A privately owned early learning school is slated for Mt. Juliet on Lebanon Road with a targeted spring 2024 opening date.
Children’s Lighthouse is a franchise that was founded in Texas in 1997. According to the company the Mt. Juliet location at 9568 Lebanon Rd. near West Elementary School would be its first in Tennessee.
According to company spokesperson Sarah Boylan, Children’s Lighthouse Franchise Company has more than 60 franchised schools in operation and 25 additional locations in the development pipeline.
The Mt. Juliet location owners are Kal Patel, CJ Patel, Danielle Luja and Mariano Luja. The school serves all the way to school-age children.
“Considering the lack of available childcare options in our areas and the demand we’re seeing from young families, we’re eager to introduce Nashville to our innovative programs that prioritize children’s holistic well-being,” Danielle Luja said. “Drawing from my background in mental and behavioral healthcare services, and Kal and CJ’s extensive background in hospitality, joined with Mariano’s experience in management, Children’s Lighthouse was the perfect option for us. We are thrilled to bring such a trusted and reputable brand to Tennessee and honored by the opportunity to make a positive impact on the Nashville community.”
She said she is the operating partner and Director of Compliance Audits at Health Connect America.
Kal Patel is an experienced hotel owner and said he is involved in all the schools’ growth with “a professional and personal development style.”
“I won’t be actively involved in the day-to-day operations in Mt. Juliet,” he said. “I have always been in hospitality and see early learning schools as a natural extension.”
Mariano Luja brings additional management experience to combine with Danielle Luja’s experience in youth and family behavioral science.
“It is always so special to partner with people like CJ Patel, Danielle Luja, and Kal Patel who are not only knowledgeable about the importance of growth and development, but who are also passionate about making a difference in our youth and in families’ lives,” Children’s Lighthouse President Michael Brown said.
