HINGE Early Education Advisors, a leading advisory firm in the childcare sector, has successfully facilitated a strategic investment partnership for LeafSpring Schools, a prominent early childhood education franchise. The announcement, made on January 2, 2026, marks a significant step in the growth trajectory of LeafSpring, which operates 16 schools across Virginia, Indiana, Kentucky, North Carolina, and Texas.
Vance Spilman, CEO of LeafSpring, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, stating, “Over the past 35 years, LeafSpring has grown with great intention and purpose. This move is another big step forward in our story.” He highlighted the increasing demand for their innovative educational programs and the potential for sustained growth as franchisees continue to provide exceptional care to families.
Founded in 1989 by Registered Nurse Gail W. Johnson, LeafSpring is recognized for its pioneering approach in early childhood education. The franchise is noted for its play-based curriculum, children’s leadership program, and the unique Get Well Place™, which offers on-site care for mildly or chronically ill children while their caregivers work.
Strategic Partnership Development
To navigate this significant opportunity, Johnson and Spilman enlisted the expertise of HINGE Advisors. The firm was tasked with identifying an investor aligned with LeafSpring’s mission and values. HINGE’s proprietary marketing process successfully attracted interest from over 75 pre-qualified early education operators and investors, leading to multiple competitive offers. Ultimately, LeafSpring chose a strategic partner that will facilitate further investments in talent, infrastructure, and technology.
Kathy Ligon, Founder and CEO of HINGE Advisors, remarked on the significance of this transaction: “We’ve known Gail and Vance for 15 years. It’s been a privilege to help guide them on their journey and, most of all, to bring such a rewarding deal home for them.” She emphasized the complexities involved in early education platform deals, which require nuanced valuations and strategic positioning, underlining the crucial role of advisors in such transactions.
Future Prospects for LeafSpring Schools
The transaction was orchestrated by a specialized team of HINGE’s early education experts, including Ligon, Transaction Advisor Laurie Denny, Senior Financial Analyst Rusty Bailey, Diligence Manager Melissa Davis, and Transaction Marketing Director Annie Nicholson. Denny noted, “LeafSpring has grown into an industry leader by thinking differently and focusing first and foremost on quality.” She expressed her excitement about helping them capitalize on this high-potential opportunity for further growth.
Spilman reaffirmed the firm’s value, stating, “Choosing HINGE to represent us was an easy decision. They are the preeminent advisor in the early education industry, and everything they did on our behalf was incredibly additive.” He acknowledged HINGE’s role in allowing LeafSpring to concentrate on its day-to-day operations while strategically planning for future growth.
For early education business owners seeking guidance on expansion or sales, HINGE Advisors offers free consultations. More information is available at hingeadvisors.com.
HINGE Early Education Advisors stands as the nation’s foremost expert in the childcare business sector. With a team comprised of former childcare business owners and financial experts, HINGE has over 300 years of combined experience. The firm has established strong relationships with over 650 active buyers and investors in the early education market, completing more transactions in this field than any other advisory firm in the country.