NeighborSchools

01 / WHAT IT BUILT

What the company did

NeighborSchools was a Boston-based childcare platform that helped experienced caregivers launch and run licensed home daycares. Its software and support team guided providers through state licensing, business setup, home setup, marketing, and ongoing operations, while a parent-facing marketplace let families discover and connect with licensed home daycares. The company earned money through revenue-sharing agreements with each caregiver. Founded in 2018 by Brian Swartz, Bridget Garsh, and Cedric McDougal, it raised $3.5 million in seed funding in 2019 and another $5 million in 2022, before being acquired by Higher Ground Education, the Montessori school network, in December 2022.

03 / EVENT HISTORY

Events in the structured record

1. 2018
   Founded

   Brian Swartz, Bridget Garsh, and Cedric McDougal founded NeighborSchools in Boston to make home-based childcare licensing and operations accessible to caregivers.

2. 2019
   Seed round

   The company raised $3.5 million in seed funding led by Accomplice, with Tuhaye Venture Partners and World Within participating, to expand within Massachusetts.

3. 2022
   Follow-on funding

   NeighborSchools raised $5 million led by Accomplice with participation from Metrodora Ventures and others, bringing total fundraising to about $9 million.

4. 2022
   Acquired

   In December 2022, Higher Ground Education, which operates over 100 Montessori schools, acquired NeighborSchools to expand its in-home childcare offerings with a 'Hub & Spoke' model.