The Bergen County Girl Team 
This article is sponsored by Build Yourself Up Academy.
Westwood is welcoming a new preschool to the community that will reinvent what early childhood education can look like for local families. Build Yourself Up Academy, located at 120 Washington Avenue in Westwood, is putting equal focus on how children grow socially and emotionally alongside their early academics. Read on to learn about Build Yourself Up Academy and how it is reinventing the wheel for youth education in Bergen County.
A Thoughtful Approach to Early Learning
Build Yourself Up Academy is a new preschool in Westwood, opening September 2026, serving children ages 2.5 to 5. The space itself feels warm and intentional, but what stands out is the mission of the program. Build Yourself Up was founded to provide an intentional approach to early academics to help children build confidence, strong communication skills, and independence before entering kindergarten.
The preschool integrates academic learning and emotional development to emphasize the importance of both in your child’s daily routine. Children attending the preschool are not only introduced to foundational academic concepts, but also become familiar with social-emotional learning + skill building, mentoring, and workshop activities. The hallways are lined with space to display the student’s artwork as well as a sensory wall inviting touch and play. Play and movement are at the forefront of the school that has both outdoor and indoor play spaces.
Class Structure + Expectations
Build Yourself Up Academy takes an involved approach to educational structure, favoring small class sizes to address each child’s individual needs. The program’s focus on kindergarten readiness is also supported by its goal to help develop who children become, and not just what they learn.
The preschool is also part of a broader Build Yourself Up brand, where the organization runs youth development programs, mentoring, workshops, and after-school programs for children between the ages of 5 and 13 (and keep an eye out for its seasonal summer camps too!).
Build Yourself Up Academy wants to introduce families to the brand for long-term engagement, which creates a sense of continuity beyond the preschool years. As children grow, the opportunity to stay connected through the program’s developmental experiences. pathway that extends beyond early childhood.
Enrollment + How to Get Involved
Build Yourself Up Academy is located at 120 Washington Avenue, Westwood, and enrollment is now open for ages 2.5 to 5 with limited spots available. Half-day and full-day programs are offered with options for 2, 3, or 5 days a week. To learn more about the preschool and its amenities (or book a tour of the facility), visit the website here.
