December 10, 2024

LeafSpring Schools Celebrates 35 Years

LeafSpring Schools is proud to announce the celebration of its 35th anniversary in December 2024. This milestone represents more than three decades of commitment to innovation, excellence, and the ongoing nurturing of children and families across the United States. 

Since Gail W. Johnson founded LeafSpring Schools in 1989, the school has become a trusted name in early childhood education. Our programs support the whole child, encourage growth, and foster a lifelong love of learning. Over the years, we have grown and developed as an organization, continually evolving to meet the needs of parents and children.

“This anniversary means 35 years of seeing our alumnae continue to develop and succeed in life and have their own families. The fact that the program quality continues to withstand the test of time is the ultimate validation,” explains Vance Spilman, CEO of LeafSpring Schools.

Over the years, we’ve worked to stay true to our mission and curriculum, a child-centered, play-based approach to education that emphasizes developing social, emotional, cognitive, and physical skills. The PLAYWORKS©️ curriculum establishes learning standards for each age and developmental level. Our teachers work with each child at their own pace to achieve these learning goals through topically-based teaching.

“Celebrating 35 years of LeafSpring Schools honors the privilege of partnering with families to foster growth, curiosity, and a love of learning in children. Together, we’ve built a foundation that nurtures the whole child, helping them grow into confident, compassionate individuals,” states Lauren Jones, Sr. Director of Curriculum and Assessment.

As we mark this significant milestone, we celebrate not only our past achievements but also our lasting impact on the communities we serve. Over the past 35 years, LeafSpring Schools has built a legacy of nurturing children’s curiosity, creativity, and academic potential while strengthening partnerships with families to ensure their overall well-being and development.

“I am proud to work for an organization with 35 years of experience in providing exceptional education in schools nationwide. The communities we serve have thrived through LeafSpring Schools’ commitment to play-based, child-centered education and a focus on partnering with families,” says Jenna Ward, Operations Project Manager.

The success of LeafSpring Schools is also reflected in the enduring relationships it has cultivated. We have created a foundation that supports not just academic success but also the emotional and social growth of each child. The continued success of LeafSpring alumni is a testament to our programs’ lasting influence and ability to evolve with families’ changing needs.

“35 years of LeafSpring Schools represents a legacy of excellence, innovation, and unwavering commitment to early childhood education and care. It signifies decades of nurturing children, supporting families, and creating meaningful impacts in the communities LeafSpring serves,” says Lyndsay McGreevy, Sr. Director of Training and Franchise Support.

The anniversary also highlights the deep commitment of our staff, many of whom have been with LeafSpring Schools for years and contribute to the nurturing, supportive environments that define our work. 

“Having been part of this incredible journey for 25 years, it’s not just a workplace to me—it’s a family, a thriving community where relationships are built and nurtured. It’s a privilege to witness and contribute to a standard of excellence that consistently sets us apart. Most importantly, 35 years signifies a steadfast commitment to living out our mission, shaping lives, and fostering environments where children, families, and staff flourish. I am deeply proud to be part of this milestone and excited for the future we’ll continue to build together,” says Louie Bodenheimer, VP of Operations.

As LeafSpring Schools celebrates 35 years of service, it remains focused on its mission to provide high-quality early childhood education while continuing to adapt and innovate to meet the needs of future generations. The organization looks forward to many more years of positively impacting the lives of children, families, and communities across the country.

Thank you for an incredible 35 years– we’re excited to continue growing with your family for many years to come.