Where Lifelong Learning Begins: Westcliff Early Learning Academy Celebrates Grand Opening in Irvine
On a sun-soaked afternoon in Irvine, laughter echoed across the playground, live music filled the air, and children darted between garden beds and art stations — all as families, educators, and city leaders gathered to celebrate something extraordinary: the grand opening of Westcliff Early Learning Academy.
For Westcliff University, long known for its global reach and career-driven approach to higher education, this expansion into early childhood education marks a bold and deeply personal new chapter. One that begins at the very first steps of learning.
Located in the heart of Irvine, the brand-new, light-filled campus was designed from the ground up to support young children from 12 weeks to Kindergarten. With a focus on Montessori and Reggio Emilia-inspired learning, nature-based play, and dual-language programs, the school offers an environment where curiosity is nurtured, creativity thrives, and children are empowered to lead their own learning journeys.
A Vision Rooted in Family, Built for the Future
The grand opening was the culmination of a four-year dream for Dr. Anthony Lee, President and CEO of Westcliff University, and Dr. Linda Tran Lee, pharmacist, mom, and founder of plant-based children’s skincare company Faith & Sage. As both educators and parents, the Lee’s were motivated by personal experience and a desire to meet a critical community need.
“It’s an honor to be able to provide quality, foundational education to young learners and to our community,” said Dr. Anthony Lee, speaking at the ribbon-cutting. “There is a major shortage of childcare across the state and nation, and we’re proud to be part of the solution.”
For Dr. Linda Tran Lee, the passion behind the project runs even deeper. “As parents with our own kids attending Westcliff Early Learning Academy, we are so invested and excited to be providing this incredible curriculum of Montessori-Reggio blended learning,” she shared. “The inclusion of health and wellness as part of the education is really a dream come true for me, having a background in this subject as a pharmacist.”
The campus was filled with indications of that personal investment, from the thoughtful design of each classroom to the joyful engagement of the teachers leading the tours. Families strolled through indoor and outdoor spaces crafted with natural materials, sensory-rich environments, and calming colors. At every turn, it was clear: this wasn’t just a new school, it was a community being born.
A Curriculum Designed for Wonder
Westcliff Early Learning Academy’s curriculum reflects a rich blend of Montessori structure, Reggio Emilia-inspired project work, and nature-based exploration. Children are encouraged to follow their natural interests through hands-on learning, guided discovery, and unstructured outdoor play.
Teacher Theresa Huang, who leads one of the school’s dual-language Vietnamese classrooms, described the approach with clarity and pride:
“The easiest way to describe the blend of teaching philosophies is that the children lean into what most interests them and learn more about it. Whether that be music, language, arts, science, or many at once. This nurtures their passion for learning, their curiosity, and independence.”
The dual-language program, one of the only of its kind in the region, is designed to take advantage of young children’s optimal window for language acquisition. Research-backed and play-driven, the program fosters early bilingualism while supporting cognitive growth and cultural connection.
A Community Comes Together
The opening drew a diverse crowd of community leaders, including Irvine Vice Mayor James Mai, who spoke warmly about the academy’s role in the city.
“Having a school like this here is so special to us,” he said. “It’s a benefit to the community, the kids, and parents. Irvine is consistently ranked one of the safest and most desirable cities in America to raise a family, so it could not be in a better place. I love the learning environment here. If Westcliff Early Learning was around when my own children were of age, I absolutely would have enrolled them here.”
Laura Perdew, vice president of communications and member relations for the Greater Irvine Chamber, added, “We are so proud to have Westcliff here in Irvine and grateful for what they do for the community — now for parents and children too. Early education is so important, and we really support what they’re doing here.” Also in attendance were representatives from the office of Irvine Councilmember Melinda Liu, underscoring the city’s support for innovation in education.
For Donna Koontz, the academy’s director of Admissions and a seasoned educator with more than 40 years of experience in early childhood education, the opening marked the beginning of something truly special.
“There are really very few schools that have this kind of blend of philosophy — Montessori, Reggio, and nature-based curriculum,” she said. “It is really unique in that way. I’m so excited for the kids to come into this beautiful brand-new school and explore the different environments and educational items we have here. I can’t wait to meet the parents. The community aspect is so important, and I can’t wait to build that together.”
A New Chapter, A Lasting Legacy
As the ribbon was officially cut and applause rang out, there was a sense of both celebration and momentum. Westcliff Early Learning Academy isn’t just a place for children to learn their first words or count to 10; it’s where they’ll build confidence, discover joy in learning, and lay the foundation for a lifetime of curiosity.
This is where their story begins.
And for Westcliff — now serving students from infancy through doctorate degrees — it’s a powerful reminder that education doesn’t have a starting line. It starts wherever there’s a spark of wonder and someone willing to nurture it.
