“Our daughter, Emmalee, has been in early pre-school for over a year, and she loves going to Primrose! She loves her friends, and she loves reading. We’ve been thrilled with Primrose, especially when friends tell us how respectful and happy Emmalee is. Learning respect and developing character is built into the curriculum; in fact, some parents we know have moved their children into Primrose based on the positive experience we are having there. We couldn’t be more satisfied.” —Heather Cross

Our children are our greatest blessings. As the saying goes, our children are loaned to us, and our parental task is to prepare them for successful lives as they grow into adults and become leaders in our world. Parents know this instinctively, but many–make that most–need help in this huge undertaking. Franchise owner and early childhood education advocate Stacey Hinman, along with her staff at Primrose School of Lake Norman have created an academic-based school for little ones whose mission is to “provide the right foundation to build active minds, healthy bodies, and happy hearts.” On my visit to Primrose, I discovered how they do that, and I was extremely impressed.

“We have the most amazing staff, and they accomplish remarkable results with our children everyday,” Stacey said. “These women are talented and devoted; they are truly passionate about the value of quality early childhood education and its positive impact in the lives of young children.” Primrose School is unique in its approach to preschool education and after school programming. The research-based curriculum is developed by early childhood education specialists wherein the daily program at each age level is based on a philosophy of balanced learning.

Primrose School can enroll infants at six weeks and preschoolers up to five years in the classroom setting and from five to 12 years in the Explorers’ Club after school program. Whether children are reading, dancing, listening, gardening, singing or playing, they are encouraged to explore and connect their sense of wonder to the learning experience. “Our teacher/child ratios allow us to nurture each child’s mind, body and heart. We’re all committed to understanding what each individual child’s needs are and to focus on helping children enjoy school and learn at the same time,” Stacey told me. “I make sure each teacher has the resources she needs to be successful everyday.” Infant classes through pre-K meet the standards for enhanced ratios as designated by the state of North Carolina 5-Star licensing components.

A LITTLE HISTORY
Stacey and her husband, Jeremy, opened Primrose School of Lake Norman in May 2006. From Moncton, New Brunswick, Canada, Stacey is a former certified K-8 teacher with experience in preschool and elementary grades, including gifted classrooms. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology and a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education. “I have always worked with very strong women at previous schools, and I’ve learned that a positive attitude is required for teachers to be successful. Our standard at Primrose is to approach each day with joy,” she said with a smile. “It’s critical for each of us to be flexible, and our teachers all go the extra mile to do whatever it takes.” Indeed, Stacey is not a sit-in-the-office kind of administrator. During my visit she was taking holiday photos of the children as gifts for their parents and baking brownies. “I help our chef in the kitchen. I love being with the children when they plant and harvest our vegetable garden, and I sit in to read to them whenever I can,” Stacey shared. “I want to make each child’s day the best it can be.” A former building materials business owner, Jeremy Hinman is a hands-on partner at Primrose, managing the business and maintenance aspects of the school’s operations. He has a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration and Finance. One detail of their business model is that tuition covers all expenses so that parents know exactly what their investment is each year.

The Hinmans have two children, 12 year old Alexander, a black-belt in tae kwon do who enjoys bowling, Legos, drawing and is beginning to play the trumpet, while ten year old Emily is a piano player, singer, writer and photographer. They attend Pine Lake Preparatory School.

A SCHOOL WITH SO MUCH TO OFFER
Primrose School of Lake Norman’s beautiful 1.71 acre campus is located in Lakeside Business Park. The playgrounds surrounding the school building were designed especially for Primrose’s students by Little Tykes and sport new artificial turf that eliminates allergic reactions and provides a base for safe, stable play. Walk through the front doors and you are welcomed into an exciting, creative setting. Each classroom looks, smells and feels top notch, with state-of-the-art learning stations, colorful, clean furnishings and warm, safe surroundings.

“Our parents appreciate the diversity of our learning activities and programs,” Stacey explained. “For three to five year-olds, we have uniformed classrooms, and we teach math, reading, science, Spanish, ecology and technology. Our learning themes are integrated into all activities. For example, children keep Mud Pie Journals where they can draw or make notes about how the Primrose Garden Patch is doing or what they will harvest next to include in tomorrow’s lunch. They learn about ecology, nutrition, science and cooking all by making a garden!” Several Helping Hands Projects, part of the character development program at Primrose, are conducted throughout the year. Most recently, donated canned goods went to Second Harvest Food Bank of Metrolina. Other projects include Primrose Schools’ National Family Dance Off in support of Children’s Miracle Network; the annual Spring Fling Festival, with proceeds going to Reach Out and Read; The Music Class, a proprietary program that teaches rhythm and notes as well as a love of music; and Thumbs Up, an age appropriate physical education program. The Explorers’ Club after school program and the Explorers’ Club summer camp are offered for five to 12 year olds. These programs help families maintain a nurturing consistency of care and learning in our all too busy lives. Learning, fun, and excitement are integrated with the same high standard as the school program, and include field trips to area children’s venues. During the week there are ancillary activities led by area businesses. Parents can sign their kids up for Suzuki violin and creative movement through Masterworks School of the Arts, yoga class with Launch Your Kid and tae kwon do with the R.T. Berry School. Rob Lowery, a.k.a. Mr. Music, also comes once a month for a concert with no additional cost to the parents.

EXACTLY WHAT YOU WANT FOR YOUR CHILD
Needless to say, Primrose Schools are award winning, fully accredited schools. They are the only pre-school that offers a 100% satisfaction guarantee–if you are not satisfied after the first month, a full refund is offered. “We are confident in our program,” Stacey said. “We are proud to say we have never had to refund a parent.”

Please visit the website, www.primroselakenorman.com to see and learn all there is to know about this exceptional preschool. Stacey believes that communication with informed parents is key, and she is available to give you a tour and answer your questions. Be prepared, she is a dynamic and enthusiastic tour guide. You will be impressed, like I was, with the positive, beautiful learning environment at Primrose School of Lake Norman!

Primrose School of Lake Norman
173 Raceway Drive
Mooresville, NC 28117
704-658-0460