Lightbridge Academy, a national childcare center, is coming to Ann Arbor this fall. The center recently held a groundbreaking ceremony for the new location at 3980 Ranchero Drive. With over 90 locations across the United States, the center has a goal of creating a child care environment that supports children and families with high quality education and partnerships with parents.
“Lightbridge Academy has recently begun expanding into Michigan, and we are excited that Ann Arbor will be one of the first communities in the state to welcome a center,” said Ashrith Kothapalli, franchise owner. “The first Michigan center opened in Troy, and our Ann Arbor center is scheduled to open in Fall of 2026. We are looking forward to bringing this approach in early childhood education to families here in Ann Arbor.”
The center will offer care for families of children ages six weeks through pre-kindergarten, including Summer Camp. Every detail is thoughtfully designed with both children and working families in mind. The center features a research-based curriculum that blends structured learning with hands-on exploration, encouraging curiosity, creativity, and confidence. From infants to preschool and Pre-K, each program is tailored to meet children where they are developmentally while preparing them for future academic success.
Community-focused
“One of the things that makes the model unique is that most centers are locally owned and operated. That allows each location to stay closely connected to the community it serves while still benefiting from the educational framework, curriculum and support of the larger Lightbridge Academy network.”
“That local ownership model was very important to me when deciding to bring a center to Ann Arbor. It allows us to create something that truly reflects the needs of families in our community,” he said.
Meeting the demand
Kothapalli understands the need for child care options, having experienced this firsthand as a parent.
“When I was expecting my son, I began looking into childcare options and quickly realized how difficult it was to find an available spot for a young child. Even before he was born, it became clear that finding high-quality childcare with availability in Ann Arbor could be a real challenge.”
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Kothapalli spoke with other parents in the community and quickly realized that this was a problem that working parents in the area were increasingly encountering.
“Many families were facing the same struggle. The demand for quality childcare is very high, and available spots can be limited, especially for infants and toddlers. That was the moment when I decided this was something I wanted to pursue. If so many families were experiencing this challenge, I felt there was an opportunity to help bring more high-quality childcare options to the community.”
Working families in Ann Arbor and its surrounding communities need options when it comes to schedules as well.
“With the university, the healthcare system and many professionals in the area, schedules can be demanding. Our center operates from 6:30am to 6:30pm, offering flexibility while still providing structure and an enriching environment for children.”
Catering to the whole child
Lightbridge Academy uses a program called Seedlings®, a curriculum that focuses on the whole child, not just academics. The goal is to help children grow socially, emotionally, physically and cognitively through hands-on experiences, exploration and play.
“Children participate in activities that encourage creativity, problem-solving, communication and curiosity. The program also includes enrichment experiences such as music, sign language, introductory Spanish and mindfulness activities that help children develop confidence and express themselves.”
Kothapalli understands the needs of families that are looking for something beyond daycare. He hopes to offer a warm and engaging space for children and their families with safety in mind, giving parents who are returning to work the comfort in knowing that their little ones will be well-cared for each day.
“Equally important is building a strong partnership with families. We want parents to feel connected to their child’s daily experience and development. My hope is that the center becomes a place where families feel supported and where children develop confidence, curiosity, and a love of learning.”
