About Fresh Start Learning Academy · Columbus
Fresh Start Learning Academy (FSLA) is a state-licensed child care and early learning organization based in Columbus, Ohio, operating multiple locations across the city (Parsons Ave., Sullivant Ave., E. Broad St., and Vaughn St.). Founded by Ms. Necole Sykes, who serves as Owner/President and Principal, FSLA provides full-time daycare, before- and after-school care, and preschool programming for children ages 6 weeks through 12 years. The academy emphasizes a 'learn through play' philosophy, a Creative Curriculum with weekly art/music/story themes, low teacher-to-child ratios, and small group lessons. It is enrolled in Ohio's Publicly Funded Child Care (PFCC) program and participates in the USDA Child Care Food Program.
Fresh Start Learning Academy was started by Necole Sykes in late 2010 and has grown into a multi-site early childhood education provider serving families across Columbus, Ohio. According to the Better Business Bureau, the LLC has been in business since 12/31/2010 (15 years). FSLA currently operates under several licensed program names registered with the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services, including Fresh Start Learning Academy II (East Broad St., License #400296, capacity 56) and Fresh Start Learning Academy III – West (Sullivant Ave. and Vaughn St., License #2220026870, capacity 77), with additional locations at 1149 Parsons Ave. and 3550 E. Deshler Ave. The academies serve infants through school-age children (6 weeks to 12 years) and offer before- and after-hours care, field-trip and school transportation, English/Spanish support, and meals through the USDA Child Care Food Program. Quality ratings from Ohio's Step Up to Quality program vary by location (Bronze, Gold, and 4-star ratings reported on different campuses). Parents can register online via freshstartlearning.net and tour any of the Columbus campuses. The philosophy centers on giving children a 'safe and comfortable, home-like environment' where they can 'learn, share, laugh & grow.'
- In business
- 15 (BBB reports business started 12/31/2010)
- Owner
- Necole Sykes (Owner/President and Principal)
- Serves
- Columbus, Franklin County, Ohio — multiple locations citywide (Parsons Ave., Sullivant Ave., E. Broad St., Vaughn St., E. Deshler Ave.)
- Rating
- BBB of Central Ohio: A+ (not accredited). No consolidated Google/Yelp review count found in the sources reviewed.
About Fresh Start Learning Academy
Fresh Start Learning Academy (FSLA) is a Columbus, Ohio early childhood education and child care provider serving children ages 6 weeks through 12 years. According to its own website, FSLA exists to 'alleviate the stress experienced by caring, loving parents who struggle to find affordable, trusting care for their children,' and to give each child 'a wholesome, enriching environment' through a 'Fresh Start at your back' approach. Owner and Principal Necole Sykes founded the business in late 2010 and has grown it into a multi-site organization across Franklin County. The philosophy is rooted in the idea that 'childhood is a phase of life with its own unique purpose' and aims to create a 'safe and comfortable, home-like environment' where children can reach their full potential.
- Founded by Necole Sykes (Owner/President), who also serves as Principal
- BBB: business started 12/31/2010; 15 years in business; A+ rating (not accredited)
- Multiple licensed child care campuses across Columbus
Our Approach & Philosophy
FSLA promotes a 'learn through play' philosophy built on values at its core. Children are guided through interactive, hands-on experiences that foster curiosity, learning, growth, and development. Programming centers on a Creative Curriculum with weekly themes coordinated with art, music, and stories, and the academy commits to low teacher-to-child ratios and small group lessons. The stated goal is for every child to 'learn, share, laugh & grow' in an environment that supports confident exploration and mastery of new skills.
- Learn-through-play philosophy
- Creative Curriculum with weekly themed art, music, and stories
- Low teacher-to-child ratio; small group lessons
- Hands-on, interactive experiences to build curiosity and mastery
Programs & Ages Served
FSLA enrolls children from 6 weeks old up to 12 years of age across infant, toddler, preschool, and school-age classrooms. Families can choose full-time center-based child care and can add before- and after-hours care to extend their day. The school-age program includes before- and after-school care with transportation to and from local schools and field trips.
