FORT WORTH, Texas — Children’s Lighthouse, the early childhood education franchise, has once again been named to Entrepreneur’s prestigious Franchise 500.
The Franchise 500, now in its 47th year, is considered to be one of the most established and reputable benchmarks in franchising. The list is built using a wide range of criteria, from unit growth and financial stability to brand presence and franchisee support.
“Being included on the Franchise 500 year after year speaks to the fundamentals of our system,” said Matt Kelton, Vice President of Franchise Development for Children’s Lighthouse. “Early education isn’t a trend-driven category. It’s built on consistency, trust, and long-term demand, and that’s exactly how we’ve grown our franchise network.”
Children’s Lighthouse closed out 2025 with 15 franchise signings and multiple new locations opening their doors across the country, some of which were the first in their states.
“We’re intentional with growth,” Kelton said. “Our goal isn’t to open schools just to add dots on a map. We’re focused on finding the right operators who understand the responsibility that comes with this business. When that alignment is there, the results follow.”
Founded nearly three decades ago, Children’s Lighthouse is built around its proprietary Lighthouse Pathways® curriculum, which supports children from infancy through school age. The franchise model is further strengthened by a real estate-backed approach, giving franchisees the opportunity to build equity alongside their business.
“Parents are making thoughtful decisions about where they place their children,” Kelton said. “They want a supportive and complete early learning environment. That’s where we continue to stand out. Our schools are full and franchisees are confident in what they’re building. That’s a great measure of momentum.”
To view the Children’s Lighthouse profile on Entrepreneur’s 2026 Franchise 500, visit: https://www.entrepreneur.com/franchises/directory/childrens-lighthouse-early-learning-school/284270#overview. Rankings are also featured in the January/February 2026 issue of Entrepreneur.
Children's Lighthouse
SPONSORED
The early childhood education franchise has once again solidified its position as a nationally recognized and highly respected leader within the increasingly vital and competitive childcare category.
FORT WORTH, Texas — Children’s Lighthouse, the early childhood education franchise, has once again been named to Entrepreneur’s prestigious Franchise 500.
The Franchise 500, now in its 47th year, is considered to be one of the most established and reputable benchmarks in franchising. The list is built using a wide range of criteria, from unit growth and financial stability to brand presence and franchisee support.
“Being included on the Franchise 500 year after year speaks to the fundamentals of our system,” said Matt Kelton, Vice President of Franchise Development for Children’s Lighthouse. “Early education isn’t a trend-driven category. It’s built on consistency, trust, and long-term demand, and that’s exactly how we’ve grown our franchise network.”
Children’s Lighthouse closed out 2025 with 15 franchise signings and multiple new locations opening their doors across the country, some of which were the first in their states.
“We’re intentional with growth,” Kelton said. “Our goal isn’t to open schools just to add dots on a map. We’re focused on finding the right operators who understand the responsibility that comes with this business. When that alignment is there, the results follow.”
Founded nearly three decades ago, Children’s Lighthouse is built around its proprietary Lighthouse Pathways® curriculum, which supports children from infancy through school age. The franchise model is further strengthened by a real estate-backed approach, giving franchisees the opportunity to build equity alongside their business.
“Parents are making thoughtful decisions about where they place their children,” Kelton said. “They want a supportive and complete early learning environment. That’s where we continue to stand out. Our schools are full and franchisees are confident in what they’re building. That’s a great measure of momentum.”
To view the Children’s Lighthouse profile on Entrepreneur’s 2026 Franchise 500, visit: https://www.entrepreneur.com/franchises/directory/childrens-lighthouse-early-learning-school/284270#overview. Rankings are also featured in the January/February 2026 issue of Entrepreneur.
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