Lightbridge Academy, renowned as The Solution for Working Parents® and a rapidly expanding franchise in the early childhood education sector with nearly 70 operational centers nationwide, has achieved an unparalleled 97% proficiency rate in Kindergarten readiness skills. This remarkable outcome, ascertained through a 2022-2023 Vine Assessment of four and five-year-old pre-kindergarteners spanning essential learning domains, surpasses previous years by a notable 5%. It underscores Lightbridge Academy’s unwavering dedication to a comprehensive educational approach that fosters each child’s academic, social, and emotional growth.
Collaborating with LifeCubby Vine Assessment, Lightbridge Academy empowered its educators to observe and evaluate children’s developmental milestones throughout the year. By utilizing the Vine Assessment tool, teachers actively gauged children’s progress in domains encompassing Mathematics, Science, Literacy Knowledge & Skills, Language & Communication, Social/Emotional development, Perception, Motor & Physical skills, Creative & Cultural Arts, and overall Approaches to Learning. Aligned with common core standards across all 50 states, the Vine Assessment ensures children’s preparedness for their upcoming elementary school years.
Jennifer Romanoff, Vice President of Education and Training for Lightbridge Academy, remarked, “This achievement not only reflects Lightbridge Academy’s commitment to nurturing a passion for learning but also underscores the power of a well-rounded and engaging curriculum paired with our whole child approach. Many of the students tested this year were impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic due to at-home restrictions for their first two years. The limited interactions resulted in some developmental delays. The ability for these children to actively engage in a group care environment and having fun learning, interacting, and developing is a testament to achieving a 97% proficiency in kindergarten readiness skills. It reflects the dedication of our educators who empower these young learners to thrive academically, emotionally, and socially in spite of early challenges.”
Beyond its academic focus, Lightbridge Academy adopts a holistic educational strategy that prioritizes all dimensions of a child’s development to ensure maximal potential. Anchored in the proprietary Seedlings Early Childhood Education Curriculum, theme-based lessons fortify emerging skills in reading, writing, science, technology, and math. Enrichment programs like Spanish Sprouts, Signing Sprouts, Singing Sprouts, Yoga & Mindfulness, and Handwriting Without Tears® supplement the multi-sensory approach. Lightbridge Academy’s approach fosters self-esteem, a love for learning, and a confident foundation for elementary education.
Gigi Schweikert, Chief Executive Officer at Lightbridge Academy, affirmed, “Our interactive curriculum and Circle of Care philosophy ensure that children are nurtured and receive the best possible education through our whole child approach that focuses on the academic, emotional, social, and physical development of each child. The remarkable success we’ve achieved with a 97% kindergarten readiness results is a direct result of the commitment of our exceptional educators, the enthusiasm of our young learners, and the collaboration with our supportive families. Together, we’re overcoming challenges and creating a place where children thrive, and parents can pursue their professional aspirations.”
For those interested in exploring Lightbridge Academy’s early childhood education programs, scheduling a tour can be done at LightbridgeAcademy.com.
ABOUT LIGHTBRIDGE ACADEMY:
Founded in 1997 as a family enterprise rooted in core values and the Circle of Care philosophy, Lightbridge Academy prioritizes the needs of children, families, teachers, center owners, and the community. Now celebrating its 25th anniversary, the academy offers quality early education and child care for children aged six weeks through kindergarten. With over 150 centers in operation or development across states like Florida, Maryland, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas, and Virginia, Lightbridge Academy adheres to stringent health and safety protocols under The Lightbridge Promise. The company has garnered recognition including features on the Inc. 5000 ranking, Franchise Times Top 200+ awards, and Newsweek’s 2021 list of America’s Best Customer Service. It earned a spot on Entrepreneur Magazine’s Franchise 500 for the 9th consecutive year in 2023.
