Variety Child Learning Center Officially Opens in the Northport-East Northport School District

Utilizing a formerly closed elementary school in the Northport-East Northport Union Free School District, Variety Child Learning Center (Variety) recently marked its entrance into Suffolk County with a ribbon-cutting ceremony to officially inaugurate the school, which began classes in September. Variety’s presence at the former Bellerose Avenue Elementary School addresses the need for more specialized education services in the western part of the county, which include preschool and Universal Pre-K classes, as well as programs aimed at children with diverse learning needs. Variety’s UPK program, which includes general education classes and Special Class in Integrated Settings (SCIS) classes, helps foster an inclusive learning environment.

“After months of planning and setting up our new school in Northport, we were thrilled to host the special ribbon-cutting ceremony and have the chance to extend our deep gratitude to so many people whose tireless efforts helped make the opening of our Northport location a reality,” said Janet Koch, CEO, Variety. “Expanding our programs into Suffolk County helps further our mission to support early childhood education and provide much-needed specialized services for children and families with diverse learning requirements.”

Variety’s Northport location will initially serve children in the Northport-East Northport school district, offering both UPK and special education classes. The campus has enrolled nearly 90 students, with plans to expand to approximately 200 as the program reaches full capacity. Variety was selected as a UPK provider for the Northport-East Northport Union Free School District, effective September 2025. The new facility currently employs more than 30 people at the location, including teachers, administrators, and support staff.

The ribbon-cutting ceremony was attended by Variety’s leadership team, members of its Board of Trustees, and included Superintendent Dr. Dave Moyer and Deputy Superintendent Robert Howard of the Northport-East Northport Union Free School District; New York State Senator Mario Mattera; Deputy County Executive for Health, Human Services and Education, Dr. Sylvia Diaz; Suffolk County Legislator Stephanie Bontempi; Huntington Town Supervisor Ed Smythe; and Huntington Town Councilman, Dr. Dave Bennardo.

Variety entered into a long-term lease agreement with the Northport-East Northport Union in 2024 for the school, which sits on 15.8 acres and closed in 2022 due to declining enrollment in the district. Scott Berfas, Senior Managing Director at Newmark, represented the school district in the transaction and attended the ribbon-cutting ceremony, held on Thursday, September 25, 2025.

Since 1966, Variety, with campuses in Levittown and Syosset, has a demonstrated record of success in providing services that help young learners meet their educational milestones, build life skills, enhance social connections and foster independence, helping children from six weeks to eight years of age overcome challenges — empowering them to grow, thrive, and reach their full potential with confidence and joy.

About Variety Child Learning Center
Variety Child Learning Center (Variety) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that fosters the development, education and inclusion of children who require specialized services. Variety offers programs at four Long Island preschool-based locations, as well as in the home and community. Chartered by the New York State Board of Regents, and regulated by the State Education Department, the Department of Health, and the Office of Children and Family Services, Variety provides a comprehensive range of programs and services that meet the individual educational, therapeutic and social-emotional needs of children with and without disabilities. Programs include early intervention, and preschool and universal pre-K, with evaluations offered for supportive services/ therapies, childcare, and family support. All aspects of a child’s development—from six weeks through eight years of age—are addressed. Variety’s programs are led by compassionate and dedicated professionals, including special education teachers; social workers and psychologists; speech, physical and occupational therapists; and an experienced administrative and executive leadership team. For more information, visit www.varietyclc.org, or call 516-921-7171.