Editor's note: This article has been updated to reflect the appropriate title for YMCA Tomorrow Academy, YMCA in Four Points and clarification on classes start date.

Phase 1 of the developing YMCA in Four Points has been completed as the first YMCA Tomorrow Academy opens for enrollment.

What to know

The YMCA Tomorrow Academy is accepting enrollment for ages 6 weeks to prekindergarten. The facility will offer eight classrooms with a focus on early literacy; science, technology, engineering and math, or STEM; creative arts; and nature play, Chief Youth Development Officer Jason Gindele said in a news release.

The academy uses the YMCA’s Constellation of Care model, which includes enrichment programs, such as family wellness, health and nutrition, safety, hygiene, and parent-teacher engagement.


Classes at the academy will begin in March, as stated on its website.
Children at the learning center will practice early literacy, STEM, creative arts and nature play. (Dacia Garcia/Community Impact)
Children at the learning center will practice early literacy, STEM, creative arts and nature play. (Dacia Garcia/Community Impact)
Some context

In September, the Schmetterling Foundation gifted $3 million to support the opening of YMCA’s first Tomorrow Academy.

“We would not be here today if not for the generosity of Colleen and Jim Clark of The Schmetterling Foundation, whose $3 million gift made this possible,” said Kathy Kuras, president and CEO of the Greater Austin YMCA. “They are transformational leaders and philanthropists, supporting one of the most important life-changing experiences—getting a strong start in life through quality early education.”
The first YMCA Tomorrow Academy will offer classes for children ages 6 weeks to pre-kindergarten. (Dacia Garcia/Community Impact)
The first YMCA Tomorrow Academy will offer classes for children ages 6 weeks to prekindergarten. (Dacia Garcia/Community Impact)
Marc Duchen, Austin City Council member for District 10, said he hopes the new facility will prepare the next generation of young people for the future.

“I’m hoping that it provides a lot of working families that otherwise wouldn’t be able to access child care,” Duchen said.


District 6 council member Krista Laine said she is impressed with the private philanthropy showing up to meet the public needs of the community.
Schmetterling Foundation co-founders Colleen and Jim Clark, Greater Austin YMCA CEO Kathy Kuras and Austin City Council members Marc Duchen of District 10 and Krista Laine of District 6 were in attendance. (Courtesy Greater Austin YMCA)
Schmetterling Foundation co-founders Colleen and Jim Clark, Greater Austin YMCA CEO Kathy Kuras and Austin City Council members Marc Duchen and Krista Laine were in attendance. (Courtesy Greater Austin YMCA)
Looking forward

With the completion of Phase 1 of the project, Kuras said plans for the outdoor and indoor portions of the YMCA in Four Points are being discussed, and the project timeline is expected to be completed in 24 months.

However, Kuras said the opening of the next phases are dependent on community support.

“Over the past 18 months, we’ve gathered input on what the community needs, with affordable, high-quality child care rising to the top of the list,” Kuras said. “But we also know that we will need to raise an additional $12 million to bring the full community vision to life. That is where the Y is asking for help and rallying of the community.”


Community members can look forward to drop-in care; parent-child co-play opportunities; a coworking lounge; and STEM, art and cooking spaces.
The Four Points YMCA is projected to provide an indoor and outdoor fitness center and community gatherings spaces in addition to the Tomorrow Academy. (Dacia Garcia/Community Impact)
The YMCA in Four Points is projected to provide an indoor and outdoor fitness center and community gatherings spaces in addition to the YMCA

​​​​​​Tomorrow Academy. (Dacia Garcia/Community Impact)