People often ask how The Kids’ League came to be, so here’s our story!
It all started back in 1997 when a couple from our church launched an afterschool and summer program called the Ivy League Learning Center in Westford. They needed a director and asked if I, Paul Noland, was interested. With years of experience as an elementary school teacher in Andover and Newton Public Schools, and a master’s degree in education, I took on the job.
A little over a year later, I got a surprise phone call. Our friends had decided to pursue a brand-new venture—an online tutoring program for plumbing and electrical trades, and they planned to shut down the Ivy League Learning Center immediately.
Just like that, parents would be left scrambling for childcare, and teachers would be out of work. That didn’t sit quite right with me. My wife, Carol, and I had a great interest in the welfare of children—from raising our own seven (yes, seven!) to my years in the classroom—so we made a bold decision. Instead of closing the doors, we took over the program as owners.
At first, growth was slow. Westford already had several childcare programs, but word spread about the way we cared for children—not just watching them, but truly engaging with them, making them feel safe, and helping them grow. Year after year, we grew, sometimes even doubling in size!
Of course, no success story comes without challenges. In our first year, we received a legal threat from the Ivy League schools. They insisted we drop the name “Ivy League” or face a lawsuit. So, we pivoted—swapping “Ivy” for “Kids,” and just like that, The Kids’ League was born!
Fast forward to today—more than 25 years later—and over 3,000 children have come through our doors! But The Kids’ League isn’t just a business—it’s a family. Six of our seven children have worked here over the years, pouring their hearts into the program, just as we have.
It’s been incredible to watch our own children help shape the lives of so many others. We are incredibly proud of our high ratings and great reviews, but what truly matters to us is the impact we make on the children in our care. At The Kids’ League, we do more than just provide a safe and fun environment—we focus on building character. Honesty, patience, self-control, thankfulness—these are the values we try to nurture every day, helping children grow into kind, responsible, and confident individuals.
Above all, we know that our staff makes the difference. That’s why we work hard to hire qualified, caring teachers who not only watch over the children but connect with them.
If you’ve never visited The Kids’ League, we’d love to meet you! Stop by for a tour, meet our amazing staff, and see firsthand what makes our program so special. We can’t wait to welcome you!
Author: Paul and Carol Noland, Kids’ League Owners
Beautiful story. Thanks for being there for our kids everyday. Grateful to have found KL!
Hello… My name is Márcio, and I am from Brazil. I met Paul and Carol about 18 years ago, . During my time in the U.S., I have never met such caring people as them. The way that couple talked to us, looking into our eyes… it felt like they were looking into our hearts! Even after so long, I still remember that!
I was once in the Kids’ League. They invited me to talk about my own culture. It was a blessing to me because I saw a couple and their children so devoted to a cause—the well-being of children! That was so truly inspiring!
May God bless them, and their staff.