Where It Starts

Toy Smith has a clear vision of what early childhood education should feel like—warm, structured and full of opportunity for children to grow. When she stepped into the building that would become Madison Academy in Madison, Ga., she didn’t see what it was, she saw what it could be.

With a degree in Early Childhood Education from the University of North Georgia and experience working in two daycare settings, Toy understands what a strong foundation should look like. She also knew what was missing in her community. Families in Madison were searching for dependable childcare, often running into waitlists and limited options. Toy recognized the need, but more importantly, believed she could create something wonderful.

The first step was transformation. Over the course of several months, she reworked the entire space to make it fresh, bright and welcoming. Classrooms were thoughtfully designed to feel engaging and safe. Every detail mattered. But the culture of Madison Academy was as important to Toy as the physical changes to the building. Care, consistency and energy became the standard from day one and remain the focus today.

Madison Academy officially opened its doors on July 7, 2025. Since then, it has grown steadily, now serving 54 children each day with capacity for 66. Several classrooms already have waitlists, and plans are underway to open a second infant room.

The center operates Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., supported by a team of 11 staff members. It is a close-knit environment in every sense. Toy’s mother works alongside her, as does one of her sisters, while her husband helps maintain the facility. Many of the teachers were familiar faces even before joining the team. That sense of connection shapes the experience for both families and children.

Inside, each day blends structure with creativity. Five classrooms serve children from infancy through pre-K, with after-school students joining in the afternoons. Teachers develop weekly lesson plans built around themes and hands-on learning. Activities include alphabet games, sensory play and visits from animals such as ponies, bunnies and chickens. At the end of the day, younger and older children overlap, creating moments where older kids naturally step into leadership and younger ones gain confidence.

The goal is simple: help children learn to do things for themselves. Washing hands. Cleaning up. Speaking up. Small steps that build independence early and carry forward.

“I see our impact in these children every day,” said Toy. “Parents often stop by just to share their appreciation. Many say the same thing: they tried everywhere else before finding this place. Being called a ‘lifesaver’ means something to me. It reflects the role Madison Academy plays not just in caring for children, but in supporting entire families.”

United Bank’s role in Madison Academy can be traced back to an early conversation Toy had with Commercial Lender Tara Williams during a local Wheelhouse event, a group dedicated to helping small businesses grow. There, Tara encouraged her to think bigger. Together, they worked through the numbers, structuring both the purchase and a construction loan that made the Madison Academy vision possible. What once felt uncertain quickly became reality.

“I saw Toy’s vision and dedication from the beginning, and I am delighted to have been a part of making her dream a reality,” said Tara.

Now, with a growing waitlist and room to expand, Toy is focused on what comes next. Additional classrooms are on the horizon, along with continued growth to meet the needs of the community.

At its core, Madison Academy is about giving children a strong start. Under Toy Smith’s leadership, it has become a place where confidence is built early, families feel supported and every day carries purpose.  OS