It’s a great time to invest in the child care market, which has a forecasted value of $91.86 billion by 2030. As the market grows to meet the needs of working parents, investors are able to choose from a number of different education franchise opportunities, including Kiddie Academy and Lightbridge Academy.
Not all child care franchises are the same, and it’s important to understand the advantages and drawbacks before committing to a franchise agreement. Taking the time to learn about each brand will help you identify the best franchisor for your goals and skills.
Learn more about how the Kiddie Academy franchise opportunity compares with Lightbridge Academy to find the right child care franchise investment for you.
Side-by-Side Comparison: Kiddie Academy and Lightbridge Academy
| Kiddie Academy Franchise Cost | Lightbridge Academy Cost | |
| Franchise Fee | $145,000* | $40,000 |
| Initial Investment | Up to $7,255,000* | Up to $4,885,000*** |
| Net Worth Requirement | $750,000 if leasing $1,000,000 if purchasing** |
$750,000 |
| Liquid Capital Requirement | $250,000 if leasing Up to $900,000 if purchasing** |
$250,000 |
| Royalty Fee | 7%* | 4-7%*** |
| Ad/Brand Development Fee | 2% * | 3% |
*According to Entrepreneur
**According to Kiddie Academy Website
***See Investment page on Lightbridge Academy’s franchise website
Get to Know the Kiddie Academy Franchise
Founded in 1981, the Kiddie Academy franchise is a recognized leader in educational child care. The brand began franchising in 1992 and has since opened over 330 locations in 39 states and the District of Columbia. On average, Kiddie Academy opens over 30 new locations each year.
Their curriculum, Life Essentials®, focuses on developing critical thinking skills and social-emotional qualities that help children thrive. Programs are offered for infants, toddlers, and children up to 12 years old.
According to Kiddie Academy, two-thirds of their open locations are owned by multi-unit operators. With that said, they don’t allow absentee or part-time ownership, which multi-business investors may find challenging.
Kiddie Academy has significantly higher initial investment fees than many comparable brands. The net worth and liquid capital requirements for franchisees who purchase their locations rather than lease are higher than average.
Training for Kiddie Academy franchise owners includes 32 hours of hands-on training and 96.5 hours of classroom training. Throughout the life of a franchise, Kiddie Academy offers ongoing support, including a dedicated franchise business consultant.
Your Franchise Opportunity with Lightbridge Academy
At Lightbridge Academy, we set the standard for early childhood education in franchising. Our forward-thinking, technology-driven child care solutions take a “whole child” approach to academic, social, and emotional development. We’re committed to cultivating well-rounded children who are ready to succeed in life. Lightbridge Academy’s high standards for education, customer experience, safety, and transparency make us The Solution for Working Families®.
Lightbridge Academy’s focus on the needs of working families stands out among comparable franchise options. Our Circle of Care philosophy drives us to center not only the children in our care but also families, staff, communities, and franchise owners. It’s a holistic approach to educational child care that not only creates good outcomes for children but also increases franchisee success and customer satisfaction.
Lightbridge Academy has made it possible to find success in our franchise system without a background in education. Our extensive training modules cover everything you’ll need to know about franchising with us, including curriculum planning, operations, marketing, and administration. The resources and flexibility we provide our franchisees make us a particularly good option for multi-unit, multi-business owners.
Investing in our franchise brand is a smart way to make your mark in the growing child care industry and give back to families in your community. To learn more about your franchise opportunity with Lightbridge Academy, contact us.
