Our Story
Welcome to Little Lighthouse Academy, nestled in the heart of the vibrant Great Park neighborhood of Irvine, California.
We are two passionate educators—elementary teachers with over a decade of classroom experience—who are now also moms to curious, spirited toddlers. Little Lighthouse Academy was born from our shared belief that young children thrive when they are immersed in an environment that balances academic intention with joyful play. As both teachers and mothers, we understand the kind of care and quality parents hope for—and we’ve built LLA to provide just that.
Little Lighthouse Academy is a proudly women-owned business rooted in our community and driven by our values. We created this space with heart and purpose: to offer a nurturing early childhood program where children are seen, supported, and inspired. Our mission is to empower young minds through hands-on learning, meaningful play, and age-appropriate exploration, helping each child embark on a journey of lifelong curiosity and growth.
Looking ahead, our vision is to become a model for high-quality early education—where families feel genuinely connected and children are prepared not just academically, but emotionally and socially for the world ahead. We aim to grow intentionally, with a focus on staying community-centered and responsive to the evolving needs of modern families.
At Little Lighthouse Academy, we are committed to fostering confident, kind, and capable learners. Through developmentally appropriate practice, strong relationships, and a growth mindset approach, we’re lighting the way for tomorrow’s leaders—one child at a time.
We invite you to join us on this meaningful journey.
With gratitude,
Helen Lee & Jenny Oh
Co-Executive Directors, LLA
Helen Lee
Co-Executive Director
• University of Southern California, B.A. in Linguistics and East Asian Languages and Culture
• Azusa Pacific University, M.A. in Elementary Education
• California Multiple Subject Teaching Credential
• IB Primary Programme experience in Teaching and Learning
• Held an executive leadership position at an education startup in 2020
• 11 years of elementary teaching experience; Pre-K/K, First Grade, and Second Grade
• 1 year of Early Childhood Education teaching experience
Jenny Oh
Co-Executive Director
• University of California, Berkeley, B.A. in Social Welfare and Minor in Education
• Stanford University, M.A. in Elementary Education
• California Multiple Subject Teaching Credential
• IB Primary Programme Certificate in Teaching and Learning
• Preliminary California Administrative Services Credential
• 11 years of elementary teaching experience; Kindergarten and Second Grade
• 1 year of Early Childhood Education teaching/admin experience
Why LLA?
Little Lighthouse Academy is an academic preschool designed for families who value intentional teaching, cultural awareness, and a strong start. Our program combines developmentally appropriate structure with hands-on learning in literacy, math, and STEAM. Rooted in warmth, clarity, and purpose, we help children build the confidence, independence, and curiosity they need to thrive in school—and beyond.
Relocation
As Little Lighthouse Academy continues to grow, we’re excited to share that we plan to relocate to a larger, commercial center in Summer 2026. This upcoming move will allow us to welcome more families, expand our classrooms, and offer an even richer early learning experience. While our roots began in a small setting, our vision has always been big—and this next chapter reflects our long-term commitment to serving our community with excellence, care, and purpose.