children. Tarsha is always polite and courteous, and listens to any concerns that I have. Overall I feel safe in knowing that Tarsha is the director here at Chappell and my son is in a great environment."

James Jauden, FSCJ South Parent

"I can't tell you enough how much better Viktoria and I like the Chappell School than her previous day care center. The teachers and staff are so sweet and caring and she loves her beautiful playground right on the river. I also like the fact that you have someone dedicated to cooking meals in the school each day and not serving microwaveable only prepared food. I also feel comfortable coming to the staff to discuss any questions or concerns I might have. I appreciate the fact that you have convenient hours for working parents and therefore do not charge extra for "early drop off" and "late pick-up." You have hours that fit with a working parent's schedule. I'm glad we made the decision to change schools and enroll in your center."
   

                       Adrienne Nagy Kozma, Riverplace parent

"My little one has been going to Riverside Chapell for several months. This is my first child and I was really unsure about child care but knew that it would be necessary with such a busy work schedule. It has honestly been the best choice I have made for our lives so far. Not only have I seen him develop in all areas of my concern, i.e. social skills, problem solving, basic motor skills and communication - the ladies at Chappell have encouraged me to be a better father and increased my confidence in developing my boy." Thank you and keep up the hardwork."

                        Michael Brown, Riverside parent



"I just want to let you know how amazing the Chappell School on Riverside Ave is. My son Riley has been going there for a month now and the ladies up there take such great care of him. I would not even have him in daycare if I didn't feel 100% confidence in his care as he is just under 3 months old. I love how much the teachers care about the students and parents up there."

Amanda Hiers, Riverside parent

 

Honors & Achievements

Katheryne Chappell Drennon wrote CHILD CARE IN BUSINESS PARKS:  A GUIDE FOR DEVELOPERS; she was commissioned to write this book in 1988 by NAIOP (National Association of Industrial Office Parks) which is based in Washington, D.C.

Katheryne Chappell Drennon founded the first privately owned child development center in an office park setting in the United States, Chappell Deerwood.

Chappell - Deerwood was nominated for the Architectural Design Award sponsored by Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce and Arts Assembly, 1986.

Chappell Riverplace was the first in-house child development center, in a high-rise office building in Jacksonville, Florida in 1991.

Chappell is the largest woman-owned business ranked by number of full time employees in the area (Jacksonville Business Journal), 1996.

Chappell's contract management has included Fortune 50 and Fortune 500 companies (Johnson and Johnson and At&T), Federal and State of Florida entities (Federal Aviation Administration, Florida Department of Education and Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles).

Chappell was recipient of Fast 50 Award (one of Jacksonville's 50 fastest growing companies - award by Jacksonville Business Journal), 1996 and 1997.

Chappell was named to the 1997 Florida 100 List by the University of Florida's Graduate School of Business Administration.

Chappell is 7th in North America's Top 50 largest for profit Child Care Organization, 1997.

In 1999, Chappell was selected by Florida State College at Jacksonville to manage all 4 campus-based child development centers. 

In 2008 Chappell was selected by Florida State College at Jacksonville to create and operate as a Laboratory School at The Don Brewer Early Learning Center in Jacksonville, Florida.

In 2010 Chappell was named one of Jacksonville's 50 fastest growing companies by the Jacksonville Business Journal.