While Google searching for business opportunities, Lisa and Nikhil Deshpande discovered an educational franchise that piqued their interest.
When Celebree School came up in their online search, they researched it more, scheduled a company call and then attended a meet-the-team day.
This fall, the couple will open the first Celebree School in Virginia Beach at 1808 Salem Road in a former Rite Aid building.
Founded in 1994, the school provides early childhood education and offers infant and toddler care, preschool, before- and aftercare and summer programs.
“We came across Celebree quite accidentally,” Deshpande said. “We never heard of the company, so we reached out to learn more. We knew almost immediately it was going to be a great fit for us.”
Deshpande said the company was transparent, welcoming and they liked their philosophies. Also, the couple was drawn to the company’s motto: “We grow people big and small. We are in this not only for the children, but for their families and for our staff.”
After spending 31 years as an educator, including as a teacher, principal and office administrator, Deshpande retried from her career in Front Royal and moved to Virginia Beach. She knew her work with children and education wasn’t done, and Nikhil had always wanted to open a business.
“We saw a need for additional quality childcare in Virginia Beach,” Deshpande said. “My background in education led us to early childhood education.”
The school offers full- and part-time programs and serves kids up to 12 years old. Celebree will provide transportation to and from the center to the elementary schools they serve in their general area.
Deshpande said she’s a “big fan” of the creative curriculum. It addresses Virginia’s early learning standards in a whole child approach, fostering all areas of development and learning. Additionally, the teachers are supported with a variety of resources, including developmentally appropriate assessments, activities for individualizing instruction and fostering exploration, and creating welcoming learning environments for all children.
“We are so excited to be in the position to serve the families of Virginia Beach,” Deshpande said. “I have spent my entire career fostering cultures of learning and teamwork. I can’t wait to work with a team who is ready to do that from the ground up. We have the opportunity to create a place where all children are safe and nurtured, all families feel supported, and all staff can develop into their own personal best. It is a dream come true for us.”
The school’s enrollment center is scheduled to open in August and pre-enrollment waitlists are being created.
Published by Daily Press.
