OUR STORY

Hello! I'm Catherine Doberstein, proud owner of Little Scholars Academy of Kannapolis. I’m thrilled to provide an amazing place for children to learn and grow.

 

Little Scholars Academy of Kannapolis opened its doors in September 2021 and has quickly become a vibrant community of learners and educators. With our hands-on Reggio Emilia-inspired approach, we aim to create an environment that fosters curiosity, creativity, and confidence in every child. Our dedicated teachers and staff ensure that children feel supported as they explore and develop their unique potential.

 

Before opening Little Scholars Academy of Kannapolis, I founded my first center, Little Scholars Academy of Lake Norman, in 2011 in Huntersville. Starting with just one class and one student, it blossomed into a thriving preschool that families came to love. These experiences laid the foundation for expanding our vision to Kannapolis, allowing us to continue making a meaningful impact in early childhood education.

 

After graduating from the University of Michigan in 2010 with a Bachelor's in Children and Family Studies, I moved to North Carolina. While exploring schools to work in, I noticed a lack of independent preschools that aligned with my educational philosophy. The area was dominated by franchised daycares, so I decided to take the leap and create a space that truly prioritized hands-on, child-centered learning. Little Scholars Academy was born from this dream and continues to flourish today.

 

My husband Ryan and I married in 2016 and have two wonderful children, Brock and Anna. As a mother, I deeply understand the importance of finding a nurturing and safe environment for young learners. At Little Scholars Academy, our priority is providing that same care and dedication to every child in our program. It’s my life’s passion to help children grow, explore, and thrive.

 

Please feel free to reach out if you’d like to learn more about how our Reggio Emilia approach can support your child’s development. I would be honored to partner with you on this incredible journey.

 

Warmly,

Catherine Doberstein
Owner of Little Scholars Academy