Right Steps Academy in Fort Myers urges families to prioritize early literacy, emotional readiness, and structured learning in the first five years.

FORT MYERS, FL / ACCESS Newswire / March 9, 2026 / Right Steps Academy is raising awareness about the long-term impact of early childhood education and encouraging families to focus on foundational learning during the first five years of life.

The Fort Myers-based preschool and elementary academy says the conversation around education often starts too late.

"In our experience, success in third grade begins at age three," the founders of Right Steps Academy said. "Early education sets the direction. If children take the right steps early, everything builds from there."

Why Early Education Matters

According to the National Institute for Early Education Research (NIEER), children who attend high-quality early learning programs are significantly more likely to be proficient readers by third grade. The Annie E. Casey Foundation reports that children who are not reading proficiently by the end of third grade are four times more likely to leave school without a diploma.

Research from Harvard's Center on the Developing Child also shows that 90% of brain development occurs before age five, making early learning environments critical for cognitive and social growth.

"These aren't just education statistics," Right Steps Academy leadership said. "They are life trajectory statistics."

The academy is advocating for greater awareness around three key areas:

• Early literacy and numeracy development

• Social-emotional readiness

• Small, structured learning environments

"Kindergarten readiness is not just academics," they said. "It's confidence. It's independence. It's learning how to function in a group."

A Call for Intentional Growth in Education

Right Steps Academy opened in Fort Myers in September 2023 after more than 15 years of experience operating preschools in South Florida. The school plans to expand to full Kindergarten through 5th-grade programs beginning in Fall 2026.

But the academy's message goes beyond its own campus.

"Growth in education should be careful," they said. "You build carefully. If the foundation is strong, everything else holds."

The academy emphasizes low student-to-teacher ratios and consistent communication with families. Leadership believes steady systems and experienced educators are critical in a rapidly growing region like Southwest Florida.

Lee County continues to experience population growth, increasing demand for early learning programs. According to Florida Department of Education data, thousands of children enter kindergarten each year across the state, underscoring the need for readiness support before elementary school begins.

"You can't chase every trend," the founders added. "Consistency builds confidence - for children and for parents."

What Families Can Do Now

Right Steps Academy is encouraging families, caregivers, and community members to take practical steps to strengthen early development at home and in their communities:

• Read with children daily, even for 10 minutes

• Encourage conversation and open-ended questions

• Limit passive screen time

• Support structured early learning programs

• Advocate for quality standards in local schools

"You don't have to overhaul your life," they said. "Small, consistent habits matter."

The academy believes awareness is the first step.

"Big ideas don't have to be flashy," leadership said. "Sometimes they're about building something carefully and letting it last."

Call to Action

Right Steps Academy encourages families in Fort Myers and surrounding communities to learn more about early childhood development standards, ask questions about class sizes and curriculum when evaluating schools, and prioritize daily literacy habits at home.

"Prepared academically. Prepared socially. Prepared emotionally," they said. "That's what we should be aiming for as a community."

About Right Steps Academy

Right Steps Academy is a private preschool and elementary academy located in Fort Myers, Florida. Founded in September 2023, the academy provides early childhood education programs for toddlers through elementary students, focusing on play-based learning, early literacy and numeracy, and social-emotional development. The school is accredited by APPLE, FACCM, and AISF and plans to expand to full Kindergarten through 5th-grade programs beginning in Fall 2026.

Media Contact:

https://rightstepsacademy.com/
contact@rightstepsacademy.com

SOURCE: Right Steps Academy