In 1951, Leon and Renee Kaplan opened a toy store called Tiny Town in downtown Greensboro, NC. The store later moved to West Fifth Street in Winston-Salem, NC, where they continued to offer unique toys and gifts that promoted play through learning. Leon Kaplan’s interest in educational books and toys led him to form Kaplan School Supply in 1968. The company embodied Leon’s vision of providing developmentally appropriate resources that help foster the growth of the whole child—cognitively, physically, socially, and emotionally.

Kaplan School Supply eventually changed its name to Kaplan Early Learning Company and quickly became recognized as one of the top early childhood dealers in the nation. Today, Kaplan Early Learning Company continues to embody Leon’s vision by providing developmentally appropriate products to school systems, child care centers, and early childhood programs. Products are providers and to the general public through the company’s catalogs and website (www.kaplanco.com).

The company’s corporate headquarters is located in Lewisville, NC, and includes two office buildings, a warehouse, and a state-of-the-art distribution center. The site also includes the Kaplan Education Megastore, which is open to the public. Kaplan continues to support the local community through various philanthropic initiatives that support children and families locally and nationally.

First Row from left to right

Jennifer Cobb, Director of Education & Business Volunteer Services – Winston-Salem Chamber of Commerce
Matthew Marceron, President – Kaplan Early Learning Company
Dan Joyner, President – Image360 Winston-Salem North
Anna Wilmoth, Vice President, Marketing & Merchandising – Kaplan Early Learning Company

Second Row from left to right

Tom McClure, Sales Manager – Twin City Quarter
Rodessa Mitchell, Vice President, Education & Workforce Development – Winston-Salem Chamber of Commerce
Tina Long, Senior Academy and Volunteer Services Manager – Winston-Salem Chamber of Commerce
Renee Semones, Senior Vice President, Finance and Administration – Winston-Salem Chamber of Commerce