When Little Scholars opened its first location on Quentin Road in Brooklyn in 2013, it was one preschool with a straightforward mission: combine warmth with academic rigor in early childhood education. Twelve years later, the network operates eight centers across Brooklyn and Manhattan, charges $3,000 monthly tuition at its flagship locations, and generates over $10 million in annual revenue.
The growth trajectory tells a story that many education entrepreneurs attempt but few achieve—scaling quality without losing the personal touch that made the original successful.
From Neighborhood School to Premium Brand
Under founder and director Nick Kats, Little Scholars expanded methodically through Brooklyn between 2014 and 2019, opening five additional centers that served local families seeking alternatives to typical daycare. The real transformation came after the pandemic, when the company restructured and pivoted upmarket with two high-end locations: one in Downtown Brooklyn at 345 Adams Street and another in Manhattan’s Chelsea neighborhood at 600 6th Avenue.
These aren’t your typical preschools. The facilities feature state-of-the-art classrooms designed around what the company calls a “whole-child philosophy”—blending traditional academics with social-emotional learning, STEM activities, and creative arts. The early childhood education programs target affluent Manhattan families who want sophistication without sacrificing the community feel of a neighborhood school.
What Sets Them Apart
Little Scholars bases its curriculum on established educational frameworks like Creative Curriculum and HighScope, emphasizing play-based learning and emotional intelligence. Children aren’t just prepared academically for kindergarten—they’re taught empathy, problem-solving, and how to recognize their own emotions.
The company also takes diversity seriously, integrating anti-bias education throughout its programs and hosting cultural celebrations that reflect New York City’s makeup. Events like Culture Day, Indigenous Day, and Cinco de Mayo are built into the calendar, alongside more typical preschool fare like talent shows and science days.
Teacher training represents another differentiator. Little Scholars invests in continuous professional development for educators, focusing on modern teaching methods and differentiated instruction—important when you’re trying to maintain quality across multiple locations.
Expansion Plans
The company isn’t slowing down. With sites already identified for three more centers and plans to open two locations annually through 2030, Little Scholars is positioning itself as one of New York City’s fastest-growing preschool and pre-K networks. The management team, working from headquarters on West End Avenue in Brooklyn, is also developing curriculum licensing and leadership programs that could extend their influence beyond owned locations.
For families who can afford the premium tuition, Little Scholars offers extended hours with early drop-off and late pick-up options, plus seasonal programs like winter and summer camps. It’s the kind of comprehensive approach that working parents in expensive cities need—and are willing to pay for.
Whether the model can maintain its educational philosophy while continuing to scale remains to be seen, but so far the growth suggests strong demand for high-quality early learning centers that combine academic preparation with emotional development.