Early childhood is a time where learning is best done through play. Primrose School of Norman knows this, and uses a curriculum based in fun, while developing the whole child. I spoke with Nosa Akhimiona, Ph.D., owner of Primrose School of Norman, to learn more about what they offer and what sets them apart in early education.
When was Primrose School founded, and by whom? For what purpose?
Primrose was founded in 1982 by Marcy and Paul Erwin. The vision of Primrose School is to deliver the best and most trusted early childhood education and childcare for families across America. Primrose School of Norman is one of several Primroses in the metro area.
What ages do you serve, and can you share a bit more about what you offer?
The school will accommodate up to 200 children and is currently enrolling children ages 6 weeks to 5 years old.
For children in kindergarten through fifth grade, Primrose School of Norman also offers before- and after-school care, as well as a fun, full-day Explorer Program that provides virtual learning support and a safe environment for students to engage in their schools’ online classes and complete their daily assignments.
Primrose School of Norman also offers Go & Grow, a part-time program that provides a safe, healthy place for 3- and 4-year-olds to enlarge their circle of friends, build their social skills and develop their character and social-emotional skills through play, music and literature.
Our teachers are highly qualified with either a bachelor’s or associate degree or a certificate in early childhood education.
Can you share some about the founders and others who helped make Primrose what it is today?
I and my wife, Collette, are the local franchise owners, and we are excited to bring exceptional early learning experiences to children in the community. We have a background in medicine and business ownership, and we have two young sons.
We are thrilled to be part of the Norman community and help provide young children with the right foundation for future learning and life. Being exposed to the Primrose experience in our children’s education, we became enthralled with the teaching method, unmatched curriculum and dedication to developing each child emotionally and cognitively. We understand the importance of instilling a love of learning during a child’s early years and believe this is essential to building a new generation of bright citizens.
Can you describe the facilities, both educational and recreational?
At 12,300 square feet, Primrose School of Norman features 11 classrooms and four secure, age-appropriate playgrounds. The learning and fun continues outdoors through gardening and nature activities in the school’s Primrose Patch garden.
What sets this school apart from the other public and private schools in Cleveland County serving these age groups?
Children at Primrose School of Norman will benefit from the Primrose-exclusive, research-informed Balanced Learning approach, which blends purposeful play with nurturing guidance from teachers to encourage curiosity, creativity, confidence and compassion. The thoughtfully designed curriculum is updated regularly and puts children first in every lesson. These age-appropriate, integrated learning experiences are guided by teachers who are dedicated to helping each child foster a lifelong love of learning.
What are the school's credentials?
CogniaTM Corporation Systems Accreditation represents recognized standards of quality that impact children’s lifelong learning and support young learners in the highest regard. Cognia’s Performance Accreditation for Early Learning Schools motivates schools to continuously improve on behalf of the young children they serve. Cognia considers the whole institution—leadership, the programs, the cultural context, and the community of stakeholders—to determine how well these components align to meet the needs of students.
The Service Excellence Assurance—Child and Parent Experience Review is a self-study, continuous improvement process used to strengthen a commitment to excellence in all areas of leading and managing a Primrose School. We pay rigorous attention to policies and procedures to ensure consistent delivery of high-quality to staff, children, and parents.
We strive to experience the school through the eyes of the children and parents.
What health and safety measures are you using to prevent COVID-19?
During this time of enhanced concern, the health and safety of children and staff at Primrose School of Norman remains the highest priority. The school follows stringent health and safety requirements, maintains all protocols as outlined by local and state health departments and licensing agencies, and monitors CDC recommendations to help ensure the safety of staff and children.
The health and safety measures at the school include, but are not limited to, frequent disinfecting and sanitizing of the facility, classroom materials and equipment; frequent handwashing by children and staff; touchless check-ins; required wearing of face masks by staff; temperature checks for children and staff upon entry; disinfecting playground equipment before and after each use; and professional deep cleaning of the facility every weekend.
What is Primrose’s community impact?
The construction of the school contributed approximately $1.5 million to the local economy and will create 50 jobs once at full capacity. The school is actively hiring for teacher and staff positions. Additionally, our plan is to give back to the community through annual events that provide students the opportunity to practice generosity firsthand.
Primrose School of Norman
3220 Healthplex Drive, Norman
801.3301