Why This Franchisee Purchased His Third Lightbridge Academy® Location Before Opening His First

Lightbridge Academy, the thriving early education and child care center with a footprint of over 125 centers open, under construction or in development, has remained Innovators in Educational Child Care® since its founding in 1997. While some may question Mark Mathias over his decision to sign on for a total of three units before he opens his first Lightbridge Academy location, he said it was the best move for him. 

“I really believe in the Lightbridge Academy concept of providing high-quality education and the brand’s Circle of Care philosophy,” he said. “They are built on such a strong foundation, and being in an area where so many families are moving to, there’s going to be continued demand for Lightbridge Academy services.” 

Mathias is located about 30 minutes outside of New York City, and many young families flock to the area from the city because of its quality school districts. As a result, the demand is high for quality child care in this part of the state. 

“Westchester County is the predominant area where people want to raise their children,” explained Mathias. “In the last two years and the way the pandemic changed how we work, there’s been a huge influx of young families moving here. The demand is very high and we want to be an asset and help meet the needs of the community. There’s a waitlist at every child care center, and we know the stress that puts on families. Lightbridge Academy provides more than just care and education for children, we are The Solution for Working Parents®.” 

As a multi-unit franchisee with Lightbridge Academy, Mathias knows that peace of mind is important for the families who send their children there. 

“As a parent myself, I understand how important it is to feel your child is in good hands and that you can trust your provider,” he said. “It enables you to focus on your day at work when you can see that they are learning and thriving.”

Mathias, who sent his own children to Lightbridge Academy, said that he recalls the first time he sat down with franchise leadership and knew that he was ready to take the next step. 

“Not everyone has grandparents or extended family who can help out when both parents have to work,” he said. “Our support and partnership is so important to them and we are committed to providing a high quality learning environment that their children can thrive in.” 

The proprietary Seedlings Early Childhood Education Program prepares children for Kindergarten, and Mathias said that was an important reason why he wanted to team up with Lightbridge Academy. 

“The curriculum utilizes a whole child approach and focuses on preparing them in all areas of development and academics so they are ready for school,” he said. “I saw the confidence grow in my son when he attended Lightbridge Academy, and I see it with my daughter now as she prepares for Kindergarten.”

Mathias’ first location is in Scarsdale, and he is already preparing to open two additional units in Valhalla and Nanuet, New York. All of the locations are within 25 minutes of each other. 

If the opportunity presents itself further down the road, Mathias added that he isn’t opposed to continued growth alongside the Lightbridge Academy brand. 

“It’s a strong model and great for communities,” he said. “Lightbridge Academy really is The Solution for Working Parents®.”