Gifted Stars offers intentionally small, nurturing early childhood and private elementary programs for children ages 6 months through elementary school. Our calm, supportive environment helps students transition into learning and social settings with confidence while making education fun, non-intimidating, and joyful through laughter, bonding, and exploration.
Our owner-designed curriculum blends NC standards, STEAM, collaborative learning, and life skills to build a strong academic foundation from infancy through the elementary years. With themed lessons, project shares, Spanish, cooking, sign language, art, daily sanitation, field trips, and a calm environment, we provide a truly unique educational experience that grows with your child. Small by design, bold in impact from preschool through private elementary education.
Ms. Jasmine is the Founder, Chief Executive Officer, and Headmistress of Gifted Stars Early Learning Academy and Gifted Stars Christian Academy. With a strong academic foundation in Child Development and Family Relations from North Carolina Central University, Ms. Jasmine has devoted her career to nurturing and educating children from infancy through elementary years.
Gifted Stars was originally founded alongside her beloved grandmother, whose vision and partnership helped lay the foundation of the school’s mission before her passing in 2023. Ms. Jasmine proudly continues that legacy, leading with the same spirit of excellence, compassion, and community commitment that inspired its creation.
With many years of classroom experience, Ms. Jasmine has taught students across various developmental stages, including children with learning disabilities and those with IEP Plans. Her leadership reflects a deep understanding that every child learns differently and deserves individualized support, high expectations, and a nurturing environment in which to thrive.
A devoted mother of three daughters, a fiancee and God-fearing woman, Ms. Jasmine’s personal experiences further shape her passion for family centered education. She firmly believes that a child’s earliest educational experiences are foundational to lifelong success. Under her leadership, Gifted Stars remains intentionally small, academically strong, and relationship-centered.
Committed to excellence, Ms. Jasmine remains abreast of current educational research, best practices, and innovative teaching strategies. She continues to pursue ongoing professional development to expand her expertise and strengthen the academic offerings of the academy each year.
Through vision, faith, and dedication, Ms. Jasmine continues to expand Gifted Stars’ impact. Building not just a school, but a lasting educational legacy for the families it serves.
Director
Infant Teacher
Co-Founder | Educator | Woman of Faith
Ms. Horton was not only a co-founder of our school, but a cornerstone of its foundation. A retired teacher of over 20 years with Durham Public Schools, she dedicated her life to shaping young minds and serving children with patience, wisdom, and love.
When our school first opened its doors with just five students, Ms. Horton stepped into the classroom and poured her heart into building what would become the strong academic and faith-centered foundation we stand on today. Her experience, structure, and nurturing spirit helped guide the vision that has grown into the private school our families know and trust.
She was a God-fearing woman whose faith guided her teaching, her leadership, and her family. Her legacy lives on in every classroom, every child we serve, and every milestone we celebrate.
Forever loved. Forever remembered. (2023)
Director
Infant Teacher
With our parent app, you receive real-time updates on your child’s daily activities, including photos and videos throughout the day, diaper changes and potty-time updates, feeding information, direct communication with teachers and the owner/director through in-app messaging, and access to simple and secure online payment options.
Assistant Director
4/5 year old teacher
Ms. Ameerah graduated from NCCU and has been working with kids since she was 18 years old. She plans to create the classroom as a place to open up and enjoy learning new things.
2/3 year old teacher
Ms. Temekia is our 2/3 year old classroom teacher. She has years of experience with children. She has kids of her own and has a passion for 2-3 year 3-year-olds specifically. She enjoys preparing our younger students for our kindergarten prep classroom.
Floater/Substitute/Assistant
Ms. Copeland is our floater and extra set of hands. She is currently studying Early Childhood Education
1-year-old teacher
Ms. Kalin obtained her Early Childhood Credentials from Durham Tech. She has been working in childcare since she was 11 years old. She strives to make her classroom an inviting place where students can love learning.
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Gifted Stars’ mission is to provide a safe, warm, clean, and loving small-group environment, paired with a carefully crafted junior kindergarten curriculum that prepares children ages 6 months to 6 years for kindergarten success.
Our goal is to make learning fun and non-intimidating by encouraging laughter, curiosity, and joyful exploration. We strive to provide each child with a strong, well-rounded foundation that supports a confident start in grade school.
We believe children thrive in a safe, nurturing, and joyful environment that encourages curiosity, laughter, and exploration. Through meaningful, play-based experiences, we support well-rounded development and build the confidence children need for a successful start in grade school.
At French’s Learning & Development Center II, our educators and caregivers are the heart of our program. Our team consists of highly qualified, compassionate professionals who are passionate about nurturing young minds and fostering a love for learning.
Together, our staff and leadership are dedicated to ensuring that every child feels valued, supported, and inspired to reach their fullest potential.
Rashmi Poole, owner and Director of French’s Learning & Development Center in Amory MS.
French’s Learning Center, initially founded and ran by my grandparents Joel and Annie French for over 20 years, became my passion project in 2015.
As a child, watching my grandmother love on children and serve our community, I knew that I wanted to follow in her footsteps. I was sure of my path, even as a young child. I knew that a career in childcare was where I wanted to land. I remember asking my grandmother if I could continue her legacy when she decided to retire. With a smile, she said, “Yes.”
Director
Infant Teacher