Welcome to The Arts Academy at Imagine!
In October 2023, our Arts Academy unveiled a nurturing early education center where artistic exploration and Montessori principles were intertwined. Our innovative program immerses young learners in a world of creativity and expression, cultivating an appreciation for theater and the arts, and our Montessori-inspired approach encourages independence, curiosity, and respect that will lay the foundation for a lifelong love of learning and the arts.
Molly Anne Cerep Dyer, MAA, MM, Instructor
Molly Cerep brings a lifelong passion for the arts and a wealth of teaching experience to Imagine’s Arts Preschool Aged Programming. With master’s degrees in Vocal Performance & Pedagogy and Arts Administration from Ohio University, and a bachelor’s degree in Vocal Performance from Mansfield University, Molly blends academic excellence with a deep love for creative expression.
Molly is the owner of Sing with Molly: Voice Studio, where she works with students of all ages to build confidence and artistry through voice training. Her professional journey also includes classroom teaching, arts administration, and individualized support for students with diverse learning needs. She is committed to fostering inclusive, joyful learning environments that empower every child to grow and succeed.
Molly’s roots in the arts run deep—she spent her childhood dancing, acting, and teaching at the Linn McDonald School of Dance and Green Ridge Youth Theatre. She has held many principal roles in musical theatre and opera productions at Mansfield University, Ohio University, and in local community theatre. Today, she continues to inspire young learners through music, movement, and imaginative play, creating opportunities for even the youngest children to explore their creativity and find their voice.
Mandy Bogue, Director of Arts Education, Instructor
Miss Mandy is a dedicated teacher with a passion for theater and the performing arts. She has been teaching young children for over 10 years and believes in using creative and imaginative methods to engage her students. Mandy holds a BFA in Musical Theater with a Concentration in Dance from Otterbein University. Mandy is committed to fostering a love of learning and creativity in her students through the arts.
In addition to her role in the Preschool classroom, she runs the Home School Arts program for grades K-8th at Imagine, and serves as the Artistic Director of the company.
When not working with all of the wonderful children at Imagine, she is mom to three wonderful children of her own, and loves spending time in the great outdoors!
Our Learning Environment
OUR MISSION & LEARNING PHILOSOPHY
At the Arts Academy at Imagine, we provide a nurturing, joyful early-learning environment where creative expression and whole-child development are at the heart of everything we do. Our preschool program is arts-integrated and Montessori-inspired, blending structure and freedom to meet children where they are while encouraging curiosity, confidence, and a lifelong love of learning.
We believe young children learn best through hands-on exploration, imaginative play, and meaningful experiences. In our small, mixed-age classes, children build community as they learn from one another, develop empathy, and grow socially and emotionally alongside their peers. Each child is recognized as an individual, with unique strengths, interests, and developmental needs that guide our daily planning and instruction.
Independence and self-discovery are foundational to our program. Our thoughtfully prepared environment invites children to make choices, problem-solve, and take increasing ownership of their learning. Teachers act as guides and facilitators, offering support, encouragement, and gentle structure while allowing children the space to explore, experiment, and grow at their own pace.
The arts are a core language of learning at Imagine. Through music, movement, storytelling, dramatic play, visual art, and creative exploration, children develop communication skills, emotional awareness, and self-expression. These experiences foster confidence, collaboration, and imagination while strengthening early literacy, cognitive development, and social connection in developmentally appropriate ways.
We value strong partnerships with families and view parents as essential collaborators in their child’s educational journey. Our program is rooted in open communication, community connection, and an inclusive atmosphere where every child and family feels seen, supported, and celebrated.
By combining a Montessori-inspired framework with rich arts integration, small class sizes, and a child-centered philosophy, the Arts Academy at Imagine offers a warm, engaging preschool experience that nurtures confident, creative, and compassionate learners, ready to explore their world with curiosity and joy.