Franchise FAQs

Educational experience is not necessary. It is recommended to hire an experienced center director to operate the business. It’s more important that you possess a strong business and management acumen. Lightbridge Academy will provide the necessary training to help you replicate the culture and implement programs, services, operations, and curriculum.

Not necessarily. Lightbridge Academy’s franchise model provides flexibility for hands-on and semi-absentee owners. Over 40% of our franchisees are multi-unit operators who manage teams strategically while our systems support their success and encourage further growth.

The timeline to start a daycare franchise typically ranges from 18 to 24 months. During this process, you’ll complete training, secure your site, and begin community marketing outreach with full support from the Lightbridge Academy team. From your first inquiry to grand opening, we’re with you every step of the way to help you confidently launch your business!

The total investment to open a Lightbridge Academy franchise varies based on market, center size, and construction costs. The Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) provides prospective franchisees with an investment range which includes the franchise fee, build-out expenses, equipment, and working capital. We’ll work closely with you to develop a budget and connect you with financing partners who understand the daycare franchise model and child care industry as a whole.

Starting a daycare franchise involves an initial investment that varies by location and size. Many Lightbridge Academy franchisees finance their investment through conventional loans, SBA-backed programs, or by leveraging retirement savings. We’ll connect you with trusted franchise lenders who understand our model and can help you explore options tailored to your financial goals. For details on total franchise costs, see Item 7 of our Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) or view the investment page.

Financial performance varies by location, enrollment, and management. Lightbridge Academy’s Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) provides detailed financial data, including average center occupancy and EBITDA performance, allowing you to evaluate your potential profit as a daycare franchise. While actual earnings will depend on many key factors including center management and market, with proven systems and a strong brand reputation, Lightbridge Academy is designed for long-term success and sustainable profitability.

For the first six months of operation, you’ll be responsible for a royalty fee of 4%. After your sixth month in business, you’ll be responsible for a 7% royalty fee. There is also a 2% contribution to the Brand Development Fund, which is used to support growth and build the Lightbridge Academy brand through a broad range of regional marketing and advertising. These fees are all drawn from your gross revenue.

For more information, please see Items 6 and 7 in our franchise disclosure document (FDD).

Lightbridge Academy provides over 177 hours of training through in-classroom observations, webinars, and hands-on instruction in an operating child care center. This takes place throughout the construction process and continues throughout the opening process, with ongoing business coaching for the duration of your franchise agreement. Our training program exceeds industry standards, underscoring our Circle of Care commitment to franchisees.

We will support and personally assist you with the site identification and selection process. Our real estate team helps analyze demographics, visibility, and accessibility so your center is positioned for long-term growth and success. We can also connect you to an extensive network of brokers and developers focused on identifying high-quality and competitively priced sites that meet our criteria. After the site is approved, we’ll provide a comprehensive real estate analysis and review the findings together before you make a final decision.

Early childhood education is one of the most stable, purpose-driven franchise industries. Child care remains in high demand regardless of the economy, offering both financial and emotional rewards. Many investors choose Lightbridge Academy to diversify their portfolios and achieve long-term stability. If you’re looking to explore a daycare franchise opportunity, investing in early childhood education offers a meaningful and recession-resistant industry.

Lightbridge Academy’s proprietary Seedlings Early Childhood Education Curriculum® utilizes a “whole” child approach to learning and enrichment, including a reading/writing readiness program, Musical Beginnings, American Sign Language, Spanish, Yoga and Mindfulness, and more. Teachers are provided with cutting-edge technology to enhance parent communication and the learning environment. iPad technology and interactive whiteboards enrich the educational program by bringing learning to life in classrooms and the indoor multipurpose room every day.