Own a Leading Childcare Franchise in 2026

With a defined approach to early childhood education and comprehensive support systems, The Goddard School provides franchisees with a structured path to ownership while serving families and communities.

Underscoring its continued nationwide growth, The Goddard School signed 84 new franchise licenses in 2025, the second-highest number of licenses awarded in its history.

Investment Overview:

The financial performance of The Goddard School franchise demonstrates the strength of its business model. In 2025, mature schools* achieved the following results:

• Average Annual Gross Revenue: $2,507,631

• Average Annual EBITDA: $546,554

• Average Annual EBITDA Percentage: 22%

• Average School Occupancy Rate: 84%

The Goddard School earned a Net Promoter Score (NPS) of 84 in 2025, with families rating their Goddard School an average of 9.46 out of 10 for "likelihood to recommend."

The estimated initial investment to open a Goddard School ranges from approximately:

• $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

Click here to begin your franchising journey...

*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. This information does not constitute an offer to sell a franchise. We offer and sell franchises only by providing you with our franchise disclosure document. We will not offer to sell franchises in any state that regulates the offer and sale of franchises until we have complied with all applicable legal requirements in that state.

The Learning Experience is a growing childcare franchise that emphasizes curriculum-driven programming and centralized development services.

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

Key Features:

• Proprietary curriculum platform

• Centralized design and build support

• Expanding presence across multiple markets

Primrose Schools is an established childcare franchise system offering multiple development approaches depending on the type of project.

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

Key Features:

• Balanced Learning® Curriculum Framework

• Multiple real estate development pathways

• Long-standing presence in franchising

Kiddie Academy offers a range of development options and operates educational childcare centers across diverse markets.

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

Key Features:

• Proprietary curriculum model

• Variety of facility formats

• Emphasis on local market engagement

Lightbridge Academy is a smaller, growing early education and childcare franchise system with a focus on technology integration.

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

Key Features:

• Technology-enabled family communication tools

• Corporate childcare offerings

• Structured development agreements

Celebree School is an emerging brand with a defined operational model and growing regional presence.

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

Key Features:

• Centralized leadership structure

• Operational consistency across locations

• Expansion in targeted markets

Ivybrook Academy offers a semi-private preschool franchise model focused on innovative, child-led learning. With a growing footprint and flexible operating structure, the brand provides franchisees with a differentiated approach to early childhood education.

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

Key Features:

• Semi-private preschool model with flexible scheduling options

• Lower startup investment compared to traditional childcare center franchises

• Multiple revenue streams driven by tuition-based enrollment, registration fees, and seasonal programs

Ivy Kids Early Learning Center offers a comprehensive childcare and early education franchise model serving children ages six weeks to twelve years.

The brand operates through a structured system that combines proprietary curriculum, standardized operations, and ongoing franchisee support to deliver consistent learning experiences across all centers.

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)

Key Features:

• Programs for children ages 6 weeks to 12 years through early education and childcare services

• Proprietary MultiPrep® curriculum designed to support different learning styles and develop potential

• Focus on quality education, family values, and child-centered learning

Creative World Schools is an early childhood education and childcare franchise offering services for children ages 6 weeks to 12 years through purpose-built school facilities.

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

Key Features:

• Early childhood curriculum for children ages 6 weeks to 12 years

• Large, purpose-built school facilities with outdoor play areas

• Standardized system with required training and approved suppliers

Montessori Kids Universe is a childcare franchise that combines Montessori and Reggio Emilia-inspired learning with a structured operating system and technology-driven tools.

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

Key Features:

• Montessori and Reggio Emilia-inspired curriculum

• Structured training and operational systems

• Strong focus on early childhood education and STEAM learning