All of the teachers and staff at JB are patient and willing to take the extra time to make sure we, as parents, understand and are comfortable. 
JB Parent
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Welcome to Julie Billiart Schools, a family of K-8 coeducational, catholic schools for children with learning and social differences.
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Friday, November 13, 2026
Julie Billiart Schools is excited to announce the addition of a third Begindergarten class beginning in the 2027-28 school year, expanding this specialized early education program to the Westlake campus. Begindergarten launched its inaugural class in 2025-26 at JB Brecksville and grew to two classes in 2026-27.
The new Begindergarten classroom will be made possible through JB’s Expanding Opportunities project, which is adding approximately 8,000 square feet to the Westlake campus and creating enhanced classrooms and specialized learning spaces. The expansion includes space designed specifically for Begindergarten, as well as an Innovation Lab and a sensory room.
“The new Westlake Begindergarten class represents another step in our commitment to meeting the needs of more students and their families,” said President and CEO Lannie Davis-Frecker. “Our mission is to continue to create and foster a productive learning environment where children with special learning and social needs can build confidence, develop independence, and embrace their potential.”
Begindergarten is designed for children who are ready for kindergarten but may benefit from additional time and support to develop the pre-academic skills needed in a kindergarten classroom. It is not preschool or pre-kindergarten. It is a full-day, play-based kindergarten program that helps students build essential skills while preparing for a successful transition to a JB kindergarten classroom or another educational setting that best meets their needs.
“Begindergarten has quickly proven to be an incredible stepping stone in early childhood education,” said Jason Wojnicz, Chief Strategy Officer at Julie Billiart Schools. “With our intentional staffing model and an integrative curriculum that meets each child where they are, we are so excited to expand our services to the west side of Cleveland.”
Through structured play, relationship building, problem-solving, motor skill development, and emergent language, students grow in an environment designed around the way young children learn best. Begindergarten also provides the specialized support and services that make the JB experience unique, including a 4-to-1 student-to-staff ratio. Each class is staffed by an intervention specialist and two paraprofessionals, with occupational therapy and speech therapy built in.
To learn more about our admissions process and Begindergarten enrollment, contact our Admissions Team.
All of the teachers and staff at JB are patient and willing to take the extra time to make sure we, as parents, understand and are comfortable.
JB Parent
My kids love everything about JB and look forward to going to school every day and seeing their friends and teachers. JB is truly a one of a kind school enriching young lives everyday.
JB Parent
I don’t think I will ever be able to put into words how grateful I am that you saw my daughter for all that she is today and all that she is yet to become.
Tammie Sommer
They have all the resources necessary, specialized to the individual learning of each child, and the heart that goes with it. I don't think we would have stayed in Ohio if it wasn't for JB!
JB Parent
Julie Billiart Schools gave us hope after our daughter was diagnosed with a learning disability. At JB, she thrived in the small classes, received necessary therapies, and developed the self-confidence to ask for help when she needed it.
JB Parent
Julie Billiart Schools has helped my child become a better version of himself. The teachers and therapists at JB really know and understand how to reach children who learn differently.
JB Parent