20-05-2025
Ark Academy taking over last Apple Tree center
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) — The last of the four Apple Tree buildings in Sioux Falls has a new owner. The Apple Tree Children's Centers announced they were closing in December 2023. Shortly after that, it was announced that Apple Tree West would remain open under new ownership. In the following months, Apple Tree North and Apple Tree Valhalla were sold.
Now, Apple Tree East been taken over.
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Ark Academy is the new name attached to the child care center on East 26th Street. Hollie and Brock Scott are now running the center.
'Ark Academy is a faith-based, Christian program we're putting together to serve the community. We've always had a passion for children and servitude,' Brock Scott said.
As parents themselves, the Scotts want to create a space that feels safe for the whole family.
'The community needs good child care. I can't promise we'll be the best but we're going to try to give, every day, the best we can,' Hollie Scott said.
The Scotts hope Ark Academy can also be a safe space for foster kids in the community.
'We're going to keep some spots open for the foster system. There's a lot of need for care in the foster system, but there's also a lot of need for parents in the foster system,' Hollie Scott said.
Enrollment for Ark Academy is open now for infants to school-aged children. But they are also in need of some staff members.
'We really need a cook, so if you love to cook, we need a cook. And then lead teachers and assistant teachers,' Hollie Scott said.
The plan is to open June 16th, but until then they are getting each room ready to welcome in kids once again.
'Looking forward to serving the community and helping also, like I said, that foster community as well and just do our service — just be here for people, love on people and be a shining light to the community,' Brock Scott said.
Ark Academy will host an open house on June 5th from 4 to 7 p.m.
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