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.
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
7% royalty (4% first 6 months) + 2% brand development fund (up to 3%) + $500/mo fixed fees (technology, tablet service, phone)
Franchise Stats
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
How Lightbridge Academy Compares to Other Early Childhood Education Franchises
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 Range | Franchise 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 | $405K - $915K | $150K | 7.0% | 344 |
| Jovie | $124K - $193K | $50K | 5.0% | 165 |
| CHILDRENS LIGHTHOUSE SCHOOLS | $1.1M - $1.5M | $85K | 7.0% | 69 |
| Ivybrook Academy | $541K - $870K | $50K | 7.0% | 40 |
Early Childhood Education Average 17 franchises | $868K - $2.3M | $76K | 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
SBA Loan History
Historical SBA 7(a) loan data for Lightbridge Academy franchisees (2018 - 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 Lightbridge Academy franchise?
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.
How much revenue does a Lightbridge Academy franchise make?
According to the 2024 FDD, the average gross revenue for a Lightbridge Academy franchise is $2,362,766.67. The median revenue is $2,540,335.
How much profit can you make with a Lightbridge Academy franchise?
Based on the financial performance data in the FDD, estimated profit for a Lightbridge Academy franchise ranges from $126,938.99 to $614,994.15 per year. Actual results vary based on location, management, and market conditions.
How many Lightbridge Academy franchise locations are there?
As of the 2024 FDD, Lightbridge Academy has 55 franchise locations. The company has been franchising since 2011.
Can you get an SBA loan for a Lightbridge Academy franchise?
Yes, SBA loans are available for Lightbridge Academy franchises. Historical data shows 43 SBA 7(a) loans have been approved for Lightbridge Academy franchisees, with an average loan amount of $1,376,735. The historical default rate is 0.0%.
Is Lightbridge Academy a good franchise to buy?
Lightbridge Academy shows several positive indicators: 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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