Little Emma clutched her mother’s hand tightly as they walked through the doors of Stonebridge Academy in McKinney, TX. It was her first day at the Pre-K program, and although she was curious about the cheerful classrooms and the colorful toys neatly arranged on the shelves, she couldn’t shake the butterflies in her tummy. “Good morning, Emma!” said Ms. Lauren, her warm smile instantly soothing Emma’s nerves. She crouched down to Emma’s level, holding out a stuffed teddy bear. “This is Teddy. He helps all our new friends feel at home. Would you like to show him around?” Emma hesitated but then took Teddy in her arms. Slowly, she let go of her mom’s hand as Ms. Lauren led her to a table where other children were building castles with blocks. “Wow, Emma, ​​I bet Teddy would love to help build!” said a boy named Ethan, offering her a blue block. Emma smiled shyly and added it to the castle. By the end of the day, Emma was laughing with her new friends, proudly showing her mom a picture she had painted of a big, sunny day at the playground. “Mom, I can’t wait to come back tomorrow!” she exclaimed, her earlier nervousness forgotten. At Stonebridge Academy, Emma had found more than a school—she’d found a place where she could grow, explore, and feel right at home.