Greetings to Parents from Azar, the Founder of Kids Academy
As the founder of Kids Academy, I’m grateful to you for considering our early learning center for your children’s care and education. Indeed, for nearly three decades, we have been trusted by generations of wonderful and caring parents such as you.
I continue to be in touch with many of our parents from the early years and become energized and inspired to learn their children are doing so well in their primary, middle and high schools, with a large number moving on to college. Over the decades, it has been proven to me firsthand that Kids Academy has had a big impact on the educational, social and lifetime success of our children.
I still remember that special day in 1994 when I opened the Kids Academy inside St. Luke’s with a license for just one room for children ages 3-5 years, with my own son as the first child!
Ever since, I have believed that if we serve our families with positive learning experiences, respect, care, and open and honest communication, the recognition and trust from our families will result in the success of our program.
Today, with the support of our parents and the community, we are an established, well-respected center with expanded programs ranging from infants/toddlers through the end of kindergarten.
Our center is very community-oriented, as my goal always has been to mobilize all available resources to support our parents. I am a true believer that a high-quality, accredited early learning center should be integrated with the community so children can flourish within a safe, healthy, positive and caring environment.
I am delighted that Kellie Andersen is now the Director of Kids Academy. Kellie is an exemplary expert and caring early childhood educator and leader. With her skilled management of our day-to-day operations, I am able to place even greater focus on additional resources for our center’s children and parents. My current priority is establishing a library and resource center to enhance our program.
At Kids Academy, there is a deep sense of love and dedication to your child’s well-being, development and learning. The quality of this dedication and the results that have been demonstrated over three decades are unsurpassed.
Thank you for trusting your child with us.
Love,
Welcome Message from Our Director
Thank you for considering Kids Academy Early Learning Center for your child’s care and education—and a heartfelt thank-you to the families who are already part of our community. We are honored by your trust and look forward to partnering with you on your child’s early learning journey.
My name is Stephanie Friedl, and I am honored to serve as the Director of Kids Academy. I bring 13 years of experience in early childhood education, along with an Associate’s Degree in Applied Arts and the nationally recognized AIM4EXCELLENCE Director Credential.
Early childhood education is not just my profession—it is my passion. I firmly believe that a child’s formative years are critical to their lifelong growth and development. At Kids Academy, I am committed to creating a nurturing, inclusive, and stimulating environment where every child can thrive and learn at their own pace.
As a leader, I prioritize open and honest communication with both our dedicated staff and the families we serve. Building strong, trusting relationships within our community is at the heart of my philosophy. I strive to foster a supportive culture that empowers children, parents, and educators alike.
Outside of my professional role, I am a proud mother of two wonderful children—a ten-month-old daughter and a three-year-old son—who are both cared for here at Kids Academy! My family plays a central role in my life, and we are actively involved in our community. The love and dedication I have for my own family are the same values I hope to nurture in every family at Kids Academy.
As I continue this rewarding journey, I remain committed to professional growth and staying informed about best practices and emerging research in early childhood education. With passion, experience, and a deep sense of purpose, I look forward to helping every child entrusted to us flourish at Kids Academy.
Warmly,
Stephanie Friedl
