OUR STORY
Hello! I’m Catherine Doberstein, founder and proud owner of Little Scholars Academy.
In 2011, I opened the very first Little Scholars Academy of Lake Norman in Huntersville. What began with just one class and one student quickly blossomed into a thriving preschool that families came to love. For over a decade, it was a place where children’s curiosity, creativity, and confidence were nurtured every day.
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In 2021, while still operating our Lake Norman campus, I opened Little Scholars Academy of Kannapolis as we searched for a permanent home to continue growing our vision. Then, in 2022, I had to make the difficult decision to close the original Lake Norman location. Even through that transition, the dream of Little Scholars never ended. The Kannapolis school became a new home for our Reggio Emilia–inspired philosophy, quickly blossoming into a vibrant community of learners. Watching it thrive has been one of the greatest joys of my life, and it reminded me just how much this work matters, not just to me, but to every family who walks through our doors.
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Now, I am overjoyed to share that Little Scholars Academy of Lake Norman is coming back! We’ve found a beautiful new location, and I can’t wait to welcome families once again. With all that I’ve learned from running both campuses, I am bringing the very best of our philosophy, our practices, and our heart back home to Huntersville.
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A little about me: I graduated from the University of Michigan in 2010 with a Bachelor’s in Children and Family Studies. When I moved to North Carolina, I noticed there weren’t many independent preschools aligned with my educational philosophy, only large franchise daycares. So, I decided to take a leap of faith and create a school that truly put children at the center of their own learning. That leap became Little Scholars Academy, and it continues to flourish today.
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My husband, Ryan, and I married in 2016, and we have two amazing children, Brock and Anna. Being both a parent and an educator has given me a deep understanding of how important it is to find a safe, nurturing environment for young learners. It’s my life’s passion to provide that for every child and every family who becomes part of Little Scholars.
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As we relaunch Little Scholars Academy of Lake Norman, our mission remains the same: to create a community where children are respected, valued, and inspired to explore the world around them. I would be honored to partner with your family on this journey.
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Warmly,
Catherine Doberstein
Founder & Owner of Little Scholars Academy