Maple Bear Global Schools was founded 17 years ago with the desire to deliver quality Canadian education to students around the world. Since then, entrepreneurs committed to making a difference in their communities have found great success with the international education brand. By Nancy E. Williams
Maple Bear Global Schools was founded 17 years ago with the desire to deliver quality Canadian education to students around the world. Since then, entrepreneurs committed to making a difference in their communities have found great success with the international education brand. A large part of that success is from the brand’s curriculum, which was created with three goals in mind: to provide high-quality bilingual education, promote Canadian best practices, and offer affordable childcare education.
“Bilingual education is our true differentiator,” explained Arno Krug, CEO of Maple Bear Global Schools. “Learning a second language (or multiple languages) helps the brain develop in a different way. Studies show that people who speak more than one language experience less dementia, Alzheimer’s, and overall brain deterioration. Speaking more than one language also contributes to increased cultural awareness and empathy.”
After developing locations throughout the world, Maple Bear decided to provide even more opportunities to entrepreneurs by expanding into the U.S. The plan was to begin in 2019, but the pandemic prevented that from happening. Now that the effects of the pandemic have become manageable, franchising has begun. There are three schools currently in operation – one in Phoenix and two in Dallas – all of which have been open for a few years.
“We are seeing a high demand for bilingual programs in the U.S.,” said Krug. “There have been a lot of expatriates relocating to the States over the past 10 years. These parents are looking for private schools that offer a bilingual curriculum. At Maple Bear USA, we combine this with
an inclusive, caring, and individualized approach to instruction. Our mission is to prepare the citizens of tomorrow. For a minimum of two hours per day, children are taught in a second language. So, at one year old, they start learning the social, emotional, and citizenship skills we provide. The way we do this is by training teachers to be more of a tutor/supporter, not the holder of the knowledge.”
Maple Bear USA owners don’t need to come from a background in education, but it can be helpful. “They must have big hearts but also deep pockets. A typical school requires a $1 million investment. Ideally, we like couples or partners, where one focuses on sales and public relations while the other handles day-to-day operations,” Krug said.
Nancy E. Williams