While Google searching for business opportunities, Lisa and Nikhil Deshpande discovered an educational franchise that piqued their interest.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
This fall, the couple will open the first Celebree School in Virginia Beach at 1808 Salem Road in a former Rite Aid building.<\/p>\n
Founded in 1994, the school provides early childhood education and offers infant and toddler care, preschool, before- and aftercare and summer programs.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe came across Celebree quite accidentally,\u201d Deshpande said. \u201cWe 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.\u201d<\/p>\n
Deshpande said the company was transparent, welcoming and they liked their philosophies. Also, the couple was drawn to the company\u2019s motto: \u201cWe grow people big and small. We are in this not only for the children, but for their families and for our staff.\u201d<\/p>\n
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\u2019t done, and Nikhil had always wanted to open a business.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe saw a need for additional quality childcare in Virginia Beach,\u201d Deshpande said. \u201cMy background in education led us to early childhood education.\u201d<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Deshpande said she\u2019s a \u201cbig fan\u201d of the creative curriculum. It addresses Virginia\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe are so excited to be in the position to serve the families of Virginia Beach,\u201d Deshpande said. \u201cI have spent my entire career fostering cultures of learning and teamwork. I can\u2019t 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.\u201d<\/p>\n
The school\u2019s enrollment center is scheduled to open in August and pre-enrollment waitlists are being created.\u00a0<\/p>\n