A School Built by Two Physicians Who Believed More Was Possible
Smart Beginnings Academy was co-founded by Dr. Roy Lingam and Dr. Cindy Magas, two physicians who believed that the earliest years of a child's life deserve the same level of care, expertise, and intention as the best medical practice.
Their vision was clear: a school where every child is truly known, and where learning adapts to the child — not the other way around. Where warmth and science meet. Where parents feel not just informed, but genuinely partnered with in their child's growth.
From that vision, Smart Beginnings Academy was born — and today serves families across Oswego, Ogden, and Kirk & Butterfield in the greater Chicago area.
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Locations in the
Chicago Area
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Physician
Founders
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Age-Tailored
Programs
∞
Love for
Every Child
What Guides Everything We Do
Every Child Matters
Not every child in the class — each individual child. We know their names, their quirks, their strengths, and how they learn best.
Safety Is Non-Negotiable
As physicians, we hold safety to medical standards. Every protocol exists for one reason: your child's wellbeing.
Curiosity Is Sacred
We never stifle a question. Curiosity is the engine of learning, and we feed it with joy, creativity, and encouragement every day.
Families Are Partners
We don't just care for your child — we walk alongside your family. Daily updates, open communication, and genuine partnership.
Excellence Is the Baseline
Good enough isn't good enough. As physicians, we hold ourselves to a standard of excellence in everything — and our school reflects that.
Community First
We believe schools build neighborhoods. Smart Beginnings is rooted in the community we serve and committed to giving back to it.