Our Story
Bright Beginnings has provided young children with safe, fun, and educational early childhood experiences since 1984. It all began when our founder, Kathe Petchel, a former public-school teacher, sought quality care for her daughter, Meghan. Driven by a parent’s perspective, Kathe started a morning preschool in her Earlysville home, which quickly grew into a full-day care program. By the time her second daughter, Molly, was born, Bright Beginnings had expanded to three locations.
Over the years, the Petchel family has refined and grown Bright Beginnings, now serving families at three strategically located schools in Crozet, Forest Lakes, and Mill Creek. Our mission has remained the same: offering high-quality education, flexible schedules for families, and fostering a nurturing environment led by qualified, caring teachers.
Guided by our Core Values—Family, Nurture, Learn, Play, Trust, and Communicate—we strive to create a positive impact on the Charlottesville community. Many former students have returned as teachers or parents, reflecting the lasting relationships we’ve built.
Today, Kathe continues to mentor staff and develop curriculum, while her daughter, Molly Hichens, co-owns and manages the school alongside her. Together, they ensure every child and family receives exceptional care at Bright Beginnings, Charlottesville’s trusted early childhood leader for over 40 years.
Kathe’s Why: “Why I still love it after all these years!”
Kathe Petchel, Leo Hichens, Rob Hichens, Poppy Hichens, Molly Hichens, and Bob Petchel
As the oldest of 4 children, I have always wanted to teach! When I was 8 years old I set up a pretend classroom to teach my brothers and sister- I was an early success too: 1 brother is a hospital CFO, 1 brother is a pro football coach and my sister is a Licensed Family Therapist! After I graduated college with a degree in Early Childhood Education, I taught kindergarten and 1st grade in the public schools in Charlottesville. But after I had my first child, Meghan, I learned that there were no quality preschools in Charlottesville. This gave me an idea- why not start my own?
So I did. In starting Bright Beginnings I personally developed our comprehensive and progressive curriculum but also added the things I enjoyed doing with my own children like cooking, field trips, outdoor classrooms and lots of hands-on fun! Bright Beginnings is my passion- my days fly by and I can’t wait to go to work each morning! I love to watch what I created in 1984 grow, change and get better. I love to learn about best practices from all around the country and am active in many professional development groups. It’s unbelievable to me that I’ve personally nurtured over 1,000 teacher’s careers and impacted over 10,000 children! Watching my former students come back to Bright Beginnings as parents or to work with us is an honor. Having my youngest daughter, Molly, learn alongside me and my husband, Bob, makes my job especially rewarding.
When you enroll here you become part of our family for life! Communication is one of our core values. Have a suggestion? Want to volunteer? We want to hear all about it and get to know you!
Welcome to Bright Beginnings Preschool
Since 1984, Bright Beginnings has remained dedicated to our Core Values: trust, nurture, learn, communicate, play, and fun—all sprinkled with kindness!
At Bright Beginnings, we are more than just a preschool; we are a thriving learning community committed to:
Educating and nurturing young children – It’s hard to believe we’ve served over 10,000 children (and counting!) with high-quality early childhood education.
Supporting families – The parents who trust and inspire us every day are an integral part of our community.
Developing an outstanding team of early childhood educators – Our dedicated teachers and leaders work together to create a wholesome, engaging, and fun early learning experience.
As lifelong learners, we incorporate the latest best practices and early education research to prepare children for school and beyond. Our mission is to foster confidence, curiosity, and joy in every child while engaging and supporting their families.
We proudly serve the Charlottesville, Albemarle, and Crozet communities across three convenient locations—offering families a safe, nurturing, and enriching environment.
We’d love to welcome your family! Schedule a Tour Today to experience the Bright Beginnings difference.
“We started coming to Bright Beginnings when Harper was 1 years old and have been there for nearly 4 years. Thank you for providing a safe and nurturing place for our baby to grow into a rising kindergartner!”
