Top 10 Early Education Franchises to Start in 2026

Are you exploring the best early education franchise opportunities to start in 2026? Investing in an early education franchise offers a compelling way to build a business while making a meaningful impact on families and communities.

With established brands, proven operating systems, comprehensive training, and curriculum-driven programs, early education franchises provide a structured path to entrepreneurship in a resilient and purpose-driven industry.

In this guide, we'll highlight the leading early education franchises from this year, compare key differentiators, and discuss important factors to consider when evaluating the right opportunity for your investment goals.

What to Look for in an Early Education Franchise

1) The Goddard School®

The Goddard School has established itself as one of the most recognized brands in the early childhood education franchise sector, with more than 38 years of franchising experience and a network of over 665 schools across the United States. The franchise combines a research-informed educational approach with extensive development, training, and operational support, providing entrepreneurs with a structured pathway into the growing early education industry.

The brand has also continued to expand its national footprint. In 2025, The Goddard School awarded 84 new franchise licenses, representing the second-highest annual total in the company's history and reflecting continued interest from prospective franchise owners.

Investment Overview:

The Goddard School's financial performance highlights the strength and scalability of its franchise model. In 2025, mature schools* reported the following results:

• Average Annual Gross Revenue: $2,507,631
• Average Annual EBITDA: $546,554
• Average Annual EBITDA Percentage: 21.8%
• Average School Occupancy Rate: 84%

*Based on mature school performance (open 18+ months). You should refer to Item 19 of Goddard Franchisor, LLC’s 2026 Franchise Disclosure Document for more information regarding the reported earnings of Goddard School franchises. Your individual results may differ. There is no assurance that you will earn as much as the amounts reported by Goddard School franchisees.

In 2025, The Goddard School achieved a Net Promoter Score (NPS) of 84, with families giving their local Goddard School an average recommendation rating of 9.46 out of 10.

The Goddard School Estimated Initial Investment:

• $1,003,500 to $1,503,000 (Build-to-suit lease)
• $1,736,500 to $5,032,000 (Retrofit lease)
• $5,493,500 to $8,908,000 (Buy land and build)

Franchise Fees & Royalties:

• Initial franchise fee is $135,000
• Royalty fee is 7% of gross receipts
• Marketing Fee is currently at 2% of gross receipts (can increase to a maximum of 4%. See Item 5 of Goddard Franchisor, LLC’s 2026 Franchise Disclosure Document).

Source: Goddard Franchisor, LLC 2026 Franchise Disclosure Document

Opportunity Snapshot:

• Exclusive Wonder of Learning® curriculum focused on nurturing children's academic, social, and emotional growth
• Support throughout the development process, including location selection, real estate planning, and school construction
• Integrated marketing resources that include a branded school website and locally targeted digital campaigns
• Extensive onboarding, training, and operational support for new franchisees
• Potential to expand through ownership of multiple schools
• Awarded 35 new franchise licenses during the first quarter of 2026, marking a record-setting period for growth

For many prospective franchise owners, The Goddard School stands out for its strong brand recognition, established operating model, and comprehensive franchise support system.

With decades of experience in the early childhood education industry, the brand has built a reputation that resonates with both families and investors.

2) Primrose Schools

Primrose Schools is an early education franchise that follows a balanced learning approach supported by the brand’s operational systems.

Investment Overview:

• $5,016,600 to $7,960,300 (New ground-up build school)
• $2,152,500 to $7,265,300 (Adaptive-reuse build school)

Franchise Fees & Royalties:

• Initial franchise fee is $80,000
• Royalty fee is 7% of gross revenues
• Brand Fund Fee is currently 2% (right to increase to 3% of monthly gross revenues)

Source: Primrose School Franchising SPE, LLC 2026 Franchise Disclosure Document

Opportunity Snapshot:

• Exclusive Balanced Learning® curriculum that serves as the foundation of the brand's educational offering
• Adaptable development structure designed to support franchise growth across various markets
• Proven franchise model backed by a long-standing presence in the franchising industry

3) The Learning Experience

The Learning Experience is an early education franchise focused on curriculum-based programming and structured development systems for children and franchise owners.

