HINGE Early Education Advisors brokers deal enabling leading early learning provider to carry on school's legacy as founder retires
MIDLOTHIAN, Va., March 11, 2025 -- Advancing its mission to provide high-quality early education to families across the country, Big Blue Marble Academy (BBMA), a leader in early childhood education, has acquired The Cedarhouse School in Midlothian, Virginia. The acquisition, brokered by HINGE Early Education Advisors, is BBMA's first school in the Commonwealth and its 92nd school nationwide.
"Virginia is known for top-quality education, and we are very excited to further enrich the educational landscape with Big Blue Marble Academy's innovative, globally oriented early learning programs," says Jeff Wahl, CEO of Big Blue Marble Academy. "We are honored to welcome The Cedarhouse School and its remarkable students, families, and teachers into our family."
The Cedarhouse School was founded in 2005 by Elizabeth Bale after assessing the educational options available for her own children. Over the past 20 years, the school has been known for its commitment to excellence in early learning. As Bale shifts her focus back to her own family, BBMA will continue to deliver on the school's standards of excellence and enhance growth opportunities for students and staff.
"This is an exciting new chapter for our community," says Bale. "Cedarhouse's success has always been built around providing quality care and exceptional play-based education. BBMA is deeply committed to the same high standards and brings even more resources to help children and educators thrive in our increasingly global world."
The confidential sale of The Cedarhouse School was led by HINGE Early Education Advisors. The transaction team included Transaction Advisor Rich Hubschman, Diligence Manager Carrie Pergerson, Financial Analyst Marnie Rhen, and others.
"Early education is all about people and trust, and we never take that lightly. So when a school changes hands, it needs to be the right fit for both organizations on several fronts. That alignment is exactly what The Cedarhouse School and Big Blue Marble Academy have found in each other," says Hubschman. "It was an honor to facilitate this deal and help both parties land a big win. Congratulations to all!"
BBMA operates centers across the United States, offering early care, preschool, after school care and summer camp programs for children ages 6 weeks to 12 years. Its robust curriculum focuses on STEAM education, social-emotional learning and global awareness, equipping children with the skills and character development necessary for success in school and beyond. The organization also emphasizes service learning and character building through Heart Projects, which teach children the importance of empathy, kindness and giving back to their communities.
About Big Blue Marble Academy
Big Blue Marble Academy operates 92 schools serving more than 14,000 students, providing early care, preschool, after-school care, and summer camp for children ages 6 weeks to twelve years. BBMA nurtures little minds through a robust preschool curriculum that ensures children are developmentally, socially, and emotionally prepared for kindergarten and beyond. Its emphasis on global awareness and character development teaches children invaluable lessons, growing big hearts that are ready and eager to take on the world. To learn more, visit: bbmacademy.com.
About HINGE Early Education Advisors
HINGE Early Education Advisors is the nation's leading expert in growing and selling childcare businesses. The HINGE team — comprised of former childcare business owners, financial experts, and commercial and real estate brokers — has more than 300 years of combined industry experience and proudly maintains strong relationships with more than 500 active early education business buyers and investors. Following a proven process, HINGE has closed more school transactions than any advisor in the nation, helping childcare owners gain maximum value for their businesses and real estate. Learn more at hingeadvisors.com.
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