LAST UPDATED: March 2026
FRANCHISE WEBSITE: childrenslighthousefranchise.com
1851 NEWSROOM: 1851franchise.com/childrens-lighthouse
NUMBER OF LOCATIONS: 69
REPORTED COST TO GET IN: $939,602 - $1,232,452 for leasing or $5,787,602 - $8,774,102 for owning land.
REPORTED ROI (Item 19): $2,003,082 (average gross revenue for FY 2024)
Children's Lighthouse is a leading early education franchise that combines academic excellence with character development, offering a nurturing environment for children from infancy through school age.
Children’s Lighthouse was founded in 1997 in Fort Worth, Texas, by brothers Pat and Mike Brown. The brand set out to combine high-quality early education with strong family values — helping children build cognitive and emotional strength in a safe, nurturing environment.
Mission: To offer a safe and nurturing environment where children can grow intellectually, emotionally and socially through high-quality early education.
Vision: To be the nation’s leading early learning school rooted in strong values, making enriching, accessible childcare a reality for families in every community.
Children’s Lighthouse is targeting growth in major metros such as Dallas, Houston, Orlando, Charlotte, and Denver.
Initial Costs: The estimated initial investment required to open a Children’s Lighthouse franchise ranges from $939,602 to $8,774,102, depending on whether you lease or purchase the property.
| Type of Expenditure | Leased | Purchased | ||
Min | Max | Min | Max | |
| Franchise Fee | $60,000 | $85,000 | $60,000 | $85,000 |
| Real Estate | $0 | $0 | $600,000 | $1,200,000 |
| Real Estate Improvements & Construction Costs | $0 | $0 | $3,900,000 | $5,959,150 |
| School Development Fee | $25,000 | $25,000 | $25,000 | $25,000 |
| Lease Deposit | $35,000 | $45,000 | $0 | $0 |
| Developer Deposit | $0 | $50,000 | $0 | $0 |
| Project Development | $40,000 | $50,000 | $0 | $0 |
| Utility & Security Deposits | $5,000 | $10,000 | $5,000 | $10,000 |
| Furniture, Fixtures & Equipment | $326,602 | $451,402 | $362,202 | $451,402 |
| Playground Equipment | $168,000 | $213,000 | $168,000 | $213,000 |
| Financing Costs | $5,000 | $27,500 | $350,000 | $415,000 |
| Opening Training Fee | $25,000 | $25,000 | $25,000 | $25,000 |
| Buses | $2,500 | $5,000 | $2,500 | $5,000 |
| Pre-Opening Marketing Expenses | $35,000 | $35,000 | $35,000 | $35,000 |
| Travel & Living Costs While Training | $4,000 | $6,000 | $4,000 | $6,000 |
| Insurance & Professional Fees | $10,750 | $13,250 | $10,750 | $13,250 |
| Agency License | $750 | $1,300 | $750 | $1,300 |
| Additional Funds (3 Months) | $225,000 | $225,000 | $275,000 | $330,000 |
Initial Franchise Fee: The standard initial franchise fee is $60,000 to $85,000, due upon signing the franchise agreement. Discounts may be available for veterans.
Ongoing Fees: According to the 2025 FDD, Children’s Lighthouse franchise owners are responsible for the following ongoing expenses and fees:
| Type of Fee | Amount |
| Royalty Fee | 3.5% of gross revenue the first six months the school is open; 7% of gross revenue thereafter |
| Advertising Fund | Currently, 0.5% of gross revenue; we can require you to contribute up to 2% of gross revenue to the Advertising Fund |
| Local Advertising | 1% of monthly gross revenue |
ROI Potential: According to the 2025 FDD, the 69 franchised schools operating for the entirety of FY 2024 reported the following gross revenue:
| Tier | Average | Median | High | Low |
| Tier 1 (23) | $2,654,749 | $2,582,821 | $4,015,020 | $2,247,737 |
| Tier 2 (23) | $2,033,935 | $2,036,395 | $2,234,207 | $1,722,638 |
| Tier 3 (23) | $1,320,562 | $1,432,685 | $1,716,944 | $713,044 |
| Total (69) | $2,003,082 | $2,036,394 | $4,015,020 | $713,044 |
The brand’s initial training program covers essential topics such as daily operations, curriculum management, hiring practices, and compliance requirements. This training is conducted both in person and online, ensuring accessibility and convenience for all new owners. Beyond the initial phase, Children’s Lighthouse offers ongoing coaching designed to support both new and seasoned franchise owners as they continue to grow their businesses.
