Community Profile: Meet Jennifer Spoke, La Petite École
Continuing our 55th BIA Anniversary series highlighting local change-makers, this month we interview the passionate Jennifer Spoke, owner of La Petite École at 130 Kennedy Ave. As an influential member of the BIA Board of Directors, Jennifer shares her insights into the vibrant Bloor West Village community and her experience as a successful business owner.
We’re excited to introduce Jennifer, a dedicated entrepreneur, community advocate, owner of La Petite École (LPE), and a Director of the Bloor West Village BIA Board. With a background in tech, biotech, and international business development, she brings passion and vision to Bloor West Village.
From Tech to Education— Originally from Quebec, Jennifer moved to Vancouver before settling in Toronto eight years ago. Her career in HIV diagnostics took her across Europe, and she later worked with The Knowledge Society on strategic partnerships.
After a decade of travel, she put down roots in Bloor West Village as a mother. Wanting a business that reflected her French-language background, she took over La Petite École on October 1, 2021, in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. Today, LPE is thriving!
Growing La Petite École— La Petite École is the only full-day French enrichment preschool in Bloor West Village. LPE offers high educator-to- student ratios for families of all language backgrounds. Under Jennifer’s leadership, LPE has introduced:
✓ Full-day programming in a newly renovated space
✓ Technology-integrated operations
✓ Swansea after-school pickup program (pilot)
✓ Community space rentals for groups like Girl Scouts
✓ LPE operates with: 24 licensed spots serving 50+ families
Looking Ahead— Jennifer’s vision for LPE includes-
• Expanding to six-day operations
• Launching a free community program for parents and children
• Developing innovative learning programs
Living Her Values & Passion for Community— Beyond LPE, Jennifer is a mother of two (soon to be three) and board member of TFO (Ontario’s French-language broadcaster). She loves Bloor West Village’s walkability and supports local favourites like:
• Cafés – Enoteca 89, Baka Gallery Café, Coffee Boutique
• Smoothies & Juices – The Village Juicery, T.L.C., HEAL Wellness
Building Connections, Strengthening Community— Jennifer’s commitment to local engagement led her to join the Bloor West Village BIA board, where she connects residents, businesses, and community organizations to enhance the neighbourhood’s strong community spirit.
We’re extremely grateful to Jennifer for choosing Bloor West Village as her home and for her dedication to strengthening our community! Say “Bonjour!” to Jennifer and learn more about French-enrichment programming.
Connect with La Petite École
Website: lapetiteecole.co
Instagram: @lapetiteecole.co
Stay tuned for more stories of those shaping our vibrant community as we celebrate the 55th anniversary year of the BIA and what makes Bloor West Village so special.
