Our Story
1992
Bright Beginnings Nursery School Opens
Kim Hope founded Bright Beginnings Nursery School in January 1992 as a part-time nursery school for two-year-olds. As interest grew, the program expanded from Kim's home to include Preschool and Summer Programs for two, three, and four-year-old children.
1997
The Burlington Academy of Learning is Established
In the fall of 1997, Bright Beginnings became The Burlington Academy of Learning and moved to its current location. The Academy introduced half-day and full-day Kindergarten programs, along with Before and After School care, to meet the growing needs of Burlington families.
2012
Expanded Programs for Two-Year-Olds
The Academy dedicated a classroom exclusively to its 2-Year-Old Nursery School Program and added both part-time and full-time enrollment options.
2013
Infant/Toddler Programs Launch
The Burlington Academy expanded again by introducing Infant and Toddler Programs. A dedicated Junior Academy was established for Infants, Toddlers, and the 2-Year-Old Nursery School, while a second building served students from the 3-Year-Old Nursery School through School Age.
2019
Bilingual Academy Opens
The Academy introduced its Bilingual Academy (Academia Bilingüe), led by Señora Analía. The program encourages children to learn and speak Spanish while completing their PreKindergarten and Kindergarten curriculum.
2020
School Age Day Program Begins
To support families during distance learning, The Academy launched its School Age Day Program. Students received guidance from a certified teacher while participating in a well-rounded educational experience that included Art, Music, Spanish, and Physical Education.
Today - Growing with Our Community
The Burlington Academy of Learning now proudly owns its campus in the heart of Burlington, allowing continued renovations and enhancements, including expanded outdoor classrooms.
Today, The Academy offers programs for:
- Infants
- Toddlers
- 2 & 3 Year Old Nursery School
- Montessori PreKindergarten
- Montessori Jr.PreK
- Montessori Junior Kindergarten/Kindergarten
- Before & After School Care
- Supplemental Care for school vacations, holidays, and snow days
- School Age Program
- Summer Camp
- Kids' Night Out
While much has changed since 1992, our commitment has remained the same, to provide exceptional educational experiences and nurturing care for children while supporting the families we serve.
About our Owners
Kim Hope
Owner and Founder
Under the visionary leadership of Kim Hope, Bright Beginnings Nursery School was founded in 1992 with a loving focus on two-year-old children. What began as a small program quickly flourished, guided by a deep commitment to early childhood education for all. As the program grew, this passion led to the opening of The Burlington Academy of Learning in 1997.
The Burlington Academy of Learning is privately owned by Ms. Kim Hope and her son, Scott Dunstan. As a family-owned school, which has been the heart of their lives, children and their families are always at the center of everything they do.
Scott Dunstan
Co-Owner
Mr. Scott’s connection to The Burlington Academy of Learning began as its very first student and as one of the inspirations behind his mother, Ms. Kim Hope, who founded the Academy.
Scott later pursued his education in Early Childhood Education and spent nearly ten years teaching at BAL, becoming a beloved teacher to many children and families.
Today, as Co-Owner, Mr. Scott helps oversee our beautiful campus and grounds, supports school operations and improvements, and works closely with the Head of School. From BAL’s first student to teacher to Co-Owner, Mr. Scott continues to be an important part of The Academy’s story and legacy.