The Lightbridge Academy Celina project would bring a new $3 million childcare center to roughly two acres near W. Frontier Parkway and Legacy Drive. Plans call for a 14,600-square-foot building adjacent to Creeks of Legacy West.
A state construction filing now adds a budget and schedule to the proposal. Meanwhile, city planning records reveal the site, the approval process and concept elevations for the academy. Together, those documents provide a clearer picture of the ground-up investment.
Lightbridge Academy Celina clears city use approval
The City Council approved the Specific Use Permit 7–0 on July 14, 2026. That followed a 6–0 Planning & Zoning Commission recommendation on June 18.
The city identifies the property as approximately 580 feet west of Legacy Drive and 1,000 feet north of Frontier Parkway. It already carried mixed-use zoning from 2020. However, a primary childcare center required a separate Specific Use Permit within that district.
Neighbors ask about access and nearby homes
During the June planning hearing, a resident asked about vehicle circulation, parent drop-off and possible pedestrian connections to nearby residential streets. Questions also covered dumpster placement and mechanical equipment near homes.
Staff explained that the site layout remained conceptual. The city would review it for compliance with design standards during permitting. That response left detailed layout review to the next stage rather than guaranteeing each requested placement restriction.
At the July Council meeting, staff reported one opposition letter and another request for information. Staff summarized concerns about views, privacy, noise and property values. No one spoke during that Council public hearing.
The supplied concept elevations show a single-story building with gabled rooflines and a covered central entrance. Lightbridge signage sits above the entrance, while windows extend across the facades. Brick and stone-style finishes give the proposed academy a residential-scale appearance. These drawings illustrate the submitted design, which may change as construction plans advance.
Infant care and early learning
For families considering Lightbridge Academy Celina, the brand combines childcare with early-childhood education. Its published programs provide a useful introduction, although the future center’s specific offerings still need confirmation.
For example, the company’s Plano program page lists infant care for ages six weeks to 12 months. It also lists toddler programs for ages 1–2, preschool for ages 3–4 and pre-K for ages 4–5. Program ages can vary, and kindergarten availability depends on the location.
Lightbridge uses its proprietary Seedlings Early Childhood Education Curriculum across age-appropriate programs. The company describes an approach that incorporates learning into everyday activities and prepares children for kindergarten and later school years.
Its broader Circle of Care philosophy connects children, parents, staff, franchise owners and the surrounding community. That describes the company’s approach to relationships around each academy; it does not establish a particular service package for Celina.
An established North Texas presence
Guy and Julia Falzarano founded Lightbridge Academy in 1997. According to its company history, the brand began franchising in 2011. Today, it operates an early-education network with additional centers in development.
Lightbridge already serves North Texas families through locations including Plano and Fate. The Celina academy would add another local option within that regional network.
As of October 4, the company’s franchise location page listed 93 operating centers and 117 in development nationwide. Those figures distinguish existing academies from projects still moving through development. Celina’s filing likewise describes a planned facility, with construction ahead.
Lightbridge Academy Celina construction timeline
The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation filing, TABS2027002614, lists an October 15, 2026 construction start and an August 1, 2027 completion estimate. The latter date refers to construction completion. It does not confirm when the academy will begin welcoming children.
The filing names NW Legacy Developers LLC as the owner and Colliers Engineering & Design as the design firm. It identifies the location as Lot 2, Block A, Celina, in Collin County. The city exhibits provide the more useful road and neighborhood context.
At 14,600 square feet, the project calls for a substantial new building dedicated to childcare. The $3 million figure represents the filed construction estimate. Final plans, construction progress and an operator announcement will provide the next details for families watching the project.