Ladybird Academy
by Emma Dixon
Celebrating its 20th anniversary in our community, Ladybird Academy is a family, in more ways than one. One of the premier early learning centers in Central Florida, Ladybird Academy was started in the United Kingdom in Stoke-on-Trent more than 20 years ago by Carl and Barbara Hansla. The couple often vacationed in Orlando and saw the need for quality early learning centers in the area, and so on April 8, 2003, Ladybird Academy of Lake Forest was born.
Ladybird Academy now offers 23 schools in Florida, plus an additional one in Texas, combining early learning and education with high-quality childcare for children ages six weeks through 12 years. Each Academy is purpose-built to provide a bright and spacious setting with classrooms that are fully equipped for each age range.
Ladybird Academy is family oriented, hiring from within and offering professional development to all staff. Each school has its own feel and personality, but the focus is always the same.
“You feel like you’re home when you come here,” explains Linzi Hansla, director of operations and daughter-in-law of founders Carl and Barbara. “The kids call the school home, which makes us smile.”
All three of Linzi’s children attended Ladybird Academy. So do the two children of Sarah Gembecki, director of Ladybird Academy at Lake Forest.
“We’re a close community,” says Sarah. “We take pride in the details – all the classrooms are similar in layout, for example. So when kids are moving up a class, it’s an easy transition because they know all the teachers, and they know all their friends will be with them. The continuity is important.”
The schools have an insect theme for their classrooms, harkening back to the original Ladybird sign in England that inspired the name. A ladybird in the UK is a ladybug in America, and the classrooms include sweet names like Roly Polys (12 months), Bumble Bees (2 years) and Caterpillars (3 years). It’s part of what makes the school feel so welcoming.
The attention to detail extends beyond the classrooms. Outside play areas are designed with impact-absorbing safety surfaces plus a wide range of interesting play equipment for everyone to explore. The school also boasts enrichment programs with computer rooms and STEM labs for the children to investigate. The Academy runs a full-service summer camp, offering trips to area attractions, ice skating, visits from the police and fire departments, trips to the zoo, and more to ensure a summer filled with fun.
For busy parents needing after-school care, Ladybird Academy will pick up children from their elementary schools and bring them to their local Academy for a wide range of activities, as well as homework supervision. Kids can participate in sports, drama, and technology, which might not be available during a regular school day. It’s all part of providing a great foundation for life.
Haley Brinkmeier, director of Ladybird Academy of Lake Mary, says there are many reasons why a parent should consider enrolling their child at one of the schools.
“We’re a family, offering structure and inclusiveness,” says Haley. “The most important things a child will learn here are social and emotional development – learning how to cooperatively play and how to form relationships with their peers.”
Linzi agrees, adding, “Come and tour! Come see why we stand above the rest and are still here, 20 years later and going strong.”
To learn more, visit LadybirdAcademy.com.