About Us

  1. Berwyn Early Learning Academy
  2. About Us

Childcare & Preschool in Berwyn, PA

At Berwyn Early Learning Academy, we serve families in Berwyn and the surrounding Main Line communities with a thoughtfully designed early learning experience that supports children and families today. In 2024, we intentionally expanded into a full-time, full-year program for children ages 6 weeks to 5 years old, allowing us to meet the needs of modern families with flexible schedules and comprehensive care. This expansion marked the launch of Berwyn Early Learning Academy, reflecting both our broader reach and our commitment to building a strong, relationship-centered early learning community.

A Strong Foundation, Thoughtfully Reimagined

Our program builds on a long-standing commitment to early childhood education that began as Berwyn United Methodist Nursery School. While our roots inform our values, Berwyn Early Learning Academy represents a new chapter—one focused on intentional growth, small learning communities, and responsive care that evolves alongside the families we serve. This reimagined approach allows us to create classrooms where children are known, supported, and encouraged every day.

Whole-Child Learning Approach

We embrace a whole-child approach, supporting children’s physical, social, emotional, and cognitive development through purposeful play and engaging learning experiences. Our thematically oriented curriculum, Funny Daffer, invites children into meaningful projects and exploration that spark curiosity, creativity, and a lifelong love of learning.

More Than a School — A Growing Community

Berwyn Early Learning Academy is more than a school—it is a growing community built around strong relationships, individualized attention, and shared values. Families from Berwyn, Devon, Wayne, and Paoli choose us for our warm, responsive environment, small classroom settings, and commitment to helping every child thrive at their own pace.

Learn more about our programs: Infant Care, Toddler Care, and Preschool Ready to see us in action? Schedule a tour today!

Our Staff:

Alexander Smith Picture
Alexander Smith
Director

A dedicated father and husband, Alex Smith has spent over 20 years shaping young minds as a preschool teacher. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education and Administration from Purdue University Global and a Master’s degree from the Harvard Graduate School of Education in Pre K-12 Educational Leadership. As a PA-certified teacher, he brings both expertise and heart into every classroom he leads, inspiring children to grow with curiosity and confidence.

Outside of teaching, Alex is an avid reader who enjoys traveling, going to the movies, and spending time with friends and family. A lover of good food—especially sushi and pizza—he also collects vinyl records, always on the lookout for the next great addition to his collection. 

Tamar Fremont Picture
Tamar Fremont
Infant Room Lead Teacher

Meet Ms. Tamar

Tamar Fremont, originally from Roanoke, Virginia, has called Pennsylvania home for the past three years. At 23, she has already discovered one of her greatest joys—caring for babies. Tamar finds deep fulfillment in supporting children through their earliest milestones, from first smiles to first words, and loves helping them feel safe, curious, and confident as they explore the world around them.

Outside the classroom, Tamar enjoys reading, writing, and singing. These creative passions inspire the patience, imagination, and joy she brings into her work with children. She especially loves weaving music, stories, and self-expression into her daily care as powerful tools for connection and growth.

Looking ahead, Tamar hopes to pursue a career as a therapist, continuing her commitment to supporting children and families in meaningful ways. For now, she is grateful for the opportunity to nurture, guide, and grow alongside the little ones at BELA each day.

Gianna Bagola Picture
Gianna Bagola
Preschool Lead Teacher

Meet Ms. Gianna

Gianna recently graduated from West Chester University with a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science. During her college years, she discovered her passion for working with children while serving in the childcare division at the YMCA’s BASE program and Summer Camp at the Spring Valley location. There, she not only supported daily activities but also designed and led engaging STEM programs for children of all ages.

She shares, “Being in the classroom and feeding off the kids’ energy is my favorite part of teaching!” That joy and connection inspired her to pursue a career in early childhood education.

When she’s not teaching, Gianna enjoys going to concerts, adventuring with friends, and spending time with her cat, Felix.

Gianna is thrilled to begin her journey as a preschool teacher at BELA, where she looks forward to helping children grow, learn, and thrive every day.

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