Today we’d like to introduce you to Merrell Johnson.
Hi Merrell, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
Education has always been a cornerstone for me and my family. My mother dedicated her career to early childhood education, and my sister has served in secondary education—so pouring into young minds is truly part of who we are.
Because of that foundation, I’ve remained closely connected to organizations that promote literacy and academic success. Through this work, I’ve seen firsthand the urgent need to support children who are not reading at grade level—particularly in those critical early years of 1st, 2nd, and 3rd grade.
When I learned the staggering statistics and how deeply they impact our community, I knew I couldn’t stand on the sidelines. I had to be part of the solution.
So, I decided to start where it matters most—at the beginning.
With the support and shared passion of my sister, Talented And Gifted Academy (TAG Academy) was born.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It certainly hasn’t been a smooth road. Like any new venture, there’s a steep learning curve as you build and grow. You expect the challenges—staffing, creating processes, establishing policies—but some lessons have been more surprising than others.
For me, one of the most eye-opening realizations has been helping shift the mindset around childcare. Many families understandably see it as a place of supervision and care—but at TAG Academy, we believe it is so much more.
Childcare is school.
It is the very foundation of a child’s educational journey, where critical skills like language development, early literacy, social interaction, and confidence begin to take shape. These early years are not just preparation for learning—they are learning.
One of our greatest responsibilities—and opportunities—has been partnering with parents to help them see just how important it is to take their child’s education seriously from day one.
Because when we do, we don’t just prepare children for school—we set them up for a lifetime of success.
As you know, we’re big fans of Talented and Gifted Academy (TAG Academy). For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Talented And Gifted Academy (TAG Academy) is an early childhood education center dedicated to creating a safe, stable, and inspiring environment where children can grow, learn, and thrive. We serve children from 6 weeks to 5 years old, with a strong focus on early childhood literacy as the foundation for all learning.
At TAG Academy, we specialize in individualized learning, character development, and meaningful engagement—both in the classroom and with our families. We utilize the Lillio curriculum, an evidence-based program that allows us to meet each child where they are and support their development in a way that is both intentional and adaptable.
What truly sets us apart is our philosophy that learning begins from day one. We are committed to helping families understand that early childhood education is not just care—it is the beginning of a child’s academic and social journey. Through strong parent partnerships, we work to ensure that each child is supported not only at school, but at home as well.
As a brand, we are most proud of the culture we are building—one rooted in integrity, curiosity, creativity, kindness, and inclusivity. We strive to create an environment where children feel safe and confident, families feel supported, and learning is both purposeful and engaging.
At our core, TAG Academy is about more than education—we are building a foundation that supports lifelong growth, strong communication, and a love for learning.
Risk taking is a topic that people have widely differing views on – we’d love to hear your thoughts.
I don’t view risk as something to chase—I view it as something to understand, prepare for, and take on with intention.
Starting Talented And Gifted Academy has been one of the most significant risks I’ve taken. At the same time, I’ve continued working full-time in mortgage banking, which adds another layer of responsibility and discipline. Balancing both worlds requires structure, sacrifice, and a clear sense of purpose—but it’s also allowed me to build TAG Academy thoughtfully and sustainably.
For me, this wasn’t an impulsive leap. It was a calculated decision rooted in what I was seeing in our community—particularly the gaps in early literacy and the long-term impact that has on children. Once I understood the weight of that, the bigger risk became doing nothing at all.
There are also ongoing risks that come with building something meaningful—investing in strong staff, implementing intentional curriculum, and holding a higher standard in an industry where expectations can sometimes be lower. Positioning TAG Academy as an educational environment, not just childcare, requires us to challenge mindsets and lead with purpose, even when it’s not the easiest path.
My perspective on risk is grounded in alignment. If it connects to my values, serves a real need, and has the potential for lasting impact, then it’s a risk worth taking. At the same time, I believe in being strategic—making informed decisions, building the right systems, and staying disciplined in execution.
Entrepreneurship has taught me that risk isn’t a one-time decision—it’s something you manage every day. And for me, it’s not about avoiding risk, but about taking the right risks for the right reasons.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.tagsc.net
- Instagram: talentedandgiftedlexington
- Facebook: talentedandgiftedsc