Franchisees receive extensive operational support, including assistance with site selection and construction oversight to ensure each school meets brand standards. The corporate team also provides marketing strategy guidance and launch support to help new schools attract families from day one. Each franchisee is paired with a dedicated Franchise Business Coach (FBC) who offers continued guidance, along with hiring resources and best-practice templates to streamline management
Children’s Lighthouse equips franchisees with advanced technology to enhance operations and learning outcomes. This includes access to the proprietary Lighthouse Learning Management System, a comprehensive CRM and operations dashboard, and digital tools that track curriculum delivery, child development, and staffing performance.
In addition to financial qualifications, the brand looks for individuals who demonstrate a strong passion for education and community building, as these values align with Children’s Lighthouse’s mission to provide high-quality early learning experiences in a nurturing environment.
Children’s Lighthouse is designed to accommodate semi-absentee ownership, making it an appealing option for entrepreneurs who want to oversee operations without being involved in day-to-day management. Most franchisees hire a Director to handle daily school operations, staffing, and parent communication. Once the business is established and running smoothly, owners can expect to dedicate approximately 10–20 hours per week to strategic oversight and community engagement.
When it comes to financing, Children’s Lighthouse offers multiple avenues of funding assistance. The brand is an SBA-approved franchise, and its team provides guidance for those pursuing traditional, SBA, or 401(k) rollover financing options. In addition, franchisees have access to real estate financing support through a network of preferred lenders, helping to streamline the process of securing and developing their school location.
Several franchisees have scaled into multi-unit ownership, citing strong support and profitability.
“In my old job, I was gone from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. every day. Things like coaching my son in baseball, which I did for years — just the time that we get to spend with them has been invaluable. The freedom that it has created, right, owning a business of this size — I wouldn’t trade that for anything in the world.”
- Justin Leggett, Franchisee — Stone Oak, Texas
“There’s a bridge between home and school that Children’s Lighthouse really emphasizes. You’re working together with both parents and teachers to make sure that learning goes back and forth. It also helps parents feel like they have agency over what their kids are learning. They know what their kids are doing in school, so when they come home, they can ask specific questions.”
- Madison Wiggins, Franchisee — Gardner and Olathe, Kansas
“Really and truly, from the first initial call I had with anybody at the corporate office, it just felt right. They’re still family-owned and operated. They put a lot of emphasis on being family-focused, which I really appreciated — both as a potential franchisee and as someone who values education. I was really surprised and impressed by their curriculum. It’s very similar to other early learning schools — it’s STREAM-based: science, technology, reading, engineering, arts, and mathematics. But the difference with Children’s Lighthouse is they have a character values component. Every month, the children are learning things like integrity, responsibility, honesty — really important life skills that make well-rounded little human beings. So for me, as a mom and an educator, that just blew me away. And it was something I really wanted to bring to the community where my school is. I live in the same community where my school is. So to me, it was really important to have that exemplary school, because we didn’t have anything like that at the time.”
- Alexis Legg, Franchise — Oak Forest, Texas
The U.S. early childhood education market, which was valued at $59.87 billion in 2023, is expected to grow to $88 billion by 2033. In addition, 68% of households with children under 6 have both parents working. As a result, the demand for high-quality, values-based childcare is at an all-time high
Children’s Lighthouse stands out due to its real estate model, values-driven education, and franchisee lifestyle. The brand’s primary competitors include Primrose Schools, The Goddard School, Kiddie Academy and Lightbridge Academy.
Want to learn more about franchise opportunities on 1851 Franchise? Be sure to visit our Power Rankings to read more on brands making moves.
Every great franchisee had help buying a franchise. Want to learn more about how 1851 helps franchisees find the right franchise opportunity? Visit www.1851growthclub.com and start your journey.
Disclaimer: This content is for information only. You should not construe any such information or other material as legal, tax, investment, financial, or other advice. Nothing contained on this site constitutes a solicitation, recommendation, endorsement, or offer to buy or sell any franchises, securities, or other financial instruments in this or in any other jurisdiction in which such solicitation or offer would be unlawful under the franchise and/or securities laws of such jurisdiction.
All content in this article is information of a general nature and does not address the detailed circumstances of any particular individual or entity. Nothing in the article constitutes professional and/or financial advice, nor does any information in the email constitute a comprehensive or complete statement of the matters discussed or the law relating thereto. You alone assume the sole responsibility of evaluating the merits and risks associated with the use of any information or other content in this article before making any decisions based on such information or other content.
