Our Story
As a father of two and a KLA Schools owner for over 10 years, I know firsthand how much the right preschool matters. My wife Carolina and I don't just run these schools — we live the KLA approach with our own family every day.
My journey with KLA started in 2015 when I founded KLA Schools of West Kendall in South Florida, driven by my passion for early childhood education. Over the past decade, I've watched hundreds of children grow through our program — learning to ask questions, work together, and genuinely fall in love with school. That experience is what inspired us to think bigger.
In 2023, Carolina and I began a new chapter: bringing the KLA approach to Northeast Florida. After three years of planning, designing, and building, we opened KLA Schools of Beachwalk in January 2026 — the first Reggio Emilia-inspired preschool in St. Johns County. We chose the Beacon Lake area because this community shares our values: family, creativity, and giving our kids the very best start. Traditional preschool options have dominated St. Johns County for a long time, and we're proud to offer Beachwalk and Beacon Lake families something different.
The response from families has been everything we hoped for — and it's already led to our next chapter. In 2026, we're bringing the same Reggio Emilia-inspired approach to Oakleaf Plantation, serving families across the Orange Park area. Whether you're in St. Augustine or further north, we're honored to be part of your family's journey.
- Jose Franco, Owner of KLA Schools of Beachwalk, Oakleaf, and West Kendall
*KLA Schools of Beachwalk is an independently owned business operating under a franchise agreement with KLA Franchise, LLC