Investment Overview:

• $805,799 to $1,563,499 (The Learning Experience develops the center for you)
• $2,264,799 to $5,658,799 (Franchisee develops their own center)
• $937,300 to $3,393,000 (Purchase an existing center)

Franchise Fees & Royalties:

• Initial franchise fee: $60,000
• Royalty fee is 7% of gross revenue
• Brand Awareness Fund: Currently 1% of gross revenue (right to increase to 2.5% of gross revenue. See Item 6 of The Learning Experience Systems LLC's 2026 Franchise Disclosure Document.)

Source: The Learning Experience Systems LLC 2026 Franchise Disclosure Document

Opportunity Snapshot:

• Proprietary educational framework designed to support consistent learning outcomes
• In-house guidance for facility planning, design, and development
• Growing footprint across a range of geographic markets and communities

4) Lightbridge Academy

Lightbridge Academy is a growing early education franchise that incorporates technology into its model alongside defined operational systems.

Investment Overview:

• $834,868 to $1,409,735 (Leased Center)
• $834,868 to $2,609,735 (Leased Center with leasehold improvements)
• $5,801,350 to $8,122,575 (Purchased Center)

Franchise Fees & Royalties:

• Initial franchise fee is $50,000
• Royalty fee of 7% of gross revenue
• Brand Development Fund is 2% of gross revenue (can increase up to 3%)

Source: Lightbridge Franchise Company, LLC 2026 Franchise Disclosure Document

Opportunity Snapshot:

• Technology-driven tools that facilitate ongoing communication between schools and families
• Programs and services designed to support corporate and organizational childcare needs
• Structured expansion framework that outlines development expectations and timelines

5) Kiddie Academy

Kiddie Academy is an early education franchise that manages centers across diverse markets with defined systems for development and expansion.

Investment Overview:

• $590,000 – $1,010,000 (Leased Kiddie Academy facility)
• $4,935,000 – $8,530,000 (Purchased Kiddie Academy facility)

Franchise Fees & Royalties:

• Initial franchise fee is $150,000
• Royalty fee is 7% of gross revenue
• Brand Building Fund is 2% of gross revenues

Source: Kiddie Academy Domestic Franchising, LLC 2026 Franchise Disclosure Document

Opportunity Snapshot:

• Brand-specific curriculum designed to deliver a consistent learning experience
• Multiple school formats that can accommodate different operating environments
• Community-oriented approach that encourages local outreach and family engagement

6) Celebree School

Celebree School is a growing early education franchise with a defined business model and an expanding presence across the United States.

Investment Overview:

• $1,023,550 to $1,404,100 (Landlord Constructs Improvements)
• $2,778,550 to $3,569,099 (Remodel of Existing Space)
• $100,000 to $122,500 (Development Agreement for 2–3 Schools)

Franchise Fees & Royalties:

• Initial franchise fee is $75,000
• Royalty fee is 7% of net revenue
• Brand fund Contribution is 2% of net revenue (can increase to 3%)

Source: Celebree Enterprises, LLC 2026 Franchise Disclosure Document

Opportunity Snapshot:

• Streamlined management model designed to support day-to-day school operations
• Established systems and processes aimed at creating a consistent experience across locations
• Strategic growth approach focused on development within selected geographic regions

7) Ivybrook Academy

Ivybrook Academy is an early education franchise that operates a semi-private preschool model with a focus on child-led learning and a flexible operating structure.

Investment Overview:

• $540,700 to $869,860 (Single Ivybrook Academy School)
• $575,700 to $929,860 (Multi-Unit Development Agreement – First School)

Franchise Fees & Royalties:

• Franchise Fee is $50,000
• Royalty fee is 7% of gross revenue
• Brand Development Fund contribution is 1% of gross revenue (expected to raise to 2%)

Source: Ivybrook Academy Franchising, LLC 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document

Opportunity Snapshot:

• Boutique preschool concept offering smaller class environments and adaptable attendance schedules
• Lower initial capital requirements than many full-scale early education centers
• Diverse income opportunities through tuition, enrollment-related fees, and specialty seasonal offerings

8) Ivy Kids

Ivy Kids Early Learning Center is an early education franchise serving children from six weeks to twelve years, operating through a structured system that combines curriculum, standardized processes, and ongoing franchisee support.

