More than a Preschool - A family Legacy of Learning Since 1984

Bright Beginnings was born in 1984 when Kathe Petchel, a former public-school teacher and new mom, couldn’t find the kind of preschool she dreamed of for her daughter. So she built it herself—right from her home. What began as a morning preschool quickly grew into three vibrant locations serving hundreds of families across Crozet, Forest Lakes, and Mill Creek.

Rooted in Love. Growing with Purpose.

Kathe combined her classroom experience and parenting values to build a preschool that felt like home—where learning was joyful, family connections mattered, and every child was seen and celebrated. That legacy continues today with her daughter, Molly Hichens, now co-owner and CEO, leading the next generation with heart and vision. Together, they ensure every child and family receives exceptional care at Bright Beginnings, Charlottesville’s trusted early childhood leader for over 40 years.

We believe childhood should be BRIGHT!

At Bright Beginnings, we:

  • Nurture curiosity through hands-on, play-based learning

  • Support families with flexible schedules and open communication

  • Build relationships that last a lifetime—with students, parents, and staff

Our six core values guide everything we do:
 Nurture - Play - Learn - Trust - Communicate - Family

Kathe’s Why: “Why I still love it after all these years!”

Kathe Petchel, Leo Hichens, Rob Hichens, Poppy Hichens, Molly Hichens, and Bob Petchel

As the oldest of 4 children, I have always wanted to teach! When I was 8 years old I set up a pretend classroom to teach my brothers and sister- I was an early success too: 1 brother is a hospital CFO, 1 brother is a pro football coach and my sister is a Licensed Family Therapist! After I graduated college with a degree in Early Childhood Education, I taught kindergarten and 1st grade in the public schools in Charlottesville. But after I had my first child, Meghan,  I learned that there were no quality preschools in Charlottesville. This gave me an idea- why not start my own? 

So I did. In starting Bright Beginnings I personally developed our comprehensive and progressive curriculum but also added the things I enjoyed doing with my own children like cooking, field trips, outdoor classrooms and lots of hands-on fun!  Bright Beginnings is my passion- my days fly by and I can’t wait to go to work each morning! I love to watch what I created in 1984 grow, change and get better. I love to learn about best practices from all around the country and am active in many professional development groups. It’s unbelievable to me that I’ve personally nurtured over 1,000 teacher’s careers and impacted  over 10,000 children! Watching my former students come back to Bright Beginnings as parents or to work with us is an honor. Having my youngest daughter, Molly, learn alongside me and my husband, Bob, makes my job especially rewarding.  

When you enroll here you become part of our family for life! Communication is one of our core values.  Have a suggestion? Want to volunteer? We want to hear all about it and get to know you! 

A Quote from Our Families

"“We started coming to Bright Beginnings when Harper was 1 years old and have been there for nearly 4 years. Thank you for providing a safe and nurturing place for our baby to grow into a rising kindergartner!” — The Bailey Family, Crozet