Ribbon cutting celebrates 60-seat expansion as Linden Public Schools continues to grow its preschool network to meet rising demand
LINDEN PUBLIC SCHOOLS, NJ -- Sixty Linden preschoolers will begin their educational journey this September in a new state-of-the-art learning center after community leaders gathered Thursday (Aug. 6) to celebrate the grand opening and ribbon cutting of Sprouts Early Education Academy's newest campus.
The four-classroom facility at 1025 W. St. George's Ave., in St. George's Plaza at the former Blockbuster Video site, is already at capacity and will welcome Linden Public Schools Pre-K 3 students when classes begin Sept. 2.
Meeting a Growing Need
The ribbon cutting represented another step in Linden Public Schools' expanding early childhood initiative to meet rising demand for Pre-K enrollment by creating more high-quality learning spaces for the district's youngest learners. Sprouts Academy adds 60 new Pre-K 3 seats -- all filled before the school year even begins.
Mayor Derek Armstead, Superintendent Dr. Atiya Y. Perkins, Board of Education members, district administrators, city and county leaders, Sprouts staff and community supporters attended the ceremony, which capped more than two years of planning and collaboration.
"This project has taken two and a half years in the making," Armstead said. "The city of Linden benefits from having Sprouts in our town. It is a well-run operation."
The new academy features four classrooms serving 15 students each, with every room offering bathroom access, age-appropriate learning materials and educational resources. Plans also include a large outdoor play area designed to extend learning beyond the classroom.
The campus expands Sprouts' presence in Linden while complementing its original location at 1739 E. Elizabeth Ave., which opened five years ago and continues to serve children.
From Six Children to Sixty
For founder Diana Umana, the milestone reflects a journey that began about a decade ago with a home-based child care program serving just six children. "To see this expansion is something I can't put into words," Umana said.
She credited the city and school district with helping Sprouts grow and said the academy's mission has remained rooted in providing high-quality early childhood experiences.
"I believe that by investing in early childhood, we're creating healthier communities," she said. "If you have a dream, go for it, because with passion and persistence, you can accomplish it all."
Building the Foundation
Perkins said the new center will provide children with a strong foundation at the start of an educational journey that will continue for years.
"Most of us remember when we had to hold somebody's hand to go into a building," Perkins said. "To all of our parents who are going to have to release that hand, just know that you're going to put it into a place that is definitely welcoming, warm and is going to provide what you want best for yourself and your child—and that's quality, compassion and love."
She said the first steps children take into preschool often shape the years that follow. "It starts with the foundation that's here," Perkins said.
Expanding Opportunities Across Linden
The Sprouts opening is part of a broader district strategy to expand preschool access through classrooms in select elementary schools, partnerships with community providers and additional facilities. Linden Public Schools also partners with Alvey Education Center, Building Blocks Learning Center and The Leaguers Inc. to serve eligible 3- and 4-year-old children.
In June, the Board of Education approved a five-year lease for a dedicated early childhood learning center at 1 Paul M. Greig Way in neighboring Winfield Park, further expanding the district's preschool capacity as enrollment continues to grow.
Board of Education Commissioner Brianna Armstead called the Sprouts expansion an important investment in Linden families.
"Expansion translates to helping our constituents and helping our families through child care service," she said. "This is an amazing feat for Linden."
Early Childhood Supervisor Jennifer Smith announced that all 60 seats at the new Sprouts campus have already been filled.
"I know how expensive child care is, and now they're getting an early fresh start to a great education here in Linden," Smith said.
Moments later, oversized ceremonial scissors swept through the ribbon as applause filled the room, officially opening the new campus and marking another milestone in Linden Public Schools' ongoing commitment to ensuring more of the city's youngest learners begin school ready to learn, grow and thrive.