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Elevate Preschool
Who we are
At Elevate Preschool, we believe early childhood is a sacred place where confidence is built, curiosity is protected, and a love for learning begins. Our purpose is to elevate the next generation through whole-child, culturally responsive care so children leave confident, curious, and kindergarten-ready academically, socially, and emotionally.
Learning doesn’t only happen inside four walls. We use Durham and its rich resources as our classroom, offering multiple educational field trips each month (weather and conditions permitting), hands-on exploration, and experiences that make learning real. and long lasting.
Children also enjoy weekly world music classes taught by a local artist, rotating world language exposure, and rotating enrichment that supports literacy, creativity, and STEM. Wellness matters here too! Our meals are planned with a “healthy and whole, served with love” philosophy and we prioritize artificial dye-free, whole food options.
To make sure every child is supported, we use ongoing observation and portfolios, plus an annual developmental screening by a contracted specialist, paired with family conferences to celebrate growth and strengthen support.
Want to join our community? Request Enrollment Info.
Our METHOD
Whole-Child Readiness: Built on Individual Growth
We prepare children to be kindergarten-ready academically, socially, and emotionally by meeting them where they are and building skills intentionally, not rushing development or using one-size-fits-all expectations.
Individualized Learning Pathways
Each child is supported through individual learning goals based on observation and developmental milestones. We use this to guide instruction (documented via weekly individual lesson plans), adjust support, and celebrate progress in a way that fits the child.
Ongoing Assessment
We track progress through ongoing observation, work samples, and portfolio documentation. So growth is visible over time. This helps us identify strengths early and respond quickly when a child needs extra support.
Annual Developmental Screening by a Specialist
In addition to our ongoing assessments, we contract a specialist to offer formal developmental screenings once per year to support early identification and ensure families have clear, credible insights.
Family Conferences Twice a Year
We offer two formal conferences each year to review portfolios, celebrate growth, and align on next steps. Families always know where their child is thriving and what we’re building next.
Developmentally Appropriate, Culture-Centered Teaching
We use developmentally appropriate methods that respect childhood while honoring identity. Children learn through guided play, routines, hands-on exploration, and culturally responsive materials that help them feel seen and capable.
Learning in the Real World
We extend learning beyond the classroom through multiple educational field trips per month (weather and conditions permitting), using Durham’s resources to build real-world vocabulary, confidence, and curiosity.
Enrichment With Purpose
Weekly world music class offered by a local artist and rotating world language exposure are built into our routines to strengthen listening, memory, expression, and cultural awareness.
Healthy and Whole, Served With Love
Wellness supports learning. We prioritize artificial dye-free, whole grain, minimally processed food options and serve meals with a “healthy and whole, served with love” philosophy.
Who we serve
Elevate Academy serves families in East Durham and surrounding communities who are looking for a high-quality, whole-child learning environment.
Full-Time Care (Ages 3+)
We offer full-time care for children ages 3 and older who are fully potty trained. This program is designed to build kindergarten readiness through developmentally appropriate, culturally responsive learning.
Afterschool Enrichment (Elementary School-Age)
Our afterschool option supports school-age learners with snack, academic support, and rotating enrichment.
Homeschool Enrichment Sessions (Middle School Age)
We’re also developing morning homeschool enrichment sessions with rotating themes and experiences. Session times and durations will vary based on the offering, and options will be released in limited registration windows.
Examples may include:
- Chess club and strategy games
- Book clubs and literature circles
- STEAM activities and hands-on projects
- Fantasy/creative games and storytelling adventures
Want first access to new session drops? Join our Interest List to stay in the loop on upcoming themes, dates, and registration.
Meet the Visionary
Hi, I’m Naima Lewis, founder of Elevate Preschool. I’m an educator and program leader with a Master’s degree in Education, and a single mom of 4 amazing kids. I created Elevate because I saw a clear need in Durham. I believe families deserve early childhood care that is high-quality, culturally responsive, and truly prepares children for kindergarten and beyond. Fostering well rounded students academically, socially, and emotionally.
Over the years, I’ve served as both a classroom teacher and program director, building learning environments that blend warmth with structure and help children thrive. I’m passionate about whole-child development, meaningful routines, and teaching that honors children’s identities while stretching their minds.
Elevate Preschool is my answer to what I wanted for my own community, a nurturing, intentional space where learning extends beyond the classroom through real-world experiences, strong family partnership, and developmentally appropriate enrichment. My vision is simple: elevate the next generation, one confident, curious learner at a time.