SOLA opened its doors in 2000 by Kathy Alstrin, an Artist & Montessori Teacher/Super Mom offering after school art lessons. Over the past 11 years it has grown into a busy Toddler program, Morning Preschool classrooms, Preschool After school, & Wilmington's top Elementary After School Program all offering arts, crafts, music & academics, and playground games and adventures, in a fun, creative, social & developmental oriented atmosphere. In 2005 SOLA and Steve Adams were formally introduced. Steve had always enjoyed coaching and mentoring children, but he was working in a field that didn't inspire or fulfill him. He was about to get the change he was looking for. He met Kathy, became the van driver(and Punch Buggy aficionado ;))and found his true calling and life's passion and purchased SOLA in March 2006. With a wonderful staff of amazingly qualified teachers, a fabulous paint job, a beautiful outdoor overhaul, and the unmatched support of the most creative, just plain cool preschool/mid day and after school parents in Wilmington, NC. SOLA's environment is alive with energy and the art's. This environment cultivates our goal to be a key partner in unlocking each child's imagination and potential for their live ahead. We work closely with parents and stay focused on and tuned in to what's going on with all of our children. Our goal is to work at each child's pace to ready them for Kindergarten or that crazy thing called Middle School, and the world in front of them. We hope to be seen by our parents as an essential part of the family support structure and their village. Our desire is to make our kids' introduction to school fun, happy, and relaxed. It's why we keep our numbers low and our teacher to child ratio better than anyone else in town!