A history of what’s possible
The 1980s
A decade of firsts
Kiddie Academy founding and early growth
During the 1980s, Pauline Miller and Kiddie Academy brought her vision of combining fun with learning to life. Our original learning program served as a launching point for the developmentally appropriate curriculum, character education, health and fitness and technology education that was the original foundation of our proprietary Life Essentials® philosophy.
1981
Kiddie Academy takes its first step
The opening of our first location
As a mother and an educator, co-founder Pauline Miller passionately sought to provide better child care options. Her vision created an experience that went beyond typical child care, inspiring the possibilities in each child for his or her future. She developed the first version of Kiddie Academy’s proprietary curriculum with the opening of our first location in Baltimore County, Maryland.
1984
Dedication to amazing child care runs in the family
Michael Miller joins Kiddie Academy
Michael Miller, son of George and Pauline Miller, joins the team. Over the next 30 plus years, Michael helps Kiddie Academy grow their franchise model, empowering an increasing number of committed entrepreneurs to meet the needs of families seeking ways to prepare their children for what’s next.
The 1990s
More learning in more places
Sharing Kiddie Academy with more families
We establish and develop a franchise model we could easily adapt and expand into more communities, serving the needs of families around the country.
1992
Spreading our arms wider
First franchise: Elkton, MD
The first Kiddie Academy franchise location opens in Elkton, Maryland. This symbolizes the start of the national expansion of the Kiddie Academy brand. It’s the first step to satisfying the ambitions of entrepreneurs ready to start a business that makes a positive impact on their community, meeting the increasing demand for educational child care that’s intellectually, emotionally and physically nurturing.
1996
Expanding beyond Maryland
First Kiddie Academy outside of Maryland opens
Our growth is spurred by what differentiates us: highly trained teachers informed by a curriculum in touch with how young minds explore the world.
The 2000s
Evolving and differentiating
Our brand continues to innovate
We refine our industry-leading learning methods, extend our curriculum with a new summer program and grow our franchise system with additional training and support. The expansion of our national presence is represented by the construction of a new corporate office in 2007.
2009
A very accomplished number
Our 100th Kiddie Academy opens
Our national presence grows with the launch of our 100th Kiddie Academy—demonstrating the vitality of our franchisee community, and the need for education-based child care that turns every moment into a learning opportunity.
The 2010s
Kiddie Academy turns 30
Building community and franchise expertise
In our third decade, we back our franchise owners with sophisticated, hands-on operational support and innovative training methods as Kiddie Academy gains recognition as a leader in Early Childhood Education.
2015
Inspired marketing support
Amazing Starts Here® campaign
Creative marketing campaigns like Amazing Starts Here® support our brand essence—promoting what we do within each community to nurture what’s amazing in every child.
2016
Enriched franchisee training
Kiddie Academy University launched
We respond to success by pushing for more of it—launching Kiddie Academy University to further refine and develop the training we provide our franchisees.
2016
Meeting our own potential
Our flagship location
Kiddie Academy of Abingdon, our award-winning, LEED-certified school opens in Harford County, MD. This Academy allows us to showcase and further our innovations in curriculum, technology and training. It’s built to help children, teachers and franchise owners reach their potential as creative learners, communicators, thinkers, doers and entrepreneurs.
2017
Meeting the demand for amazing
The opening of our 200th Kiddie Academy
Our 200th franchise location represents more than a number; it demonstrates how committed we are to meeting the increasing demand in communities all over the country for educational childcare that nurtures every aspect of a child’s development. Franchise Times names Kiddie Academy the fastest-growing educational childcare franchise in 2017, our biggest growth year to date.
2018
Recognition for excellence
Kiddie Academy makes Entrepreneur, Franchise Times lists and more
Kiddie Academy continues its streaks of being named as one of the nation’s top franchise company by publications Entrepreneur Magazine and Franchise Times. In addition, Kiddie Academy was honored with inclusion in two lists by the Baltimore Business Journal, as one of the top and fastest growing of all private companies in its home region. The company also was honored for “Best Marketing Campaign – Franchise to Consumer,” at the International Franchise Association’s Marketing, Innovation & Technology Conference.
2019
Inspiring a love of learning – now, always and everywhere
Learn OnSM campaign launches
Kiddie Academy’s Learn OnSM promotional campaign launches in January with new videos, print advertising, online and social media marketing, and a prominent billboard display in New York’s Times Square. Learn On moves the Kiddie Academy brand story forward, focusing on how our Life Essentials philosophy blends education with fun, sparking a passion for learning that children carry with them wherever they go, for the rest of their lives.
2021
40 Years of Serving Families and Education Children
Kiddie Academy celebrates its 40th anniversary
To celebrate 40 years of strengthening and empowering our communities, Kiddie Academy made a $40,000 donation to our non-profit partner, Family Promise. This donation will help establish a new training program and provide scholarships focused on helping women achieve career growth in early childhood education.
Now
Enriching lives and communities – become part of a system that continues to build on a legacy of fulfilling the goals of entrepreneurs while providing high-quality educational child care and community service nationwide.
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