32 Years of Higher Learning: A Legacy of Love, Learning, and Community

Higher Learning Child Care Academy Celebrates 32 Years of Serving Children and Families!

From a small home-based childcare business in 1994 to a lasting legacy of early childhood education, Ms. Barbara Borders celebrates 32 years of faith, determination, and making a difference.

KINGS MOUNTAIN, NC — Some businesses are built to make money. Others are built to make a difference. And every now and then, a business comes along that does both while touching the lives of generations.

For Higher Learning Child Care Academy, that journey began in 1994 with one woman, a vision, and a whole lot of faith. Now, 32 years later, Higher Learning is celebrating more than another year in business. We are celebrating the children who have grown up with us, the families who have trusted us, the employees who have helped build us, and a community that has supported us through every season.

And we want YOU to celebrate with us!

From Humble Beginnings to a Lasting Legacy

When Ms. Barbara Borders opened the doors of her home-based childcare business in 1994, she probably could not have imagined all the places this journey would take her.

As a mother of three young sons, Barbara understood firsthand the importance of having quality, dependable childcare. She also understood the challenges families faced while trying to work, provide for their children, and build a better future.

What began as a small child care operation inside her home grew into something much bigger. Over the years, Higher Learning has operated in approximately seven different locations, expanding its reach and serving families throughout Cleveland County and surrounding communities.

There were seasons of tremendous growth, with multiple centers operating at once. There were also seasons of unexpected changes, difficult decisions, and having to start over in new ways.

But through it all, one thing remained the same: the commitment to providing children with a safe, loving, and educational environment where they could learn, grow, and thrive.

Today, Higher Learning continues that mission from its main location at 104 South Carpenter Street in Kings Mountain, North Carolina.

Meet the Woman Behind Higher Learning: Ms. Barbara Borders

If you have ever met Ms. Barbara, you know she is much more than a childcare business owner. She is a mother, grandmother, entrepreneur, business coach, mentor, community leader, woman of faith, and someone who truly believes that every child deserves an opportunity to succeed.

With a bachelor's degree in Engineering and Applied Science from Western Carolina University, Barbara's professional journey did not begin in early childhood education. But her passion for helping families, building businesses, and creating opportunities led her down a path that would impact thousands of lives over the next three decades.

Throughout her entrepreneurial journey, she has received numerous recognitions, including awards for small business achievement, longevity, leadership, and community impact. But ask Barbara what she is most proud of, and the answer will not simply be the awards, the buildings, or the years in business. It will be the children.

The babies who took their first steps at Higher Learning. The toddlers who learned to talk, share, and make friends. The preschoolers who proudly learned their ABCs and 123s. The school-age children who spent their afternoons and summers making memories.

And now, some of those very children are grown, raising families of their own.

That is what 32 years of Higher Learning looks like. It looks like generations. It looks like family. It looks like legacy.

Reflecting on the journey, Ms. Barbara shares:

"I can remember when Higher Learning was just an idea and a prayer. I didn't have everything figured out. I just knew I wanted to provide something special for children and families. Thirty-two years later, I look back and see God's hand in every part of this journey. Every location, every employee, every parent, and every child has been a part of our story. We have had some wonderful days and some difficult days, but through it all, God has been faithful. And I am grateful."

32 Years of Learning, Loving, and Growing

Higher Learning has always believed that childcare is about more than watching children while their parents work. It is about building a foundation. It is about helping children become confident, curious learners. It is about encouraging families, supporting working parents, and creating a place where children feel valued and loved.

Today, Higher Learning is a five-star licensed childcare academy serving children from infancy through age 12.

Our core values continue to guide everything we do:

F.F.I.I.T.T. — Family, Fun, Innovation, Integrity, Teamwork, and Thankfulness.

And after 32 years, those values still matter.

We are thankful for the parents who gave us an opportunity. The grandparents who trusted us with another generation. The teachers and staff members who poured their hearts into our classrooms. And the community that continues to believe in Higher Learning.

You're Invited! Let's Celebrate 32 Years Together!

Tuesday, October 13, 2026

Higher Learning Child Care Academy is inviting the entire community to join us for an exciting all-day anniversary celebration! Whether you are a former student, parent, employee, neighbor, community partner, or someone who simply wants to stop by and say hello, we would love to see you.

Morning: Open House, Tours, and Memory Sharing

We will begin the day at 10:00am by welcoming visitors to the center. Come take a tour, reconnect with familiar faces, see what Higher Learning looks like today, and share your favorite memories. We will also have a special Higher Learning Memory Book available for everyone to sign.

Did you attend Higher Learning as a child? Were you once a teacher, director, cook, van driver, or member of our staff? Did your children or grandchildren attend one of our locations?

We want to hear from you! Tell us where you attended or worked, what years you were with us, and share a favorite memory. Your story is a part of our history, and we would love to preserve it.

Afternoon: Family Fun and Anniversary Celebration

The afternoon will be filled with laughter, family fun, and activities for everyone!

Bring the children, invite your family, and come ready to enjoy:

• Fat and Sassy (Mrs. Ann)  serving snow cones, funnel cakes, cotton candy, candy apples, and other sweet treats.

• Fat Daddy's Chicken & Grill (David Borders) offering delicious southern food.

• "Now It's a Party" Bounce house for the children

• Games, activities, and family fun.

• Opportunities to reconnect with old friends and make new memories.

  
  

Food and treats will be available from our participating vendors.

Calling All Higher Learning Alumni, Families, and Former Employees!

This celebration is especially meaningful because Higher Learning's story is not just Ms. Barbara's story. It belongs to everyone who has ever walked through our doors. Maybe you remember one of our very first locations. Maybe your child learned to walk in one of our classrooms. Maybe you worked for Higher Learning while attending college. Or maybe Higher Learning gave you your very first job.

Whatever your connection, we want you to come back and celebrate with us. Stop by. Say hello. Take a picture. Sign our Memory Book. Tell us what you remember. Who knows? You may even run into someone you haven't seen in 20 years!

The Best Is Still Ahead

Thirty-two years is a long time to be in business. Especially in an industry that continues to change and face new challenges. But for Ms. Barbara, this anniversary is not just about looking back. It is also about looking ahead.

Her commitment to early childhood education, business development, and creating opportunities for children and families remains as strong as ever. Higher Learning is still learning. Still growing. Still finding new ways to serve. And most importantly, still believing in the potential of every child who enters its doors. As Ms. Barbara often reminds others through her own journey, starting small does not mean you have to dream small.

Thirty-two years ago, Higher Learning started with a vision. Today, it stands as a testimony of what faith, hard work, perseverance, and community support can accomplish. To every parent, child, family member, staff member, and supporter who has been part of our journey:

THANK YOU!

Thank you for trusting us. Thank you for growing with us. Thank you for allowing Higher Learning to be a part of your family's story. We would not be celebrating 32 years without you. And to the next generation of Higher Learning children, we cannot wait to see all the amazing things you will do!

Helping Children Take Flight