In 1986, three early childhood educators got together and decided to make a contribution to the quality of child care in the Triangle area. They toured the country, looking at many different kinds of early childhood programs. They particularly liked what they saw at Yale University — small, residentially-based centers that combined high-quality care, a warm and comfortable environment, and affordability.

Following this model, Lakewood Avenue Children’s School was established in August 1986. The School now serves 33 children between the ages of one and five. Each of the three classroom groups has two teachers, each with a degree in early childhood education/child development. The classroom spaces are designed to create a home-like, rather than an institutional, feel for the children. Current program development at the School is influenced by the work of the Reggio Emilia schools in Italy, which emphasize the importance of the environment and the ongoing relationships among children and adults. Lakewood Avenue Children’s School has been awarded many local, state, and national honors.