For third-generation CEO Casey Miller, “family” is the core of Kiddie Academy’s identity in more ways than one. “We’re a family business, serving and supporting franchisees in operating their family businesses, which serve the families of their communities,” he says.
That simple idea has guided Kiddie Academy for more than 40 years, shaping not only the culture of the company, but also its growth into a network of more than 350 franchised locations nationwide. From its founding by Casey’s grandparents, George and Pauline Miller, to its current leadership, the company has thrived by staying true to the values of family connection, trust and care.
What began as a single family-owned childcare center in Maryland has evolved into a national system of academies, each owned and operated locally by franchisees who carry the Miller family’s vision into their own communities. Together, these interconnected family enterprises form an ecosystem united by one purpose: helping parents raise the next generation.
From Student to CEO
Casey’s personal journey reflects that family-first ethos. “I attended Kiddie Academy as a child,” he says. “So, my timeline with the company goes all the way back to my earliest memories. Growing up, I’d hear my parents talk about the business, the wins and the challenges, how it was expanding and how it worked. It was always in the background of my life.” After graduating from Loyola University Maryland, Casey joined the company in 2013. His path was deliberately structured to build credibility beyond his last name. “In the beginning, I didn’t work much with my dad,” he says. “That was by design. I needed to learn to stand on my own two feet.”
He rotated through nearly every department — franchise development, real estate and construction, operations — gaining a full picture of how corporate headquarters supports franchisees. “Franchising is a unique business model,” he explains. “You’re not just creating one product. You’re assisting franchisees in every phase of their business.”
That nearly decade-long apprenticeship prepared him to step into leadership. Today, he and his father work closely as CEO and chairman, respectively, continuing the multigenerational legacy.
Enhancing, Expanding and Empowering
As Kiddie Academy prepares for the future, Casey points to three priorities for the company:
- Enhancing the parent experience. With millennials and Gen Z now enrolling their children, the company is redesigning facilities to meet changing expectations.
- Expanding into underserved markets. With waitlists common, the company aims to open 30 new locations this year.
- Empowering franchisees. A new AI-powered technology platform provides franchisees with actionable business insights, while expanded teacher training ensures consistency in classrooms.
“Basically, the name of the game as a franchisor is to add value to the franchisee’s business,” Casey explains. “Make them more able to be successful, make life easier for them. That’s what it’s all about.”
Guiding Values
The company’s strategic vision is informed by six core values — integrity, relationships, responsibility, curiosity, passion and impact — that were shaped with input from the franchise network. Yet, they also reflect the Miller family’s ethos. Casey recalls one lesson his father, Kiddie Academy Executive Chairman Michael Miller, often repeats: “If you look at the assets of the company, the most valuable one won’t show up on the balance sheet. It’s the relationships we have with our franchisees.”
That philosophy has helped Kiddie Academy cultivate long-term loyalty, both among employees and franchisees — many of whom have been with the company 20 or 30 years.
To guide key decisions, Kiddie Academy relies on both an executive leadership team and an advisory board chaired by Michael Miller. Former CEO Greg Helwig and longtime legal counsel Andrew Loewinger also serve as advisors. “No decisions here are made in a vacuum,” Casey says. “That might mean more meetings, but it also means fewer mistakes. Shared responsibility has been a big factor in our longevity.”
Casey says learning to lead alongside his father has been a smooth process. “We agree on 99% of things. Often, when I’m thinking something, he’s already been thinking it too.” But they also put in the work on their relationship. To ensure they remain in sync with each other, Casey and his father maintain a weekly tradition of lifting weights together — a ritual that blends family time with business talk. “We usually end up discussing work,” Casey admits. “But it’s also a way to air things out and get to better solutions.”