About Us

Robin’s Nest Learning Center of Marion grew out of a vision shared by Robin and Jenna, who wanted to create a safe, nurturing place where children could learn, grow, and feel confident every step of the way. Jena’s journey with Robin’s Nest began at the opening of our Carterville location, where she first joined as a teacher. Her passion for education and dedication to children quickly led her into the role of director, helping build Carterville into the thriving center it is today. Together with Robin, she carried that same passion forward to Marion, opening our second Nest near the downtown square. Thanks to the strong foundation built in Carterville, the Marion Nest flourished. In spring of 2023, we expanded into a brand-new, larger facility, designed to give children even more opportunities to learn and grow. Today, the success of both our Carterville and Marion centers has made Robin’s Nest the proud home of the largest infant and toddler program in Southern Illinois. Our classrooms are newly updated and filled with book-themed murals that spark imagination, while our accredited academic program (NAC and Excelerate Gold through Gateways) begins as early as infancy. Children progress through classrooms based on skills, not age, building true self-esteem as they accomplish milestones at their own pace. By graduation, most leave our Pre-K program ready for first-grade level work in reading and math. Marion, families also enjoy a vibrant school-age program, complete with before- and after-school care, summer camps, field trips, reading clubs, science experiments, cooking projects, and more. Together, our Carterville and Marion Nests have become a trusted part of Southern Illinois families’ lives — places where children can spread their wings, discover their strengths, and take flight into bright futures.