Investment Overview:

• $5.5M - $7M (Own Real Estate)
• $1.1M - $1.54M (Lease Real Estate)

Franchise Fees & Royalties:

• Initial franchise fee is $110,500
• Royalty fee is 7% of gross revenues
• Brand Marketing Fee is 1.5% of gross revenues collected weekly

Source: Ivy Kids Systems, LLC Franchising Website; Franchise Times (2025)

Opportunity Snapshot:

• Early learning and school-age programs serving children from infancy through age 12
• Exclusive MultiPrep® learning framework designed to nurture individual strengths and accommodate diverse learning preferences
• Educational environment centered on academic excellence, family engagement, and personalized child development

9) Montessori Kids Universe

Montessori Kids Universe is an early education franchise that incorporates Montessori and Reggio Emilia-inspired approaches within a structured operating system.

Investment Overview:

• Total investment ranges from $883,658 to $1,844,008 (Single School Investment)

Franchise Fees & Royalties:

• Initial franchise fee is $75,000
• Royalty fee is approximately 7% of gross revenue
• Digital marketing requirement is a minimum of $1,000 per month until the school reaches 75% of licensed capacity, then $500 per month thereafter

Source: Montessori School Franchising LLC 2026 Franchise Disclosure Document

Opportunity Snapshot:

• Educational approach influenced by both Montessori and Reggio Emilia learning philosophies
• Comprehensive onboarding, training, and operational guidance for franchisees
• Emphasis on hands-on learning experiences with a strong STEAM-centered curriculum

10) Creative World Schools

Creative World School is an early education franchise that provides programs for children ranging from infancy through school age. Operating in purpose-built learning environments, the brand emphasizes age-appropriate educational experiences designed to support children’s academic, social, and emotional development.

Investment Overview:

• $4,825,050 to $10,143,500 (New ground-up build school or redevelopment/adaptive reuse of an existing facility – FDD provides a combined range rather than separate options)

Franchise Fees & Royalties:

• Initial franchise fee is $80,000 for the first school and $75,000 for second or subsequent schools or qualifying discounts
• Royalty fee is 5% of weekly Adjusted Gross Revenues during the first 12 months, 6% during months 13 through 24, and 7% thereafter
• Marketing Fund is up to 1% of Weekly Gross Revenues

Source: Creative World Schools Franchising Company, Inc. 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document

Opportunity Snapshot:

• Programs designed to support children from infancy through elementary school age
• Custom-designed educational campuses featuring dedicated indoor and outdoor learning spaces
• Established operating framework supported by training, systems, and vetted vendor relationships

In Conclusion

Investing in an early education franchise is a significant decision that involves evaluating both the business opportunity and the level of support provided by the franchise system. While each brand brings its own strengths and approach, prospective franchisees should consider how well a franchise aligns with their financial objectives, operational preferences, and long-term growth goals.

Key factors to evaluate include:

• Investment requirements and business model
• Educational philosophy and curriculum approach
• Training, operational, and marketing support
• Development and expansion opportunities

Before making a decision, it can also be helpful to weigh the pros and cons of owning a childcare franchise to better understand the opportunities and considerations associated with franchise ownership

As you compare your options, it’s important to look beyond the initial investment and assess how each franchisor supports owners throughout every stage of the journey—from site selection and development to school operations and ongoing business growth.

Check Out These Additional Resources

We hope this article gave you a better understanding of the best early education franchises to start.

For entrepreneurs seeking an established brand with a proven operating model, structured development process, and comprehensive franchise support, The Goddard School may be worth exploring as part of your franchise evaluation process.

Here are some additional online resources you may like to check out:

• How Much Does a Goddard School Cost?
• Identifying Prime Locations for Goddard School Franchises
• 10 Questions to Ask a Childcare Franchisor

To begin your franchising journey with The Goddard School, please submit this form and a member of our team will be in touch.