Franchisor Stories
Franchise Opportunity Deep Dive: Children’s Lighthouse combines strong financial performance, real estate ownership, and values-based education in a growing childcare market.
LAST UPDATED: March 2026
FRANCHISE WEBSITE: childrenslighthousefranchise.com
1851 NEWSROOM: 1851franchise.com/childrens-lighthouse
NUMBER OF LOCATIONS: 69
REPORTED COST TO GET IN: $939,602 - $1,232,452 for leasing or $5,787,602 - $8,774,102 for owning land.
REPORTED ROI (Item 19): $2,003,082 (average gross revenue for FY 2024)
Children's Lighthouse is a leading early education franchise that combines academic excellence with character development, offering a nurturing environment for children from infancy through school age.
Children’s Lighthouse was founded in 1997 in Fort Worth, Texas, by brothers Pat and Mike Brown. The brand set out to combine high-quality early education with strong family values — helping children build cognitive and emotional strength in a safe, nurturing environment.
Mission: To offer a safe and nurturing environment where children can grow intellectually, emotionally and socially through high-quality early education.
Vision: To be the nation’s leading early learning school rooted in strong values, making enriching, accessible childcare a reality for families in every community.
Children’s Lighthouse is targeting growth in major metros such as Dallas, Houston, Orlando, Charlotte, and Denver.
Initial Costs: The estimated initial investment required to open a Children’s Lighthouse franchise ranges from $939,602 to $8,774,102, depending on whether you lease or purchase the property.
| Type of Expenditure | Leased | Purchased | ||
Min | Max | Min | Max | |
| Franchise Fee | $60,000 | $85,000 | $60,000 | $85,000 |
| Real Estate | $0 | $0 | $600,000 | $1,200,000 |
| Real Estate Improvements & Construction Costs | $0 | $0 | $3,900,000 | $5,959,150 |
| School Development Fee | $25,000 | $25,000 | $25,000 | $25,000 |
| Lease Deposit | $35,000 | $45,000 | $0 | $0 |
| Developer Deposit | $0 | $50,000 | $0 | $0 |
| Project Development | $40,000 | $50,000 | $0 | $0 |
| Utility & Security Deposits | $5,000 | $10,000 | $5,000 | $10,000 |
| Furniture, Fixtures & Equipment | $326,602 | $451,402 | $362,202 | $451,402 |
| Playground Equipment | $168,000 | $213,000 | $168,000 | $213,000 |
| Financing Costs | $5,000 | $27,500 | $350,000 | $415,000 |
| Opening Training Fee | $25,000 | $25,000 | $25,000 | $25,000 |
| Buses | $2,500 | $5,000 | $2,500 | $5,000 |
| Pre-Opening Marketing Expenses | $35,000 | $35,000 | $35,000 | $35,000 |
| Travel & Living Costs While Training | $4,000 | $6,000 | $4,000 | $6,000 |
| Insurance & Professional Fees | $10,750 | $13,250 | $10,750 | $13,250 |
| Agency License | $750 | $1,300 | $750 | $1,300 |
| Additional Funds (3 Months) | $225,000 | $225,000 | $275,000 | $330,000 |
Initial Franchise Fee: The standard initial franchise fee is $60,000 to $85,000, due upon signing the franchise agreement. Discounts may be available for veterans.
Ongoing Fees: According to the 2025 FDD, Children’s Lighthouse franchise owners are responsible for the following ongoing expenses and fees:
| Type of Fee | Amount |
| Royalty Fee | 3.5% of gross revenue the first six months the school is open; 7% of gross revenue thereafter |
| Advertising Fund | Currently, 0.5% of gross revenue; we can require you to contribute up to 2% of gross revenue to the Advertising Fund |
| Local Advertising | 1% of monthly gross revenue |
ROI Potential: According to the 2025 FDD, the 69 franchised schools operating for the entirety of FY 2024 reported the following gross revenue:
| Tier | Average | Median | High | Low |
| Tier 1 (23) | $2,654,749 | $2,582,821 | $4,015,020 | $2,247,737 |
| Tier 2 (23) | $2,033,935 | $2,036,395 | $2,234,207 | $1,722,638 |
| Tier 3 (23) | $1,320,562 | $1,432,685 | $1,716,944 | $713,044 |
| Total (69) | $2,003,082 | $2,036,394 | $4,015,020 | $713,044 |
The brand’s initial training program covers essential topics such as daily operations, curriculum management, hiring practices, and compliance requirements. This training is conducted both in person and online, ensuring accessibility and convenience for all new owners. Beyond the initial phase, Children’s Lighthouse offers ongoing coaching designed to support both new and seasoned franchise owners as they continue to grow their businesses.
