Creative World School was founded by Billie and Duane McCabe, early childhood educators with a passion for inspiring young minds. They opened their first school in Independence, Missouri, blending innovative curriculum and nurturing environments for children to thrive in their earliest years. Their unique vision was quickly embraced as they expanded and operated up to 45 childcare centers in seven states.
Billie and Duane’s daughter, Dr. Marianne Whitehouse, PhD, became the CEO. She infused the company with new energy, building on the family’s legacy of educational excellence.
Creative World introduced the Exploratorium™, a signature, interactive learning space that empowers preschool and pre-k students to explore with unique hands-on experiences using extra special materials and resources not found in a classroom. This space is also the hub of iSTEAM education – science, technology, engineering, art, and math – with inquiry learning as the focus.
Creative World School began franchising, allowing passionate educators and entrepreneurs to bring the unique Creative World experience to families across the nation.
Creative World School celebrated its 50th anniversary, marking five decades of educational innovation and community impact.
Creative World School continues to grow, opening new locations nationwide while remaining dedicated to its mission of nurturing young learners and inspiring the next generation of leaders, thinkers, and creators.
At Creative World, we believe in nurturing a future built on purpose,
imagination, and innovation. These guiding principles shape everything we
do and drive us to explore the incredible in every moment.
Living our purpose
Creative World School embraces innovative technology to facilitate learning. Our CW App – for classroom management and parent communication – creates a digital platform for documenting each child's learning journey. From SmartBoards to classroom computers, we are intentional about using technology in an age-appropriate way to enhance authentic learning experiences.
daring to play
Creative World School embraces innovative technology to facilitate learning. Our CW App – for classroom management and parent communication – creates a digital platform for documenting each child's learning journey. From SmartBoards to classroom computers, we are intentional about using technology in an age-appropriate way to enhance authentic learning experiences.
Exploring the Incredible
Creative World School embraces innovative technology to facilitate learning. Our CW App – for classroom management and parent communication – creates a digital platform for documenting each child's learning journey. From SmartBoards to classroom computers, we are intentional about using technology in an age-appropriate way to enhance authentic learning experiences.
Together, we inspire a love of learning and discovery, creating joyful experiences for children that fill each day with curiosity, laughter, and growth.
This is How We WOW! These values are shared by our leaders, teachers,
and families and truly describe our culture.
Discover and embrace the question that make your ponder!
Think beyond the box. Have the courage and vision to imagine!
Have fun! Share your joy and exactment!
Look for the “AHA” moments. Be curious!
Be inspired and inpire others. Work together and give back!
CW Cares is our philanthropic division which aims to foster community engagement, charitable initiatives, and social responsibility within the Creative World School network. This program seeks to involve franchisees, staff, students, and families in various activities and projects that give back to the community and support causes that align with the values of Creative World School.
As we Dream Big and set our standards high, we recognize that the pursuit of excellence is best achieved through ongoing review, meaningful communication, and teamwork. We have sought to build a system that affirms and rewards big goals and authentic growth. All of our leaders, from the corporate office to the classroom, share a vision for excellence as we pursue our most important goal: loving and educating young children.
Creative World School is proud to have earned System Accreditation through Cognia, the largest accrediting body in the world. Their rigorous review process ensures that only the best Early and Elementary Education schools receive the Cognia seal. Our values of leadership investment, exacting policies and procedures, and educational excellence have earned us the highest level of approval from this esteemed accrediting body.
We require all our Creative World Schools to be accredited within one year of opening. With Cognia System Accreditation, our standards for education, teaching, health and safety, and leadership are reviewed through an ongoing self-improvement process. Through on-site visits, Cognia validators interview staff, families, and children to ensure that we live out our high standards every day!
In addition to extensive external review processes, each Creative World School receives a bi-annual IQ: Inspection for Quality visit. This detailed inspection evaluates adherence to Creative World policies and procedures, education and teaching outcomes, leadership and staff performance, and community and parent partnerships. IQ Support Coaches provide continual input and mentorship to ensure growth for every team in every school.
