Lightbridge Academy

Lightbridge Academy is a rapidly growing early childhood education franchise that puts families at the heart of everything we do. Our unique Circle of Care? philosophy creates a nurturing environment where children thrive, families feel supported, and franchisees are empowered to make a lasting impact in their communities.

With a strong focus on educational excellence, family-focused service, and a deep commitment to care, Lightbridge Academy meets the evolving needs of busy working families. Backed by recurring revenue and consistent demand, our proven model offers franchisees the opportunity to build a purpose-driven business with long-term growth potential.

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Lightbridge Academy

Lightbridge Academy Franchise Cost and Requirements for 2025

Background

Lightbridge Academy fills a vital gap in the child care market by offering high-quality education and care designed specifically to support the needs of working families. Our unique approach has earned national recognition, including being named Top Brands for Multi-Unit Owners in 2025 and Top Franchises for Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion in 2024 by Entrepreneur Magazine

Innovation is woven into every aspect of the Lightbridge Academy experience. From ParentView? internet monitoring and biometric security to interactive whiteboards and iPads in the classroom, our state-of-the-art technology enhances both learning and peace of mind. As a franchisee, you benefit from our proprietary Circle of Care?-a proven framework that supports high enrollment, strong staff retention, and long-term financial success.

Why Choose Lightbridge Academy?

Avg. Annual Gross Revenue $2,598,556 & Avg. Net Profit (EBIDTA) $411,394*

  • Over 26 years of success in childcare
  • Prime territories available in AZ, CT, CO, FL, GA, IN, PA, NC, MD, MI, MN, MO, SC, TN, OH, and VA available
  • Superior franchise training program with 177 hours of hands-on and on-site training
  • Ongoing support through your personal Business Coach
  • Recession-resistant business
  • Industry was estimated at $61.7 billion in 2023, and it's expected to grow at an annual rate of 5.86% through 2030*
  • Recurring revenue
  • High quality of life - nights, weekends and major holidays off
  • A NEED not a WANT service
  • A business that MATTERS with a company that CARES

Company Details

AZ, CO, CT, DE, FL, GA, IN, MD, MI, MN, MO, NC, SC, OH, PA, TN, VA, WI

Established: 1997
First Unit Franchised: 2011
Units: Over 160 child care centers open, under construction, or in development.
States Selling In: AZ, CO, CT, DE, FL, GA, IN, MD, MI, MN, MO, NC, SC, OH, PA, TN, VA, WI

Canada Franchises: No
International Franchises: No

Support and Training Offered By Lightbridge Academy

Financial Assistance Provided: Lease Assurance Group available for qualified candidates
Site Selection Assistance: Yes, in-house and outside brokers
Lease Negotiation Assistance: Yes, in-house and outside legal
Recruiting Assistance: Director
Co-Operative Advertising: Periodic


Training: 177 hours

2025 Franchise Requirements Needed to Own a Lightbridge Academy Franchise.

What does a Lightbridge Academy Franchise Cost?

Lightbridge Academy franchise fees for 2025:

Cash Investment: $250,000
Total Investment: $1,040,233 - $2,688,500
Minimum Net Worth: $750,000
Franchise Fee: $50,000
Royalty: 4% for first 6 months, then 7%
Brand Fund: 2%
Average Number of Employees: 35
Item 19: Yes-Strong
SBA Approved: Yes
Passive Ownership: Can be on or offsite but must be activly engaged in business
Home Based: No
B2B: No
Master Franchise Opportunities: No
Veteran Discount: Yes
Special Discount Programs: VetFran

Is Lightbridge Academy a Semi Absentee Franchise with a Passive Ownership Opportunity?

No. Lightbridge Academy is not a semi absentee franchise. The owner of the franchise (the franchisee) is expected to be involved in all aspects of day-to-day operations.

Is Lightbridge Academy a Home Based franchise?

No. Lightbridge Academy is not a home based franchise opportunity.

What Do Lightbridge Academy Franchise Owners Make?

Click here to find out how much Lightbridge Academy franchisees make. Lightbridge Academy offers an Item 19 in their Franchise Disclosure Document which provides financial information about select franchisees in their franchise system.

Is Lightbridge Academy a Master Franchise Opportunity?

No. Lightbridge Academy is not a master franchise opportunity.

Does Lightbridge Academy Offer a Veteran Discount?

Yes. Lightbridge Academy franchise does offer a veteran discount.

Does Lightbridge Academy Work with E2 Visa and EB-5 Visa Candidates?

Yes. Lightbridge Academy franchise does work with E2 Visa and EB-5 Visa candidates.

Is Lightbridge Academy Looking for Franchisees in Canada?

No. Lightbridge Academy franchise is not looking for Canada franchisees.

Is Lightbridge Academy Looking for International franchisees?

No. Lightbridge Academy franchise is not looking for International franchisees.

Where can I see Lightbridge Academy's FDD (Franchise Disclosure Document)?

Buying a Franchise Guide: What is a Franchise Disclosure Document?

When evaluating a franchise opportunity, reading and understanding the current version of their FDD is a necessity. Considering the benefits of franchising, such as established brand recognition and support from the franchisor, it's important to also take into account franchise fees and franchising royalty fees. Since most franchisors are privately owned companies, the current versions of their FDDs are typically not available unless requested directly from them.

Click here to connect with a Franchise Consultant who can help you obtain a copy quickly and for free. They can also guide you through the essential franchise questions to ask, ensuring you make a well-informed decision about your investment.

Additional Information

Additional Categories

Child Related, Education, Non Food Franchises

Number of Units Open

20-50 UNITS

Cash Required

$100,000 - $250,000

Master Franchise

No

Passive Franchise

No

Home Based Franchise

No

Item 19 Franchise

Yes

Veteran Discount

No

B2B

No

Franchise Opportunities in Canada

No

International Franchise Opportunities

No

E2 Visa Franchise

Yes

Lightbridge Academy Franchises for Sale

Click Here to inquire about existing Lightbridge Academy franchises for sale. We may have Lightbridge Academy franchise resales. A franchise resale is an already established franchise owned by a franchisee and the franchisee is looking to sell their franchise.

The International Franchise Professionals Group (IFPG) is an internationally recognized membership-based franchise organization. IFPG Franchise Consultants guide aspiring business owners through the process of identifying and investing in franchise businesses. The IFPG represents more than 550 franchises. We do not represent all franchises listed here. By clicking on "Request a Consultation," you are agreeing to be contacted by one of our Certified Franchise Consultants to discuss franchise ownership.

About our rankings: The IFPG uses its internal data collected from our membership portal to identify which franchises had the most activity in the past week. This ranking system is not based on franchise sales, franchisee success rates or number of units open. Our ranking system should not be used to make a decision on which franchise to buy it was solely created for internal purposes and for our IFPG Members.