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Lightbridge Academy
Lightbridge Academy franchises operate childcare centers offering early learning programs for infants (6 weeks and up), toddlers, preschool, and kindergarten-aged children, including summer camps, before/after care, and backup care for school-aged children. Franchisees use the proprietary Lightbridge Academy System, which encompasses design, operations, training, and merchandising standards, typically in 8,000-11,600 sq ft facilities accommodating 140-200 children. The business targets parents seeking structured, high-quality early education and childcare services in a competitive market.
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Franchise Costs
7% royalty (4% first 6 months) + 2% brand development fund (up to 3%) + $500/mo fixed fees (technology, tablet service, phone)
Financial Performance
Item 19 Financial Performance
Data Based On: 46 franchised Mature Centers operational a minimum of 24 months and 3 franchised Developing Centers operational between 12-23 months, as of December 31, 2023.
* Weighted average gross revenue calculated using 46 Mature Franchised Centers (average $2,393,879) and 3 Developing Franchised Centers (average $1,885,711): (46 * 2,393,879 + 3 * 1,885,711) / 49 = $2,362,766.67. Weighted average EBITDA calculated using 46 Mature Franchised Centers (average $352,684) and 3 Developing Franchised Centers (average $157,656): (46 * 352,684 + 3 * 157,656) / 49 = $340,743.51. EBITDA margin calculated as weighted average EBITDA / weighted average gross revenue. Median gross revenue is taken from the Mature Franchised Centers ($2,540,335) as it represents the largest group. Best guess profit range (low) is estimated by multiplying the overall minimum observed gross revenue ($1,282,212 from Mature Centers) by the lowest average adjusted EBITDA margin (9.9% from Developing Centers). Best guess profit range (high) is estimated by multiplying the overall maximum observed gross revenue ($3,596,457 from Mature Centers) by the highest average adjusted EBITDA margin (17.1% from Mature Centers).
Extracted Item 19 Section
Avg. Revenue: $2,362,767
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Unlock financial performance dataLightbridge Academy Franchise Analysis
Childcare franchises like Lightbridge Academy promise steady demand from working parents craving reliable early education, but the real story hides in the FDD's financial disclosures. Item 19 offers a clear view of revenue performance across mature units, paired with a track record of SBA financing that suggests lenders see potential here. What separates the top performers from the pack, and is the system's expansion pace signaling opportunity or overreach?
Item 7 lays out the initial investment from $1,067,233 to $3,120,400 for 8,000-11,600 sq ft centers holding 140-200 kids, covering buildout, equipment, and the $40,000 franchise fee. Ongoing fees hit 7% royalty (discounted to 4% for the first six months), 2% brand fund (up to 3%), plus $500 monthly fixed for tech and services. Item 19 shines with average gross revenue of $2,362,767 and median $2,540,335—note the higher median hints fewer low outliers dragging the average. Estimated profits range $126,939-$614,994, though 0% EBITDA margin flags tight operations needing scale for real margins; top units likely clear six figures easily.
The system's 55 franchised plus 18 corporate spots grew from 50 to 54 locations last year (+8%), with 8 projected new units and just 2 transfers showing stability over chaos. Franchising since 2011 from NJ headquarters, 43 SBA loans averaging $1,376,735 underline financing feasibility despite the hefty upfront. For education investors eyeing childcare, Lightbridge's revenue heft and growth beat many peers, but breakeven demands prime real estate and enrollment ramps—data screams calculate your local market fit before jumping in.
Analysis based on the 2024 Franchise Disclosure Document. All figures should be independently verified before making investment decisions.
How Lightbridge Academy Compares
Key Insights
- Higher investment than 88% of Early Childhood Education franchises
- Top 10 largest franchise system in Early Childhood Education
- One of the lowest SBA loan default rates in Early Childhood Education
| Franchise | Investment | Fee | Royalty | Locations |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Lightbridge Academy Current | $1.1M – $3.1M | $40K | 7.0% | 55 |
| THE LEARNING EXPERIENCE ACADEMY OF EARLY EDUCATION | $781K – $1.5M | $60K | 7.0% | 411 |
| KIDDIE ACADEMY EDUCATIONAL CHILD CARE | $590K – $1.0M | $150K | 7.0% | 363 |
| Jovie | $130K – $205K | $50K | 5.0% | 160 |
| CHILDRENS LIGHTHOUSE SCHOOLS | $1.1M – $1.5M | $85K | 7.0% | 69 |
| Building Kidz School | $327K – $1.5M | $60K | 7.0% | 46 |
Early Childhood Education Average 17 franchises | $867K – $2.4M | $74K | 6.6% | – |
* Comparison based on latest FDD filings. Investment ranges from Item 7, fees from Item 5. Showing top 5 of 17 Early Childhood Education franchises by location count.
Locations & Growth
Outlet Growth Over Time
Total outlets at end of each year
Geographic Distribution (2023)
Outlets by state across the United States
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Unlock location growth dataSBA Loan History
Historical SBA 7(a) loan data for Lightbridge Academy franchisees (2018 – 2025)
Loans by Year
SBA 7(a) loan activity over time
* Data sourced from SBA 7(a) FOIA loan records. Default rate calculated from charged-off loans.
43 SBA loans on record
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Unlock SBA loan historyFranchisee Contacts
138 franchisee contacts on file from official FDD filings.
138 Contacts Available
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Unlock contactsDue Diligence
Litigation (Item 3)
Bankruptcy (Item 4)
System Health (Item 20)
Franchise system changes reported in the most recent fiscal year
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Unlock due diligence reportsFrequently Asked Questions
The total initial investment to open a Lightbridge Academy franchise ranges from $1,067,233 to $3,120,400. This includes a franchise fee of $40,000. Ongoing royalty fees are 7.0% of gross sales.
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