Stellar Academy

In September of 2002, Ms. Matthews attended the NJEDA Entrepreneurial Training Institute program hosted by the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at Raritan Valley Community College (RVCC). SBDC Director, Sue Johnson, was a facilitator for the program and assisted Ms. Matthews with developing her business, marketing and financial plans. With their business plan completed, Ms. Matthews and Dr. Buley secured an SBA loan from Valley National Bank.

With the essential funding and after a year of careful planning, they opened for business in September of 2004. Expecting a gradual climb in attendance, Stellar Academy blossomed quickly to 140 children - 80% of the Academy’s operating capacity, and full capacity could be reached within the first year of operation. As one excited parent put it, “It’s a no brainer.” The Academy’s innovative approach to early childhood learning emphasizing the development of the “whole” child – physically, emotionally, socially and intellectually - is certainly its strongest selling feature.

Stellar Academy’s 16,000 sq ft facility is sectioned into learning zones; The Louvre, nurtures a child’s imagination and artistic abilities; The Olympics, emphasizes balance and body control; Carnegie Hall, is where children are immersed in music; Alphabet Soup, focuses on language and word skills; NASA (Numbering and Sequencing Activities) concentrates on problem solving and categorizing; The UN (Understanding Neighbors) teaches ‘people’ skills; Me, Myself & I nurtures self-confidence, safety and good nutrition; and The Discovery Zone, allows children to experience the wonders of nature. Each of these zones is staffed by a teacher specialist who works with Dr. Buley to develop and deliver the appropriate curriculum for that zone. Care givers accompany their group of students to each learning zone. They are responsible for the physical and emotional needs of their children. To meet the teaching and support requirements of the many well-crafted learning programs/activities, Stellar Academy employs 27 fulltime and 10 part time professionals.

Dr. Buley and Ms. Matthews have meticulously planned every aspect of their program. One of the most impressive features of the school is its use of modern technology. Not only do the children and teachers make use of computers, but camera viewing allows supervision of all the rooms and special passkey entry keeps track of all who come and go.

One of the most interesting aspects of Stellar Academy’s business model was the selection of their logo. The eight pointed star represents their commitment to nurture all eight intelligences of a child’s development (Music, Verbal, Logical, Visual, Bodily, Naturalist, Interpersonal and Intrapersonal).

Stellar Academy will certainly be a bright star (pun intended) in Somerset County’s educational community for a long time.

The SBDC at Raritan Valley Community College began counseling Ms. Matthews in June of 2003. Due to the complexity of her business concept she needed direction in assembling a business plan that would not only assist her with operations planning but also funding. SBDC at RVCC Regional Director, Sue Johnson, guided Ms. Matthews through the process. In the end, Stellar Academy has and they received a $575k SBDC loan.