Deerfield Beach, Fla. (April 20, 2026) – The Learning Experience (TLE), one of the nation's fastest-growing educational childcare companies, is pleased to announce its award winners, highlighted at TLECon 2026. Each year, the company recognizes top-performing centers and franchisees systemwide. Awards include the Flexi's Rising Star Award, Penny Polite Brand Advocacy Award, Grace & Charity Community Impact Award, the Michael and Linda Weissman Culture Award, Centers of Excellence, Elite Centers of Excellence and the Chairman's Award, which is the highest honor any of the more than 475 centers across the nation can receive.
"At The Learning Experience, our growth has always been powered by the strength, passion, and execution of our franchisees and center leaders," said Richard Weissman, Co-Founder, Chairman, and CEO of The Learning Experience. "These awards recognize the individuals and teams who don't just uphold our standards, they raise them. Their commitment to operational excellence, family experience, and community impact is what continues to define our brand and drive our success."
The Flexi's Rising Star Award recognizes new centers that have been operating for less than 18 months and are showing exceptional determination, rapid growth, and a clear commitment to excellence, setting the stage for long-term success. The centers awarded the Rising Star Award are The Learning Experience in Davenport Loughman, FL, owned and operated by Victoria Lopez, and The Learning Experience in Katy Ventana, TX, owned and operated by Asra Bilgrami and Haider Kazim.
The Penny Polite Brand Advocacy Award honors franchisees and center leaders who exemplify The Learning Experience brand in everything they do, fully embracing and implementing brand initiatives, bringing the brand's mission to life and creating a safe and positive environment for students and staff. The individuals awarded the Brand Advocacy Award are Nicole Rosa (franchisee from Cooper City, FL), Raj Dhrolia, Jagdish Patel and Lyn Stuart German (Multi-unit franchisees for Mill Creek, WA and Lacey, WA) and Erika Garcia (Center Director for Long Island City, NY).
The Grace & Charity Community Impact Award celebrates centers that go above and beyond to make a meaningful difference in their communities, instilling the value of giving in their students while actively supporting philanthropic efforts, including passionately engaging in the company's partnership with Make-A-Wish. The centers that received this award this year are Marlton, NJ, owned and operated by Tricia Cylc; Lemont, IL, owned and operated by Alok Jhamnani; and Wayne, NJ, managed by Center Director Ariel Martin.
The Michael and Linda Weissman Culture Award recognizes centers that foster a workplace culture rooted in connection, trust, and belonging. Inspired by the vision of the company's co-founders, these centers create positive, supportive environments for both their teams and families. The centers that received this award are Ledgewood, NJ, owned and operated by Manoj Gandhi; Hutto, TX, owned and operated by Richard and Marisol Luckett; and Rio Rancho, NM, managed by the center director, Britney Woods.
The Center of Excellence distinction is awarded to centers that consistently meet or exceed TLE's operational standards. This year, 134 centers won the award, showing their strong commitment to quality and delivering reliable, high-level performance across all aspects of their operations.
The Elite Center of Excellence honor is awarded to the top-performing 25% of centers, showcasing top tier of operational achievement and best-in-class performance. This year, 35 centers received the award, setting the benchmark for excellence across the organization.
"The Chairman's Award represents the very highest standard within our system," said Weissman. "These franchisees exemplify what it means to lead with excellence, inspire their teams, and deliver an exceptional experience for children and families every day. They are setting the benchmark for what is possible across The Learning Experience."
The Learning Experience's Chairman's Award is the company's highest honor, awarded to franchisees who demonstrate exceptional leadership, sustained performance, and a steadfast commitment to excellence. The franchisees who received this award are Vivek Gaddam, a multi-unit franchisee with centers in Belmont, Harrisburg, Indian Land and Stallings, NC; and Arnold, Lasandra and Jackie Talleyrand, multi-unit franchisees with centers in Banning Lewis Ranch and Cimmaron, CO, and Rivercrest and O-Town, FL.
As The Learning Experience continues its rapid national expansion, the brand remains focused on redefining early childhood education through innovation, curriculum excellence and a commitment to building strong communities. By investing in its franchisees and educators, TLE is not only growing its footprint but also shaping how young children learn, play and thrive in a modern educational environment.
About The Learning Experience
The Learning Experience is one of the nation's fastest-growing educational childcare companies for children ages six weeks to six years old, with more than 475 centers open and a new location opening every week. With a greater national emphasis on educational development during the most crucial years of a child's growth, The Learning Experience places a prominent focus on programs that advance scholastic preparation. The Learning Experience prepares children academically and socially through innovative scholastic programs, including their L.E.A.P.® curriculum, a cutting-edge proprietary approach to learning. To complement the academic curriculum, The Learning Experience offers various enrichment programs that are crucial to advancing learning and overall balance, such as philanthropy, Little Musicians, Little Engineers, Little Goal Getters, manners and etiquette, and foreign language. For more information, visit www.thelearningexperience.com.
