Our Story
Welcome to Little Lighthouse Academy, nestled in the heart of the vibrant Great Park neighborhood of Irvine, California.
As an experienced elementary educator and a mom to a curious, spirited toddler, I founded Little Lighthouse Academy to create the kind of early learning environment I once dreamed of—one that balances academic intention with joyful play. I believe that young children flourish when they feel safe, inspired, and deeply understood, and that’s the heart of everything we do here.
Little Lighthouse Academy is a proudly woman-owned, community-rooted program built on care, purpose, and connection. My goal is to provide a nurturing space where children are seen, supported, and encouraged to explore the world with confidence and wonder. Through hands-on learning, meaningful play, and age-appropriate discovery, we help each child begin their journey of lifelong curiosity and growth.
Looking ahead, my vision is for Little Lighthouse Academy to serve as a model of high-quality early education—where families feel truly valued and children develop not only academically, but also emotionally and socially. Growth will always be intentional, guided by a commitment to our community and the evolving needs of modern families.
At Little Lighthouse Academy, we’re dedicated to fostering confident, kind, and capable learners. Through developmentally appropriate practices, strong relationships, and a growth mindset, we’re lighting the way for tomorrow’s leaders—one child at a time.
I invite you to join me on this meaningful journey.
With gratitude,
Helen Lee
Executive Director, LLA
Helen Lee
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
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 plan to relocate to a larger, commercial center in 2027. 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.