Meet the Owner

Hi, I'm Melissa McLaughlin, founder and owner of The Heights Learning Academy.

Over the past 15 years, I have had the privilege of working with children in a variety of educational settings as a Speech-Language Pathology Assistant, mathematics teacher, and curriculum developer. Through those experiences, one thing became abundantly clear to me: young children are capable of so much more than we often give them credit for.

Children are naturally curious. They want to ask questions, explore ideas, make connections, and understand the world around them. When learning is presented in an engaging, age-appropriate, and play-inspired way, preschoolers can absorb an incredible range of subjects and concepts while developing a genuine love of learning.

That belief became the foundation of The Heights Learning Academy.

At The Heights Learning Academy, we strive to create the perfect balance between academics and childhood. Children spend their days exploring literacy, mathematics, science, art, music, Spanish language, geography, cultural traditions, nature, and community through hands-on experiences designed to spark wonder and excitement. Every day is filled with engaging adventures, meaningful friendships, creative play, and opportunities for children to build confidence in themselves and their abilities.

While kindergarten readiness is important, our mission extends far beyond academics. We believe some of the most valuable lessons children learn are confidence, resilience, kindness, integrity, curiosity, and independence. Our goal is for every child to leave our program not only prepared for their next educational chapter, but also feeling capable, valued, and excited to continue learning.

The Heights Learning Academy is intentionally small, allowing us to truly know each child and create meaningful relationships with the families we serve. We believe exceptional early childhood education happens when teachers and parents work together, which is why communication and partnership are at the heart of our program.

Long Beach is more than the location of my business—it is my home, my community, and a city that has shaped who I am. As a proud California State University, Long Beach graduate and local business owner, I am grateful for the opportunity to serve the families who make this community so special. The diversity, creativity, and strong sense of connection found throughout Long Beach inspire both my leadership style and the culture of our school.

I take great pride in representing Belmont Heights and the surrounding neighborhoods. Whether we are exploring our community on neighborhood walks, learning about the world through a new curriculum theme, or celebrating milestones together, our school is deeply rooted in the community we call home.

It is an honor to be part of each child's early learning journey. The Heights Learning Academy is more than a preschool—it is a close-knit community where children are encouraged to be kind, curious, confident, and fully themselves.

My education background: 

·      Bachelors of Arts in Communicative Disorders and a Minor in Spanish from California State University, Long Beach.

·      Teaching Credential in Mathematics from California State University, Long Beach. 

What I teach:

• Phonics and Literacy 

• Writing Fluency

• Mathematics

• Social Studies and Geography

• Art

• Science

• Spanish 

• Music and Yoga.

• Kindness, Manners, Sportsmanship

Is The Heights Learning Academy the right place for your child?

• Does your child love to ask questions, learn and be creative?

• Do you value a small class size, 1 teacher per 8 students?

• Is individualize attention and accommodation important to your student and your family?

• In addition to core subjects, The Heights curriculum is full of fun activities, crafts, hands on learning experiences, music, yoga, Spanish and more. My program is designed in a way where your child will have a joyful, fun, interactive day, but all activities are geared towards an academic or developmental goal. 

• Child must be potty trained.