- Infant care (from 6 weeks)
- Toddler and preschool classrooms
- School-age care (up to 12 years)
- Before- and after-school program with school transportation
- Field-trip transportation
Columbus Locations
FSLA operates multiple licensed campuses in Columbus. The Parsons Avenue site is listed on the columbuschildcare.com directory with capacity of 21–50 children, license #411350, and extended hours Mon–Sat 6:00 a.m.–10:00 p.m. The Sullivant Avenue (West) site is licensed through the Ohio Dept. of Job and Family Services (#2220026870, capacity 77) and serves infants through school-age children. The E. Broad Street (East) location is operated as FSLA II under license #400296, capacity 56. Additional sites are at 1933 Vaughn St. and 3550 E. Deshler Ave.
- 1149 Parsons Ave., Columbus, OH 43206 — (614) 542-4100
- 3030 Sullivant Ave., Columbus, OH 43204 — (614) 274-7240
- 3500 E. Broad St., Columbus, OH 43213 — (614) 542-4100
- 1933 Vaughn St., Columbus, OH 43223
- 3550 E. Deshler Ave., Columbus, OH 43227
Licensing, Quality & Funding
FSLA campuses are licensed by the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS) Division of Child Care and participate in Ohio's Step Up to Quality (SUTQ) program. Reported ratings vary by site — the academy at 3550 E. Deshler Ave. holds a Bronze rating; the Vaughn St. location holds a Gold rating; the Sullivant Ave. location is reported with a 4-star SUTQ rating. The Sullivant Ave. facility participates in the federally funded Child Care Food Program and meets USDA nutrition requirements for meals and snacks. FSLA accepts Publicly Funded Child Care (PFCC) and is a Child Care Partner with the Child Development Council of Franklin County for Head Start/Early Head Start.
- SUTQ Bronze, Gold, and 4-star ratings across sites
- USDA Child Care Food Program participation
- Accepts Ohio Publicly Funded Child Care (PFCC)
- Head Start / Early Head Start partner via CDC of Franklin County
- Annual Ohio licensing inspections (records on file since at least 2017)
Getting Started: Registration & Tours
Families can begin the enrollment process through FSLA's online registration portal at freshstartlearning.net/registration, or by contacting a campus directly to 'Learn More or Schedule a Tour.' The columbuschildcare.com directory invites parents to 'Register Today' online.
- Online registration: freshstartlearning.net/registration
- Schedule a tour by phone at any campus
- Marketing site: freshstartlearningacademy.com
Leadership & Staff
Necole Sykes is the Owner and President of Fresh Start Learning Academy and is listed as the Principal contact on the BBB of Central Ohio business profile. Her LinkedIn profile reflects her role as Owner/President at Fresh Start Learning Academy since February 2010, working in general management from the 1933 Vaughn St. location. Day-to-day program administration for the licensed Ohio child care programs is attributed to Necole Sykes in the Ohio licensing records, with at least one related program (Fresh Start Academy, 3550 E. Deshler Ave.) run by Elizabeth Hill as administrator.
- Necole Sykes — Owner/President and Principal
- LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/necole-sykes-7365027a
- Administrator: Elizabeth Hill (Fresh Start Academy, Deshler Ave. campus)
Contact & Business Details
FSLA's primary phone line reaches the Parsons Ave. and E. Broad St. locations at (614) 542-4100, while the West locations (Sullivant Ave. / Vaughn St.) can be reached at (614) 274-7240 with fax (614) 274-7282. The BBB of Central Ohio business profile lists the principal mailing address as 1933 Vaughn St., Columbus, OH 43223, and notes that FSLA is not a BBB Accredited Business but holds an A+ rating (15 years in business).
- Phone: (614) 542-4100 and (614) 274-7240
- Fax: (614) 274-7282
- BBB of Central Ohio: A+, not accredited
- Principal address (BBB): 1933 Vaughn St., Columbus, OH 43223