KLA Schools, a Reggio Emilia-inspired early childhood education franchise that was founded in Miami, is putting roots down in in West Kendall. Construction for the new school, located at Kendall Drive and SW 137th Avenue, begins in June, with a grand opening anticipated for the fall.
The West Kendall KLA School is owned by a local parent whose child attends the KLA School of Palmetto Bay. He fell in love with the concept and philosophy and decided to join the KLA Schools family.
“Our relationship with the families and children that attend KLA Schools never ends, and we strive to find local owners who are passionate about the brand and the family-oriented culture,” said Roberto Ortega, CEO of KLA Schools.
Anna P. Repetto will be stepping in to serve as director of the West Kendall school, bringing more than 15 years of professional experience in child psychology and teaching. Repetto will lead an administrative staff of 25 for the school that will accommodate up to 180 students ranging from 3 months to 6 years.
“We are excited to introduce the West Kendall community to our innovative approach to early education,” Ortega added. “Through the Reggio Emilia approach, students are encouraged to express themselves and interact with their environment as a part of the learning process together with the support of our highly qualified teaching staff. During the most important years of a child’s development, values that will prepare them for a lifetime of learning are instilled.”
Every KLA School provides students with an upscale education in state-of-the-art facilities.
The West Kendall location will feature more than 8,000 square feet of indoor space and 3,600 square feet for the spacious playground. In addition to 11 classrooms, every KLA School includes a Piazza, Atelier and Professional Development Room.
The West Kendall school will be the ninth location in Florida and the 12th KLA school in the U.S. With an additional 10 schools under contract and development nationwide, the company is looking for qualified franchisees to join the KLA Schools family and continue the brand’s expansion in Miami and the surrounding regions. The West Kendall KLA School currently is enrolling for the fall. To learn more about the school and take a tour, visit www.klaschools.com or call 305-377- 0391.
Roberto and Candelaria Ortega opened the first KLA School for early childhood education in Miami in 2008 and the first franchise location in 2010. With 11 locations throughout Florida, Illinois and Washington, the company is expanding its presence into Texas, Oregon, California and Florida. Schools are inspired by the Reggio Emilia philosophy, a constructivist theory that encourages children to follow their unique interests together with the teacher as the facilitator.
