Young scientist mixing colorful liquids in a bright classroom

About Our Academy

Where ExcellenceTakes Root.

A Distinctive Vision for Early Childhood Education.

At Carolina Early Learners Academy (CELA), we believe the foundation of an exceptional education is established long before a child enters elementary school. These formative years are an extraordinary opportunity to shape how children think, discover, communicate, and approach the world around them.

Our Mission & Vision›

The Leadership Behind the Vision

Where Visionary Educational Leadership Meets Early Childhood Excellence.

Two Leaders. Distinct Gifts. One Extraordinary Vision.

Every extraordinary institution begins with a vision—and the leadership, passion, and expertise to bring it to life.

Dr. Jessica Respus

Founder & Visionary

At Carolina Early Learners Academy, the vision begins with Dr. Jessica Respus, Founder and Visionary, whose passion for educational excellence, innovative leadership, and commitment to building exceptional educational institutions established the foundation for CELA.

Dr. Jessica Respus and Mrs. Cathy Scriven

One Shared Vision

Mrs. Cathy Scriven

Director

Joining her is Mrs. Cathy Scriven, Director, whose more than 30 years of early childhood education and program leadership experience bring invaluable expertise in nurturing young learners, guiding instructional practices, and cultivating environments where children thrive.

Together, they unite their distinct gifts, extensive experience, and shared passion for education to create something extraordinary; an academy where visionary leadership meets the heart of early childhood education.

One visionary foundation. Two exceptional leaders. Endless possibilities for young learners.

Meet Our Leadership›

Teacher and children learning with blocks in a bright classroom

Ages Two

Through Kindergarten

The CELA Experience

More Than Early Learning. An Experience Designed for Growth.

At Carolina Early Learners Academy, every learning experience is thoughtfully designed to inspire curiosity, encourage independence, and develop essential academic and life skills.

CuriosityIndependenceAcademic & Life Skills

From foundational literacy and mathematics to hands-on discovery, creative exploration, and meaningful social interactions, our approach connects purposeful learning with the natural wonder of childhood.

We believe children thrive when they are challenged appropriately, supported individually, and inspired to discover what they are capable of achieving.

Explore Our Programs›

Our Story

Founded to Elevate the Standard of Early Childhood Education.

CELA is being thoughtfully developed to offer an educational experience that goes beyond traditional childcare and kindergarten readiness.

We believe every child deserves an environment where their potential is recognized, their individuality is celebrated, and their natural curiosity is transformed into meaningful learning experiences. Through intentional instruction, academic enrichment, purposeful exploration, and individualized developmental support, we aim to cultivate confident, capable, and enthusiastic young learners.

What distinguishes CELA is the depth of educational leadership behind our vision. By bringing together established private-school leadership and experienced early childhood professionals, we are creating an academy where academic excellence and developmental understanding work hand in hand.

Here, learning is never simply about keeping children engaged. It is about inspiring them to ask questions, think independently, embrace challenges, express creativity, and build meaningful relationships.

We don't believe children must wait until they're older to experience educational excellence. They deserve it from the very beginning.

Our Purpose

Guided by Mission. Driven by Vision.

Our Mission

To provide a premier early childhood educational experience that cultivates academic excellence, developmental growth, independence, creativity, and character through innovative, inclusive, and developmentally responsive learning.

Our Vision

To become a distinguished leader in early childhood education, recognized for developing confident, capable, compassionate, and academically prepared learners who are equipped for continued educational success.

Our Philosophy

Every Child Has Extraordinary Potential.

We believe that meaningful early education should address the whole child.

Academic readiness is important, but so are communication, emotional regulation, social development, independence, creativity, and confidence.

Our philosophy recognizes that children learn at different rates and in different ways. Through intentional instruction, purposeful play, and responsive learning experiences, we create an environment where children are appropriately challenged and supported.

CommunicationEmotional RegulationSocial DevelopmentIndependenceCreativityConfidence

Why We Are Different

An Elevated Approach to Early Childhood Education.

We are reimagining what early childhood education can look like when academic excellence, innovation, individualized development, and purposeful learning come together.

Academic Excellence from the Start

Our intentional approach to early literacy, foundational mathematics, language development, and critical thinking establishes strong academic foundations while cultivating confidence and a genuine love of learning.

Innovation Beyond the Traditional Classroom

Through our signature Little Innovators Lab™, young learners explore hands-on STEM, age-appropriate robotics, early coding concepts, engineering challenges, and creative problem-solving.

Individualized Learning & Development

Every child brings unique strengths, abilities, and developmental needs. We emphasize responsive instruction, meaningful observation, purposeful enrichment, and support for individual growth.

A Whole-Child Educational Experience

Our philosophy intentionally supports communication, emotional awareness, independence, creativity, character, positive relationships, and social confidence.

Meaningful Progress. Visible Growth.

Through B.R.I.G.H.T. Growth Portfolios™, families follow their child's journey through documented learning, developmental observations, academic milestones, and progress updates.

Preparation That Extends Beyond Kindergarten

Our B.R.I.G.H.T. Bridge™ helps children develop the academic foundations, independence, confidence, and learning habits needed for successful transitions into elementary education.

The CELA Difference

Purposeful Learning. Personalized Growth. Exceptional Possibilities.

An exceptional early education should do more than prepare children for the next grade. It should prepare them for everything that comes next.

Submit an Enrollment Inquiry›Explore Our Programs