NJ.com: Lightbridge Academy Provides Support to Families Coping with Virtual Learning

As many schools across the country shift to virtual learning, Lightbridge Academy adjusted its early education and child care model to cater to students up through the fifth grade who really require in-person support with schooling. According to a recent NJ.com article, Lightbridge Academy**, which just opened its 50th location in August, is now offering its services to children through the fifth grade in order to help parents who aren’t able to give their full attention to teaching their children through this period of virtual learning.

Gigi Schweikert, president and COO of the brand, understands that this adjustment to schooling is a learning curve for all and is looking forward to further serving local families in need.

“We’re considered the Solution for Working Parents® in a crazy and chaotic time,” Schweikert told NJ.com. “We help the kids with the schoolwork and homework assignments they have while the parents go about their business. The children enjoy the company of other children in a small, safe setting as well.”

Prior to COVID-19, many parents were not in favor of their children spending so much time connected to an iPad or laptop. Now, students are relying on this technology to gain more knowledge and advance in their academic roles. To combat the excessive screen time indoors, the Lightbridge team is allowing more breaks for students to get outside, move around and socialize with one another from a distance.

Lightbridge Academy is always focused on the health and safety of its students and staff alike, and has increased its efforts to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Temperature checks are required upon entry into every center, and only students and staff members are permitted inside. Locations also feature hospital-grade air purification systems that kill bacteria and viruses. Though parents are not allowed inside, the center’s ParentView® system allows them to monitor their children throughout the day through several cameras installed throughout the centers.

Feedback from parents has been positive in spite of changes made to the traditional Lightbridge experience. Maha Dutt, whose son Vikram currently attends Lightbridge Academy in Jenkintown, Pennsylvania, said she could not be more pleased with how the staff members have been handling this new approach to learning.

“We registered Vikram with Lightbridge before the lockdown and we were nervous when they reopened,” Dutt told NJ.com. “But, they really went out of their way to get all of the returning parents comfortable. Their communication on social media has gone a long way in making us parents comfortable from a safety standpoint.”