Bringing Early Learning to Life: Celebree School Launches First Atlanta Locations in Smyrna and East Cobb

The schools will provide curriculum-based programs for children six weeks to 12 years, combining nurturing care with academic readiness.

ATLANTA, Oct. 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Celebree School, a leader in early childhood education that provides infant and toddler care, preschool, before and aftercare, and summer camp programs, expands into the Atlanta market with two new locations. The Smyrna school, located at 485 Concord Rd SE, officially opened on September 15. A second location in East Cobb at 1099 Johnson Ferry Road will open by November. Both schools will provide customized programs designed to support the physical, social, emotional, and academic growth of children, while meeting Atlanta's early education standards.

The new Smyrna school is locally owned and operated by Alexander and Cathie Ernst, who bring a balance of corporate leadership and classroom expertise to their roles. Alexander spent 15 years at The Coca-Cola Company building skills in leadership and strategy, while Cathie has more than 20 years of experience teaching art, Spanish, and French to children. She also worked with underserved students, where she used art-based learning to encourage confidence and creativity, reflecting the couple's shared belief in the power of education to transform lives. The Ernsts say opening Celebree School is the realization of a longtime goal to give local families a trusted place for their children to learn and grow.

"Opening the doors of our Smyrna school is the fulfillment of a dream we've shared for years," said Alexander Ernst. "Celebree School has allowed us to take our professional strengths and channel them into something that puts children and families at the heart of everything we do."

"Since Celebree School of Smyrna opened its doors, you can hear the children laughing in the building, while they are making new friends, exploring the classrooms, learning about each other, enjoying all of our toys, painting self-portraits, and playing soccer. Families have been enrolling their children every week. "We can't wait to see your children," say proudly Cathie and Alex.

In East Cobb, the new school is led by Farwa Khan and her husband, Aloke Devalia. As parents of three children and long-time East Cobb residents, they bring a strong commitment to their local community. Farwa, who previously ran an accredited preschool in Marietta and holds a master's degree in public administration from Georgia State, is eager to return to early childhood education. Aloke, an MBA graduate from Georgia Tech, draws on two decades of leadership experience at companies including Delta Air Lines and Equifax to support the school's operations and growth. Together, they are focused on making Celebree School a lasting resource for fellow East Cobb families.

"Education has always been central to my life's work," said Farwa Khan. "As we prepare to open our doors in November, it's incredibly meaningful to provide East Cobb families with a place where children can grow with confidence and joy. This school will be both a resource for families and a reflection of the community we care so deeply about."

Celebree School lives by its promise to Grow People Big and Small™, and was founded on the belief that success in early childhood development is equal parts curriculum and a connection that extends beyond the classroom to address the needs of the whole child and the whole family. Each Celebree School is a village made up of parents, children, and educators while providing curriculum-based care that prepares your child for kindergarten and beyond.

With a 30-plus-year history of providing superior early childhood education, Celebree School delivers a stable, secure learning environment that helps children develop a lifelong love of learning. Programs are available for children six weeks to 12 years old with unique curriculums designed to develop positive social skills and values while allowing children to learn about their world through age-appropriate play, projects, and activities. Care is available part time or full time and parents are allowed to drop in and visit at any time. 

"We're proud to welcome Alexander, Cathie, Farwa, and Aloke into our Celebree School family," said Richard Huffman, Founder and CEO of Celebree School. "They bring a deep commitment to children, families, and the community that perfectly reflects our mission to Grow People Big and Small, and we look forward to seeing Smyrna and East Cobb families flourish with the support of our dedicated team and enriching programs."

Celebree School – Smyrna is open Monday – Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. For more information on Celebree School in Smyrna, please visit https://www.celebree.com/smyrna-ga/ or call (770) 626-0640.

Celebree School – East Cobb will be open Monday – Friday from 6:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. For more information on Celebree School in East Cobb, please visit https://www.celebree.com/east-cobb-ga/ or call (770) 874-0100.

About Celebree School
Founded in 1994, Celebree School is a leader in early childhood education that provides infant and toddler care, preschool, before and aftercare, and summer camp programs. With a mission to Grow People Big and Small™, Celebree School believes success in early childhood development is equal parts curriculum and connection. Each school employs a customized program that addresses the physical, social, emotional, and academic needs of children and follows applicable state guidelines. In 2019, Celebree School launched its franchise offering. In 2024, Celebree School's founder, Richard Huffman, launched a new parent company called Huffman Family Brands, merging Celebree affiliated concepts under one multi-brand company structure. Learn more about how we grow confident children who are prepared for school and life at Celebree.com. Connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

Media Contact:
Logan Ruby
Fishman Public Relations
[email protected] or 630-945-0474

SOURCE Celebree School