Perry's Academy of Learning at the Fricchione Center

Our Origins and Our Commitment to Your Children

The Fricchione Day Care Center first opened its doors in September 1991, initially serving the children of Marywood’s students, staff, and faculty, as well as children of employees from the former Marian Convent and St. Joseph’s Center. Marywood established a childcare facility on campus to provide quality care and learning experiences for those wanting to pursue career, personal, and/or educational goals. 

In later years, that mission continued with an expanded vision, accepting ALL clients from the community, not just those individuals affiliated with Marywood and other IHM-sponsored institutions. Following a temporary closure in 2020 during the pandemic to renovate the facility and further enhance the curriculum, the program was relaunched in 2021 as the Fricchione Early Learning Center at Marywood University. In early 2023, the University decided to partner with a predominant childcare center in the Dunmore community to operate the Center. 

The history of the Fricchione Center is unique, because it stems from the combination of two successful, reputable centers: Lee Ann Perry’s Academy of Learning Center and The Fricchione Early Learning Center. 

Lee Ann Perry’s Academy of Learning Center has been in operation since 2011. Lee Ann initially began her center with just 4 kids out of her home. She quickly outgrew her home setup and relocated to her current facilities in Dunmore. Lee Ann’s daughter, Taylor Perry, has been working with her in many forms since she opened. Since 2019, Taylor took on administrative roles within the company and has been part of daily operations since then. Operating at full capacity with a growing waitlist, Lee Ann Perry’s Academy of Learning Center recognized the need for additional childcare within the area and sought a facility to serve more families. 

After brainstorming together, a decision was made that Perry’s Academy of Learning would create a satellite facility owned and operated by Taylor Perry within The Fricchione Center, a beautiful facility where children can learn, grow, and reach their milestones. While our official name is new, our combined experience spans decades. We are committed to providing superior care for your children, as well as a quality early learning foundation, for many years to come.