When owner Angela Bruno first opened Bright Minds Preschool six years ago, she had no idea how quickly it would become a beloved part of the community. What started as a flexible drop-in childcare service soon transformed into a full-fledged preschool, dedicated to providing high-quality early education with a literacy-based curriculum and a focus on small class sizes. 

Between 2019 and 2023 Bright Minds Preschool was a Main Line Parent LOVE Award Winner for Best Child Care and Best Preschool. In 2024 and 2025 Bright Minds Preschool received the Main Line Parent LOVE award for Excellence in Early Childhood Education. Now, in response to increasing demand, they are expanding to offer even more opportunities for young learners.

The Transformation to Full-Time Learning

Bright Minds Preschool began as Kids’ Clubhouse of the Main Line, a concept inspired by drop-in childcare centers Angela had encountered in Austin, Texas. She saw a need for short-term, flexible childcare in her community—offering parents a safe and reliable option when they needed to run errands, attend appointments, or simply enjoy a night out.

However, when the COVID-19 pandemic hit just seven months later, Angela had to make a difficult decision. With health concerns making drop-in care less viable, she pivoted to a full-time preschool model, focusing on structured learning and long-term enrollment. The transition proved to be a success, and Bright Minds Preschool quickly became known for its dedicated teachers, high educational standards, and nurturing environment.

Time to Expand

Over the years, Bright Minds Preschool has maintained a steady waitlist, especially when it comes to the two-year-old program. Angela had been approached several times about opening additional locations, but ultimately feared it would prevent her from staying closely involved with the day-to-day operations at her original Wayne location, so she turned the opportunities down.

In October of 2024, she learned that the tenant in the adjacent suite of the building she occupies would not be renewing their lease. After carefully considering the logistics and consulting with her leadership team, Angela decided this was the perfect way to grow without sacrificing the hands-on approach that makes Bright Minds so special.

In March 2025, she made it official by signing the lease extension, paving the way for the school’s long-awaited expansion. The expansion allows Bright Minds to add:

• A second two-year-old classroom, alleviating the waitlist for this popular age group.
• An indoor play space, ensuring children have room to move and play even on rainy or snowy days. The space will feature a bright, open area filled with engaging large-motor activities, including ride-on toys, ensuring kids can stay active even when outdoor play isn’t an option.

The new space will retain the school’s commitment to highly qualified teachers, small class sizes, and a structured, play-based curriculum that prepares children for kindergarten and beyond.

A Unique Approach to Early Education: What sets Bright Minds apart?

A Literacy-Based Curriculum

Recognizing that children today face higher expectations when entering kindergarten, Bright Minds incorporates the Handwriting Without Tears curriculum alongside other structured learning activities. Their goal is to prepare each child socially, cognitively, and emotionally for Kindergarten.  But don’t be mistaken—play is still at the heart of their approach. Angela and her team understand that the best learning happens when children are engaged, exploring, and having fun.

Highly Qualified Teachers

All Bright Minds teachers either hold degrees in early childhood education or the human services field, or are actively pursuing them. The school also supports continued education through the T.E.A.C.H. program, which provides financial assistance for staff members earning their degrees.

Small Class Sizes

Unlike many preschools that operate at maximum state ratios, Bright Minds intentionally keeps its student-teacher ratios lower:

• Two-year-old classrooms: 1:6 (max 12 students per room)
• Three-year-old classroom: 1:8 (max 16 students)
• Pre-K classroom: 1:6 (max 12 students)

These lower ratios ensure each child receives individualized attention, fostering both academic and social-emotional development.

A School Rooted in Community

Bright Minds isn’t just a preschool—it’s a community. Families participate in annual events like hayrides and summer outings.

Bright Minds also brings in guest presenters, from yoga instructors to dentists, and partners with the Radnor Library for weekly book borrowing and storytime sessions. The school even collaborates with local organizations like Dom Fixes Bikes to promote bike safety, reinforcing its mission to support not just students, but the community at large.

Families Share​​ Their Bright Minds Experiences

The voices of students and their families speak volumes about the school’s impact. The Bright Minds community takes great pride in the relationships built and the growth seen every day. 

Here are a few reflections from families who have experienced what Bright Minds has to offer:

“My child asked to go to school on a Saturday, and that is very much telling of what a great place Bright Minds Preschool is. The staff is caring and dedicated, and the curriculum is very thoughtful and enriching.”                            -Afrora Muca

“Amazing staff and educational school. Our little one LOVES going everyday!”            -Trishie M

“The staff is excellent, the curriculum is well planned, and our son (age 2) is benefitting from the school setting. His teachers and the management team are caring and professional, and they provide him with the guidance and resources he needs for development. We also receive consistent daily updates from the school regarding his activities and future events. We look forward to seeing his progress over the next few years.”                           -Matt Hiller

Enrollment & Availability

With the expansion, Bright Minds has more openings than usual—but spots are filling quickly!

At the time of publication (April 2025), the original two-year-old classroom has just one spot left and the new two-year-old classroom has 11 open spots.

Additionally, to make the enrollment process easier, the school now offers online tour scheduling through Calendly, allowing parents to book a visit at their convenience. Tours are available Monday through Thursday at 10:30 AM and 2:15 PM, and per state regulations, prospective students must attend the tour with their parents.

Families interested in joining Bright Minds Preschool should schedule a tour as soon as possible. With demand remaining high, the newly opened classroom is expected to fill quickly.

Angela and her team are thrilled about this next chapter and are eager to welcome more families into the Bright Minds community.

For more information or to schedule a tour, visit Bright Minds Preschool’s website or follow them on social media for updates on the expansion and enrollment availability.

Photos courtesy of Bright Minds Preschool of the Main Line, as seen in the Spring Education Guide.
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