The Safari Learning Academy was founded by an educator with over eight years of experience in Fulton County Schools and prior PTA leadership. After witnessing academic gaps, limited afterschool options, and the impact of idle time on students, the Academy was created to provide a safe, structured solution for families.

Our mission is to provide high-quality out-of-school enrichment that supports academic success, physical wellness, social-emotional development, and youth safety—especially during afterschool and summer hours.

The Safari Learning Academy and Jungle Playland exists to serve the whole child and the whole community. We are more than a playground and more than an after-school program. We are an inclusive ecosystem dedicated to Academic Enrichment, Health & Wellness, STEM Education, and Social-Emotional Learning. We bridge the gap for families by providing a safe haven for students of all abilities to come play and empowering the next generation through meaningful Teen Employment opportunities."

The Safari Learning Academy and Jungle Playland function as a coordinated youth development model. Academic enrichment, STEM instruction, social-emotional learning, and workforce readiness programming are delivered through The Safari Learning Academy, while Jungle Playland provides the inclusive, movement-based, and sensory-supportive environment that reinforces health, wellness, and SEL outcomes. Together, they create a holistic ecosystem that supports diverse learners, including students with special needs, while offering safe summer programming and paid or volunteer work experiences for teens.

📚 1. Academic Enrichment

We don't just watch your children; we help them thrive. Our after-school program is an extension of the classroom. Through our "Homework Huddle" and targeted tutoring support, we ensure every student completes their day feeling confident and prepared for tomorrow.

🥗 2. Health & Wellness

Healthy bodies fuel healthy minds.

• Active Play: Our facility guarantees 30+ minutes of vigorous physical activity daily in Jungle Playland to combat sedentary lifestyles.

• Nutrition: Our "Jungle Café" and snack programs focus on balanced, nut-aware options that fuel energy without the sugar crash.

❤️ 3. Social-Emotional Learning (SEL)

We teach the skills that textbooks can't. Through guided play and group activities, we help students navigate emotions, build empathy, and resolve conflicts. We create a "Village" culture where kindness is the coolest thing you can be.

🔬 4. STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math)

Curiosity is our curriculum. Our weekly Safari STEM Labs allow students to build, experiment, and code. From engineering structures in the soft play zone to science experiments in the classroom, we turn thinkers into makers.

🤝 5. Service for Students with Special Needs

Inclusion is not an afterthought; it is our foundation. Jungle Playland is designed as a sensory-friendly, ADA-compliant space where neurodiverse children are celebrated, not just accommodated. We provide a safe, judgment-free zone for families who often feel excluded from traditional play centers.

💼 6. Summer Jobs & Teen Leadership

We are investing in Union City's future workforce. Our "Junior Safari Guide" program provides summer jobs and internships for local teens (ages 15-18). We teach financial literacy, job responsibility, and leadership skills, giving young people their first step on the career ladder.