GOLDFISH SWIM SCHOOL
Goldfish Swim School franchises swim schools that provide specialized swim instruction and superior customer service, offering group and private lessons, birthday parties, open swim times, swim clinics, and other aquatic activities for children aged 4 months to 12 years in a fun, colorful environment. Facilities also include a snack bar and retail area, typically spanning 6,000 to 9,500 square feet in markets with substantial populations of young children. The business model centers on franchising these operations, with options for single units or area development agreements.
Disclaimer: This information was extracted using AI from public Franchise Disclosure Documents and should be independently verified. This is not financial or legal advice. Always review official FDD filings before making investment decisions.
Overview
Financial Requirements
6% royalty + 2% brand fund + $700/mo technology fee
Franchise Stats
Financial Performance
Item 19 Financial Performance
Data Based On: 155 Franchised Swim Schools open for at least 12 months as of December 31, 2024 (from Table 1).
* Data extracted primarily from 'Table 1: All > 12mo', representing 155 Franchised Swim Schools. 'PROFIT BEFORE OTHER EXPENSES (8)' was used for both average_net_profit and average_ebitda, as its definition ('excluding interest expense, taxes, depreciation, amortization, owner compensation and related expenditures') aligns closely with EBITDA and represents operating profit before specific non-operating items/owner compensation. EBITDA margin percentage calculated as average_ebitda / average_gross_revenue (679,119 / 2,147,104 = 0.3163). Best guess profit low and high are taken directly from the 'Low' and 'High' values for 'PROFIT BEFORE OTHER EXPENSES (8)' in Table 1.
Extracted Item 19 Section
How GOLDFISH SWIM SCHOOL Compares to Other Children's Education & Enrichment Franchises
Key Insights
- Higher investment than 97% of Children's Education & Enrichment franchises
- Top 10 largest franchise system in Children's Education & Enrichment
- One of the lowest SBA loan default rates in Children's Education & Enrichment
| Franchise | Investment Range | Franchise Fee | Royalty | Locations |
|---|---|---|---|---|
GOLDFISH SWIM SCHOOL Current | $1.7M - $3.7M | $50K | 6.0% | 172 |
| Mathnasium | $113K - $150K | $49K | 10.0% | 995 |
| MATHNASIUM LEARNING CENTERS; MATHNASIUM CENTERS, | $113K - $150K | $49K | 10.0% | 968 |
| SYLVAN LEARNING, SYLVAN LEARNING CENTER, SYLVAN | $108K - $239K | $37K | 11.0% | 469 |
| CLUB Z! | $41K - $57K | $27K | 8.0% | 328 |
| SOCCER SHOTS | $43K - $54K | $37K | 7.0% | 306 |
Children's Education & Enrichment Average 39 franchises | $205K - $385K | $41K | 7.7% | - |
* Comparison based on latest FDD filings. Investment ranges from Item 7, fees from Item 5. Showing top 5 of 39 Children's Education & Enrichment franchises by location count.
Locations & Growth
Outlet Growth Over Time
Total outlets at end of each year
Geographic Distribution (2024)
Outlets by state across the United States
+22 more states
SBA Loan History
Historical SBA 7(a) loan data for GOLDFISH SWIM SCHOOL franchisees (2011 - 2025)
Loans by Year
* Data sourced from SBA 7(a) FOIA loan records. Default rate calculated from charged-off loans.
Franchisee Contacts
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Due Diligence
Litigation (Item 3)
No litigation involving franchisees reported in the FDD.
Bankruptcy (Item 4)
No bankruptcy history reported in the FDD.
System Health (Item 20)
Franchise system changes reported in the most recent fiscal year
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to open a GOLDFISH SWIM SCHOOL franchise?
The total initial investment to open a GOLDFISH SWIM SCHOOL franchise ranges from $1,663,263 to $3,746,733. This includes a franchise fee of $50,000. Ongoing royalty fees are 6.0% of gross sales.
How much revenue does a GOLDFISH SWIM SCHOOL franchise make?
According to the 2025 FDD, the average gross revenue for a GOLDFISH SWIM SCHOOL franchise is $2,147,104. The median revenue is $1,979,745.
How much profit can you make with a GOLDFISH SWIM SCHOOL franchise?
Based on the financial performance data in the FDD, estimated profit for a GOLDFISH SWIM SCHOOL franchise ranges from $-685,464 to $3,141,627 per year. Actual results vary based on location, management, and market conditions.
How many GOLDFISH SWIM SCHOOL franchise locations are there?
As of the 2025 FDD, GOLDFISH SWIM SCHOOL has 172 franchise locations. The company has been franchising since 2008.
Can you get an SBA loan for a GOLDFISH SWIM SCHOOL franchise?
Yes, SBA loans are available for GOLDFISH SWIM SCHOOL franchises. Historical data shows 120 SBA 7(a) loans have been approved for GOLDFISH SWIM SCHOOL franchisees, with an average loan amount of $1,528,602. The historical default rate is 0.0%.
Is GOLDFISH SWIM SCHOOL a good franchise to buy?
GOLDFISH SWIM SCHOOL shows several positive indicators: established brand with 172+ locations, transparent financial performance data (Item 19), low SBA loan default rate. However, franchise success depends on many factors including location, local market conditions, and owner involvement. We recommend speaking with existing franchisees and consulting with a franchise attorney before making a decision.
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