Franchisees receive extensive operational support, including assistance with site selection and construction oversight to ensure each school meets brand standards. The corporate team also provides marketing strategy guidance and launch support to help new schools attract families from day one. Each franchisee is paired with a dedicated Franchise Business Coach (FBC) who offers continued guidance, along with hiring resources and best-practice templates to streamline management
Children’s Lighthouse equips franchisees with advanced technology to enhance operations and learning outcomes. This includes access to the proprietary Lighthouse Learning Management System, a comprehensive CRM and operations dashboard, and digital tools that track curriculum delivery, child development, and staffing performance.
In addition to financial qualifications, the brand looks for individuals who demonstrate a strong passion for education and community building, as these values align with Children’s Lighthouse’s mission to provide high-quality early learning experiences in a nurturing environment.
Children’s Lighthouse is designed to accommodate semi-absentee ownership, making it an appealing option for entrepreneurs who want to oversee operations without being involved in day-to-day management. Most franchisees hire a Director to handle daily school operations, staffing, and parent communication. Once the business is established and running smoothly, owners can expect to dedicate approximately 10–20 hours per week to strategic oversight and community engagement.
When it comes to financing, Children’s Lighthouse offers multiple avenues of funding assistance. The brand is an SBA-approved franchise, and its team provides guidance for those pursuing traditional, SBA, or 401(k) rollover financing options. In addition, franchisees have access to real estate financing support through a network of preferred lenders, helping to streamline the process of securing and developing their school location.
Several franchisees have scaled into multi-unit ownership, citing strong support and profitability.
“In my old job, I was gone from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. every day. Things like coaching my son in baseball, which I did for years — just the time that we get to spend with them has been invaluable. The freedom that it has created, right, owning a business of this size — I wouldn’t trade that for anything in the world.”
- Justin Leggett, Franchisee — Stone Oak, Texas
“There’s a bridge between home and school that Children’s Lighthouse really emphasizes. You’re working together with both parents and teachers to make sure that learning goes back and forth. It also helps parents feel like they have agency over what their kids are learning. They know what their kids are doing in school, so when they come home, they can ask specific questions.”
- Madison Wiggins, Franchisee — Gardner and Olathe, Kansas
“Really and truly, from the first initial call I had with anybody at the corporate office, it just felt right. They’re still family-owned and operated. They put a lot of emphasis on being family-focused, which I really appreciated — both as a potential franchisee and as someone who values education. I was really surprised and impressed by their curriculum. It’s very similar to other early learning schools — it’s STREAM-based: science, technology, reading, engineering, arts, and mathematics. But the difference with Children’s Lighthouse is they have a character values component. Every month, the children are learning things like integrity, responsibility, honesty — really important life skills that make well-rounded little human beings. So for me, as a mom and an educator, that just blew me away. And it was something I really wanted to bring to the community where my school is. I live in the same community where my school is. So to me, it was really important to have that exemplary school, because we didn’t have anything like that at the time.”
- Alexis Legg, Franchise — Oak Forest, Texas
The U.S. early childhood education market, which was valued at $59.87 billion in 2023, is expected to grow to $88 billion by 2033. In addition, 68% of households with children under 6 have both parents working. As a result, the demand for high-quality, values-based childcare is at an all-time high
Children’s Lighthouse stands out due to its real estate model, values-driven education, and franchisee lifestyle. The brand’s primary competitors include Primrose Schools, The Goddard School, Kiddie Academy and Lightbridge Academy.
Want to learn more about franchise opportunities on 1851 Franchise? Be sure to visit our Power Rankings to read more on brands making moves.
Every great franchisee had help buying a franchise. Want to learn more about how 1851 helps franchisees find the right franchise opportunity? Visit www.1851growthclub.com and start your journey.
Disclaimer: This content is for information only. You should not construe any such information or other material as legal, tax, investment, financial, or other advice. Nothing contained on this site constitutes a solicitation, recommendation, endorsement, or offer to buy or sell any franchises, securities, or other financial instruments in this or in any other jurisdiction in which such solicitation or offer would be unlawful under the franchise and/or securities laws of such jurisdiction.
All content in this article is information of a general nature and does not address the detailed circumstances of any particular individual or entity. Nothing in the article constitutes professional and/or financial advice, nor does any information in the email constitute a comprehensive or complete statement of the matters discussed or the law relating thereto. You alone assume the sole responsibility of evaluating the merits and risks associated with the use of any information or other content in this article before making any decisions based on such information or other content.
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