High-quality child care is imperative for working parents, whether their desk is at home or the office.
The child care industry is on a growth trajectory, with a continuous annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.86% projected between 2024 and 2030. Within the industry, you’ll find a number of different franchise opportunities, including Primrose Schools and Lightbridge Academy.
Learn more about how a Primrose franchise opportunity compares to Lightbridge Academy so that you can choose the option that fits your goals.
Side-by-Side Comparison: Primrose and Lightbridge
| Primrose Franchise Cost | Lightbridge Academy Cost | |
| Franchise Fee | $80,000* | $40,000 |
| Initial Investment | $742,900 – $8,595,000* | $1,067,233 to $4,885,000 |
| Net Worth Requirement | $1,500,000* | $750,000 |
| Liquid Capital Requirement | $650,000* | $250,000 |
| Royalty Fee | 7%* | 7% |
| Ad/Brand Development Fee | 3%* | 3% |
*According to Entrepreneur
Behind the Primrose Franchise
Since its founding in 1982, Primrose Schools has established itself as a leader in the child care franchise industry. Their proprietary curriculum focuses on mental, emotional, and physical development catering to ages ranging from six weeks to six years. Currently, Primrose Schools are located in 34 states, with over 500 locations currently operating.
Primrose franchises can fit almost anywhere, making the real estate and site selection process more flexible than other child care franchise options. Whether situated in urban or suburban areas, standalone buildings, or non-traditional spaces, Primrose offers adaptable floor plans to meet diverse location needs. Like other child care franchises, including Lightbridge Academy, Primrose Schools provides onsite corporate child care. However, Primrose Schools does not permit absentee ownership, which may pose challenges for multi-unit or multi-business investors seeking a hands-off approach.
A notable distinction of Primrose Schools is its higher financial entry barrier. The initial investment and required net worth are significantly higher compared to similar child care franchises.
Additionally, new Primrose franchise owners receive 40 hours of on-the-job training, as well as 119 hours of classroom training. The ongoing support offered by Primrose Schools is robust, with dedicated support staff offering business and marketing guidance to franchisees throughout the life of their business.
Your Franchise Opportunity with Lightbridge Academy
Lightbridge Academy offers clear advantages for entrepreneurs looking to invest in the child care industry. Our mission is to provide innovative child care solutions that meet the needs of working families. Lightbridge Academy is known for integrating advanced technology with trusted educational philosophies, and our growth reflects this—Lightbridge Academy has grown by 46.8% in the past three years, compared to 11.7% growth over the same period for Primrose Schools.
From day one, Lightbridge Academy franchise owners know we’re here to support them by providing industry-leading training and resources. While Primrose Schools provides 159 hours of training, Lightbridge Academy offers 177 hours, covering key areas like financing, operations, marketing, curriculum planning, and franchisee responsibilities. No background in education is necessary to be a successful Lightbridge Academy franchisee. Additionally, you’ll have access to ongoing business coaching throughout your franchise partnership.
Since our founding in 1997, our unique approach to child care has helped our franchisees achieve success. Unlike Primrose Schools, which does not allow for absentee ownership, Lightbridge Academy supports multi-unit, multi-business owners, with 75% of our centers owned by operators managing multiple units. Our business model has been developed to enhance operational efficiency, as well as customer service.
At the heart of Lightbridge Academy’s success is our Circle of Care philosophy, which balances the needs of children, families, staff, communities, and franchise owners. As The Solution for Working Families®, we encourage franchisees to build lasting relationships with parents. Tools like our ParentView® internet monitoring system and the Lightbridge Academy app help parents stay connected with their children and build trust with our staff. This emphasis on communication and care sets us apart in the industry.
