Anchored by a Randalls grocery store, the Panther Creek Village Square is filled with a host of retail, restaurants and specialty-service options. From a sushi bar to a children’s museum, the village center offers an array of options for residents as well as guests to the area.
Brighton Academy uses science lessons to educate toddlers.[/caption]Spotlight-Brighton Academy
Brandi Watterson said she felt like the parent’s perspective was missing from early child care when she purchased Brighton Academy in 2009.
Since taking over, she has emphasized small student-teacher ratios and a well-rounded day. Most of all, she wanted to create an environment where parents felt comfortable dropping off their children, she said.
“I wanted it to be a place that parents felt like they could completely trust,” Watterson said. “[We hoped] it would be like a home away from home — not only are [the children] being loved on, but they’re also being educated.”
She said she wants parents to feel the way she would want to feel if she dropped off her children there.
The school offers themed programs, such as “In the Orchard,” a fall-based curriculum including a pumpkin contest and a day where children can wear costumes to school.
Brighton Academy enrolls children from birth through pre-K and provides instruction on topics like science, Spanish immersion and an introduction to a diverse selection of sports. The academy also introduces its participants to community service events like the St. Jude Trike a Thon through its Brighton Our Community. campaign, a philanthropic-minded effort involving events such as food-pantry collections.
10400 Gosling Road, The Woodlands
281-465-4111
Hours: Mon.-Fri. 6:30 a.m.-6:30 p.m.
Exhibits at The Woodlands Children’s Museum use hands-on learning experiences.[/caption]Spotlight-The Woodlands Children’s Museum
The Woodlands Children’s Museum aims to build creative minds by offering various programs that help children up to the age of 8 develop intellectually as well as culturally.
On top of holding art classes, science courses and dance lessons, the nonprofit museum creates a cultural connection by introducing children to holidays, such as Chinese New Year, Mardi Gras and Cinco De Mayo, said Mary Phillips, community relations manager for the museum.
“The development of the creative mind is so important to being a great scientist or to be a great engineer,” Phillips said.
The Woodlands Children’s Museum opened in 2001 when a mom’s support group decided to create a children’s museum.
Since then, the museum has moved from Market Street to The Woodlands Mall to its current location, but the mission is still centered on educating children, Executive Director Angela Colton said.
“The staff is passionate—they work for low wages and long hours,” Colton said. “And they’ve never let go of their passion and where the ship’s going. And where the ship’s going is ultimately going to make a positive difference in the life of a child.”
4775 W. Panther Creek Drive, The Woodlands, Ste. 280
281-465-0955
Hours: Tue.-Sat. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sun. noon-5 p.m.
Additional businesses in Panther Creek Village Square
Beauty
Brian of London Hair Design, Ste. 500 E, 281-363-3981
Massage Heights Body + Face, Ste. 220B, 832-900-7788
TNT Nails, Ste. 315, 281-419-8793
Heath care
Panther Creek Family Dentistry, Ste. 265 B, 281-419-2405
Panther Creek Pet Clinic, Ste. 135, 281-367-7733
Texas Children’s Urgent Care, Ste. 300 C, 281–417-0870
Village Medical Center at Panther Creek, Ste. 345, 281-292-1192
Woodlands Eye Associates, Ste. 230B, 281-367-5335
Woodlands Village Braces, Ste. 470, 832-795-5665
Service
Chase Bank 4775 W. Panther Creek Drive, 281-363-8919
Dan Johnston StateFarm, Ste. 330, 281-363-1877
Edward Jones Investments, Ste. 145 A, 281-367-2798
Mathnasium The Math Learning Center, Ste. 410, 281-465-4990
Mike Powell Insurance Agency, Ste. 130 A, 281-367-2034
The Woodlands Shell Auto Care, 6801 Woodlands Parkway, 281-292-4441
The Village Cleaners, Ste. 460, 281-292-6411
United Studios of Self-Defense (Karate), Ste. 480, 281-465-4411
Village Cuts, Ste. 155 A, 281-292-2656
Restaurant
Brooklyn Café, Ste. 255, 281-298-7488
Crust Pizza Co., Ste. 530, 281-298-8844
Los Cucos Mexican Cafe, Ste. 200, 281-296-2303
Masa’s Sushi and Robata Bar, Ste. 430, 281-298-5688
The Republic Grill, Ste. 490, 281-719-5895
Starbucks, Ste.160 A, 281-419-6758
Subway, Ste. 450, 281-367-3891
TCBY Frozen Yogurt Ste. 150 A, 281-419-8053
Retail
CVS Pharmacy, Ste. 100, 281-363-9174
Ivivva, Ste. 440, 281-298-5844
Linda Morgan’s Unique Interiors, Ste. 520, 281-203-5168
Marta’s Boutique, Ste. 210B, 281-367-5797
Randalls, Ste. 400, 281-363-5100
Robichau’s Jewlery, Ste. 245,281-367-7807
Sears Hardware, Ste. 270 B, 281-292-8779
Teacups and Tadpoles Ste. 158 A, 281-681-0639
