The Academy of Maryland Farms: Fun Mardi Gras Facts

Tuesday, February 17, 2026

Fun Mardi Gras Facts

Here are 5 facts about Mardi Gras:

It's a Season, Not Just a Day:
The Carnival season officially starts on Twelfth Night (January 6) and lasts until Fat Tuesday, which is the day before Ash Wednesday, leading into Lent.
Colors Have Meaning:
The official colors are purple for justice, green for faith, and gold for power, established by the Krewe of Rex in 1872 to honor a visiting Russian Grand Duke.
Masks Break Social Barriers:
Wearing masks is required by law for float riders and was originally meant to allow people of all social classes to mingle freely, notes History.com.
First Celebration in Mobile, AL:
While New Orleans is famous for it, the first American Mardi Gras was celebrated in Mobile, Alabama, in 1703, before parades began in New Orleans in the 1830s.
"The Greatest Free Show on Earth":
Because parades are organized and funded by private social clubs (Krewes), New Orleans calls Mardi Gras the "Greatest Free Show on Earth," as spectators don't pay to watch the floats and throws, says Mardi Gras New Orleans.

FROGSTREET INFANT PROGRAM

FROG STREET INFANT Designed around the latest scientific early brain development research, Frog Street Infant curriculum is designed to build strong foundations for little ones ages 0-18 months. This child-centered program includes easy-to-use activities that: equip caregivers to nurture the little ones in their care. optimize key windows of opportunity for growth and development. are designed with intention and purpose and organized around developmental learning domains. feature Dr. Becky Bailey’s Conscious Discipline® strategies to enhance social and emotional development.

OUR PREK PROGRAM...Celebrating the joy of learning!

Frog Street Pre-K is a comprehensive, research-based program that integrates instruction across developmental domains and early learning disciplines. The program is engaging for both teachers and children and is easy to implement! The cornerstones of the program are: An extensive integration of theme, disciplines, and domains Social and Emotional development includes Dr. Becky Bailey’s Conscious Discipline ® Differentiated instruction Equity of English and Spanish materials and instruction Joyful approach to learning

KINDERGARTEN BOOT CAMP: AN ACADEMY EXCLUSIVE

The Academy is recognized by the community for our kindergarten specific programs including our one-of-a-kind Kindergarten Boot Camp. Our Pre-K program includes hands-on explorations that create new learning connections in language, math, science, social, emotional and physical development. Children investigate “Big Ideas” and are actively involved in seeking answers to their own questions. Intentional daily plans cover a specific range of guidelines that prepare our children to meet and exceed kindergarten readiness standards for both public and private schools. Kindergarten Boot Camp, offered exclusively by Never Grow Up, is a dedicated summer program that teaches important, yet often overlooked, skills needed to navigate kindergarten with confidence. Skills such as remembering a lunch number, carrying a lunch tray or returning a library book are examples of how we “train” our Academy kids to “be all they can be”!

OUR PARENT COMPANY

"WE'RE CREATING CHILDHOOD" The Academy Child Development Centers and Preschools are privately owned and operated by our parent company, Never Grow Up, Inc. Based out of Louisville, KY, family owned Never Grow Up, Inc. operated nearly 30 child development centers in Tennessee, Kentucky, and Indiana. Never Grow Up, Inc. is committed to providing private child care for parents who want only the best for their children. We understand that "we're creating childhood" every day for the children in our care, and we hold that privilege with the highest regard.

GOLD SNEAKER FACILITY

GETTING A JUMP ON CHILDHOOD OBESITY Healthy habits are instilled at a young age, with most habits being formed during adolescence. We feel it important to instill good habits at an early age, addressing behavioral factors that contribute to overweight and obesity from the beginning. The Gold Sneaker initiative was developed to enhance policy related to physical activity and nutrition within licensed child care facilities across Tennessee. Policies we've adopted include minimum requirements on physical activity, sedentary activities, breastfeeding, meal time, behaviors, portion sizes, and a tobacco-free facility. Together, we can create healthy habits for life.