When Chasen Thomas set out to start a school for young children, he had no idea the potential impact it would have not only on his family but on so many other Chattanooga families.
Chasen welcomed The Stanley School’s families to their opening day on May 8th. Housed in a beautifully renovated brick building on McCallie Avenue in downtown Chattanooga, The Stanley School provides quality care and education for children ages 8 weeks through preschool, preparing children through a comprehensive curriculum led by supportive, caring teachers and staff.
Among bright classrooms and hallways, Chasen reflects on The Stanley School journey from concept to creation. What started as a business idea for Chasen built into something much greater—and what he hopes will be his family’s legacy in Chattanooga. At its peak capacity, the school can serve as many as 250 children, filling a vital need for childcare in the Chattanooga area.
“We never forced the school to happen. We were patient to find the right location and building. We were patient during a tenuous supply chain disruption during an economic downturn. We were patient with the development of our curriculum and hiring process, and the result is an exceptional foundation and school,” Chasen says.
Supporting the City’s Educational Landscape
The Thomas family has always valued education, and they have a deep understanding of the educational space in Chattanooga. His grandfather started a school in Bristol, Virginia, where Chasen grew up. He and his sister graduated from Baylor, a school that left a lasting impression on the Thomas family, and Chasen’s wife, Meredith, graduated from GPS. In founding The Stanley School, the Thomas family sought to bolster the early childhood education pipeline, preparing children for success before beginning a K-12 education.
“In founding the Stanley School, we want to extend our family’s values of respect, dignity, and value of a person’s worth to every part of the school—to our teachers and staff, and especially to our families and children,” Chasen says. He is honored to be in business with his parents who came out of retirement to help make The Stanley School happen, as well as his sister and his young daughter, Mary Douglas, who will be among the school’s first students.
“Chattanooga has a critical need for early childhood education providers,” Chasen says. “Ultimately, our family interest in the educational space aligned so we could invest in Chattanooga.”
The Stanley School in downtown Chattanooga will be the first location for the company, as the Thomas family looks to establish additional locations in other Southeastern cities.
A Strong Foundation of Respect and Care
From the school’s inception, the Thomases have set out to provide a supportive, safe environment for children to thrive and grow and to prepare them for the next stage of life.
With help of industry experts, the Thomases developed the school’s S.H.I.N.E. method, ensuring the school provides a Seamless, Happy, Intentional, Nurturing, and Exceptional experience every day for families.
“When we started The Stanley School, some might say it wasn't the best time—after COVID many businesses faced staffing challenges and we are in the middle of a trying time economically. Ultimately, we believe in what we are doing and know that the product will speak for itself,” Chasen says. “We have a phenomenal staff and building, and our Head of School Sharon Jensen brought the curriculum to life, combining features of the most tried and tested teaching methods. We are very proud of it all.”
The Thomas family strives to build an environment that’s enjoyable for all. “The Stanley School is a family-run business, and we have been selective with each hire we’ve made, instilling our beliefs and mission in how we treat our employees and families,” Chasen says. “I wanted to create an environment everyone looks forward to coming to in the morning. Our mission is to make every day a better day for our children, and we are excited to make an impact in Chattanooga and beyond.”
Learn more about The Stanley School and request a tour at TheStanleySchools.com.
“Our mission is to make every day a better day for our children, and we are excited to make an impact in Chattanooga and beyond.”
