In 2024, Primrose Schools, a leader in early childhood education, set a powerful example of generosity, Franchise Heart and community impact. Through its Primrose Promise℠ initiative, the franchise network of over 500 independently owned schools donated more than $680,000 to charitable organizations. They also gifted over 600,000 essential items, including food, books, and supplies, to underserved children and families.
This nationwide effort reinforces the values of compassion, empathy, and giving back, which are woven into the fabric of Primrose’s Balanced Learning® curriculum. From food drives to book donations and fundraising for critical causes, Primrose students, families, teachers, and franchise owners are making a meaningful difference in communities across the country.
A Commitment to Giving: The Numbers Speak Volumes
Primrose Schools’ commitment to service-learning goes far beyond classroom lessons. In 2024, the organization made a significant impact through key philanthropic efforts:
- Caring and Giving Food Drive: Over 385,000 canned goods and nonperishable food items were donated to local food pantries and shelters across the nation, helping to combat food insecurity. (Read more about this impactful initiative here.)
- Og’s Bountiful Book Drive: More than 105,000 books were donated to local libraries, schools, children’s hospitals, and nonprofit partners. This surpasses 2023’s contributions.
- In-Kind Donations: Families and students provided over 120,000 essential items, including clothing, school supplies, diapers, wipes, and toys. This is a staggering 500% increase from the previous year.
These initiatives are embedded in the Primrose Promise, which encourages young children to practice generosity from an early age. This mission aligns with parental concerns about early childhood character development.
Teaching Young Children the Power of Giving
Research commissioned by Primrose Schools and conducted by OnePoll underscores the critical role that the first five years play in a child’s academic, physical, and social-emotional development. The study found that 59% of parents worry about their child’s early character and academic growth. Specifically, they are concerned about their child’s ability to:
- Play fairly and cooperate with others (50%)
- Communicate effectively (49%)
- Express emotions appropriately (47%)
According to Dr. Amy Jackson, Chief Early Learning Strategy Officer at Primrose Schools, the early years are a crucial window for shaping lifelong learning abilities. “Learning will never be this easy again,” Jackson said. “The environment and experiences children have in their first five years will shape their academic, physical, and social-emotional development.”
Recognizing this, 82% of parents view preschools as a key part of their support system, alongside family and friends. Parents seek schools that provide a nurturing, safe environment where their children can learn and grow. Primrose’s research-backed Balanced Learning® curriculum is designed to meet this need by fostering both academic and character development.
Small Acts, Big Impact: Kids Across the Country Give Back
Primrose’s philanthropic spirit extends beyond donations—it is a hands-on experience that children actively participate in. In 2024, students nationwide took part in service-learning projects that encouraged kindness and civic responsibility:
- Preschoolers in Richmond, VA, raised over $3,500 through lemonade stands to support Children’s Hospital of Richmond at VCU.
- Primrose schools in multiple regions—including Dallas-Fort Worth, Kansas City, Jacksonville, Oklahoma City, Washington D.C., and Raleigh-Durham—held diaper drives during National Diaper Need Awareness Week. They collectively donated over 120,000 diapers to families in need.
- Families raised over $280,000 for the Primrose Schools Children’s Foundation®, which helps expand access to high-quality early education and care for underserved children.
Primrose Schools CEO Jo Kirchner expressed admiration for the impact being made across communities:
“Year after year, I am inspired by our franchise owners, students, and staff who bring the Primrose mission to life through their remarkable generosity,” said Kirchner. “Together, we are proud to make a difference in local communities while influencing upcoming generations to become empathetic, involved, and enriched individuals.”
The Future of Giving: A Lifelong Impact
As Primrose Schools looks ahead to 2025, the organization remains committed to embedding service-learning and character education into its curriculum. Through continued food drives, book donations, and other community outreach programs, students will continue to learn the value of generosity, teamwork, and social responsibility. This will help to create a brighter future for all children.
To learn more about Primrose Schools’ mission to make the first five years “The Beginning of Something Big” or to find a Primrose school near you, visit PrimroseSchools.com.
