Owners/Executive Directors:  Linda and Mario LaGrotte obtained a “dream” location to live, raise a family and open a school (just across the driveway) in the summer of 1980.  Carousel Farm’s Educational Center began as a summer program serving the educational and recreational needs of children with developmental disabilities.  The second floor of the bank barn was converted into classrooms, while several farm animals and a pony lived in stalls beneath.  In the Fall of 1987, they left teaching positions in the Philadelphia School District, and opened Rainbow Academy for Little Scholars, as a private academic school for early childhood education.  Classrooms were added downstairs, new playgrounds were built, additional pools were put in, and the pony and her friends were moved to another part of the property.  For the past 30 years, they have had the privilege and pleasure of sharing in the growth and love of many, many children and their families at both Rainbow Academy and Carousel Farm. Carousel Farm continues as a summer program and year-round recreational/educational program for children and young adults with mental challenges and autistic spectrum disorders, and is currently being co-directed with Amy and Daniel, two of their children.      

Director:  Cheryl Duffy has been a part of the Rainbow Academy family for the past twelve years, serving as a pre-school and kindergarten teacher, as well as Director.  She has a degree in Early Childhood/Elementary Education from Temple University.  Cheryl feels strongly about social based learning, and that a child’s job is to learn how to play and feel confident in his/her abilities.  Her gentle ways and calming disposition are adored by all!  She is available at school from 8:30 – 4:30 each day. 

Assistant Director/Curriculum Specialist:  Vicky Prall comes to Rainbow Academy with teaching experience in both public and private schools.  Her degree in Early Childhood/Elementary Education is from The State College of New Jersey.  Vicky and her family (including her husband, three children (soon to be four!) and a chocolate Lab) live in Doylestown.  Vicky has a charming personality and sweet laugh that everybody loves!  She is at Rainbow Academy from 7:30 – 4:00 daily. 

Office Manager:  All of the families know Elly (Spiewak) for her infectious smile, welcoming voice, and personality.  She has managed the office at Rainbow Academy for the past eighteen years.  No job is too much to ask her – and she will go to endless lengths for everyone.  Feel free to call the school office for any questions or information about Rainbow Academy and Elly will pleasantly assist you between 7:00 - 4:00.