Lightbridge Academy Franchise information

The total investment necessary to begin the operation of a Lightbridge Academy center ranges from $621,233-$937,900 for a leased center and $2,611,900- $5,202,500 for a purchased center. This includes everything from initial training costs to promotional materials to equipment costs. It also includes the $121,000-$142,000 that must be paid to the franchisor or its affiliate for the standard franchise fee, technology fee, center development fee, training fee, etc.

The total investment for the first location under a Multi-Unit Operator Agreement is between $676,233 – $992,900 for a leased center and between $2,666,900 – $5,257,500 for a purchased center. This includes the $176,000-$197,000 that must be paid to the franchisor and/or its affiliate.

Founded in 1997, Lightbridge Academy is an Iselin, New Jersey-based franchise that provides early education and child care to children ages six weeks through kindergarten, as well as special programming for children up to 10 years old for summer camp.

Founders Guy and Julia Falzarano started the company in 1997 based on the Circle of Care philosophy, which is at the heart of everything we do. Simply put, the Circle of Care recognizes the network surrounding a child’s development by placing equal importance on the needs of children, their families, teachers, center owners, and the community. 

The company franchised in 2011 to expand its distinctive concept throughout the Mid-Atlantic region; it currently has over 150+ child care centers either open, under construction, or in development throughout Florida, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Colorado, Texas, and Virginia. It is one of the fastest-growing early education child care center franchise opportunities in the U.S.

Since 2015, the company has been featured on the Inc. 5000 ranking of fastest-growing franchises, Franchise Times Top 200+ awards, and Entrepreneur Magazine's Franchise 500. In 2024, Lightbridge Academy was also recognized in Inc Regionals - Northeast Region's Fastest-Growing Private Companies and 2024 Top 200 Franchises by Franchise Business Review

The need for quality child care has never been greater; and the demand is only growing. A recent study published by Grand View Research revealed:

Child care is expected to become a $83.6 billion by 2030, realizing nearly 5.86% compound annual growth.

The early education & early daycare segment dominated the market in 2023 with the largest revenue share of 45.66% and is expected to grow the fastest during the forecast period.

Government investment in early childhood education is expected to grow; the Federal government recently created a $5.9 billion block grant program targeting this sector.

Lightbridge offers the highest level of franchise support, anywhere. You’re running your own center as an independent business, but you’re never on your own. Lightbridge Academy chooses franchisees that embody its core values themselves. That means franchisees are part of the Circle of Care — and an integral part of a network that truly cares, supports and encourages one another, and helps every franchisee succeed every step of the way. Franchisees are never alone. Lightbridge Academy has created and refined the business model over the years to provide you with the benefit of its proven system.

The Falzaranos know that operating a center takes commitment; they have been center operators themselves. They've improved the process for you, and have nearly 25 years of experience to help you avoid the pitfalls of starting from scratch. 

From curriculum development, to location selection, launching outreach programs and overseeing marketing, you have the power of a corporate team behind you, while still running the show as your own business.

Whether you have a business background or an education background, Lightbridge Academy provides immersive, hands-on training: everything from our culture, our business system and curriculum. You’ll also get the help of a business coach, ongoing business development and management support, Lightbridge Academy franchisees also have the help of expert advertising and marketing support, to spread the word about their location, whether it’s targeted ads or hosting a fun event.

Lightbridge Academy franchisees are those who want a career that provides them with a strong sense of purpose and personal fulfillment. 

Supporting a child’s education and care is a tremendous opportunity for people to fulfill that need. Whether your background is as an educator, or as a business manager, Lightbridge’s mission allows you to help you create a positive impact for others and for yourself. 

The ideal franchisee is someone who has integrity and is invested into our proven Lightbridge Academy system, and who has a belief in our core values of honoring the entire Circle of Care philosophy. That means you’re someone who wants opportunities to support, care and encourage others, while they provide the same to you in return.  

Lightbridge Academy is the Solution for Working Families®. As a part of the child care business, franchisees have the ability to support a better quality of life, because they have most nights, weekends, and holidays free, enabling them to spend time with their own family.

But for those who also want a career that provides a sense of purpose, franchisees help improve the quality of life of children and their families every day by providing them with child care when they need it the most. There is a need for child care in the United States, and as a franchise owner, you’re helping solve that need. 

Plus, child care is an industry that the toughest economy has trouble shaking. Even during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, Lightbridge Academy proved to be an essential resource for parents who needed to balance the demands of at-home learning, partial remote learning, and their own job demands. 

The total investment necessary to begin the operation of a Lightbridge Academy Center ranges from $621,233-$937,900 for a leased Center and $2,611,900-$5,202,500 for a purchased Center.