Franchisor Stories
Franchise Opportunity Deep Dive: KLA Schools brings the Reggio Emilia approach to U.S. communities through a premium early childhood education model designed to foster lifelong learning.
KLA Schools is reshaping the early childhood education landscape in the United States, offering a thoughtfully designed, Reggio Emilia-inspired learning experience. For entrepreneurs passionate about education and making a lasting community impact, KLA Schools offers a unique opportunity to own a values-driven business with strong support, established systems and increasing market demand.
KLA Schools was founded in Florida in 2008 by Roberto Ortega, who was inspired by the Reggio Emilia approach. The schools emphasize children’s capabilities, competencies and natural aptitudes, and they seek to nurture their continued growth.
KLA Schools are carefully designed to incorporate this philosophy through the use of carefully developed curricula, educational programs and school environments. After seeing the impact he was able to have in his own school, Ortega chose to franchise the model, bringing the experience to kids across the country.
Mission: To offer an inspiring and nurturing environment where children, families and educators are partners in learning.
Vision: To transform early childhood education in the U.S. by offering a unique, innovative and developmentally appropriate educational experience for young children.
KLA Schools is expanding in key markets nationwide, targeting major metropolitan areas in most states. Visit the brand’s website to explore specific target markets in each state.
Initial Costs: The estimated initial investment required to begin operation of a KLA Schools franchise ranges from $1,121,000 to $5,934,750. The 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document breaks the costs down as follows:
| Type of Expenditure | Min | Max |
| Initial Franchise Fee | $78,500 | $78,500 |
| Site Selection & Development Fee | $0 | $20,000 |
| Signage | $10,000 | $15,000 |
| Furniture, Fixtures & Equipment (Outside) | $50,000 | $150,000 |
| Furniture, Fixtures & Equipment (Inside) | $110,000 | $250,000 |
| Architecture Fees | $35,000 | $100,000 |
| Rent | $0 | $54,167 |
| Lease Security Deposit | $0 | $27,083 |
| Real Property Investment | $0 | $3,400,000 |
| Improvements | $450,000 | $840,000 |
| Soft Costs | $0 | $200,000 |
| Utility Deposits | $10,000 | $30,000 |
| Initial Inventory (Marketing Collateral) | $3,000 | $5,000 |
| Computer Equipment (Hardware/Software) | $25,000 | $40,000 |
| Insurance | $6,000 | $18,000 |
| Office Equipment & Supplies | $5,000 | $8,000 |
| Training Expenses | $8,500 | $14,000 |
| Pre-Opening Advertising | $50,000 | $75,000 |
| Licenses & Permits (Including Construction Permit) | $25,000 | $100,000 |
| Legal & Accounting | $5,000 | $10,000 |
| Additional Funds (3 Months) | $250,000 | $500,000 |
Initial Franchise Fee: KLA Schools charges a $78,500 franchise fee when the franchise agreement is signed. The brand will refund 50 percent of the franchise fee should they choose to terminate the franchise for failure to satisfactorily complete the initial training program.
Qualifying veterans and members of the U.S. armed forces receive a 15 percent discount on the franchise fee.
For franchisees purchasing additional territories, KLA Schools charges an amount equal to 90% of the then-current franchise fee.
Ongoing Fees: According to the 2025 FDD, KLA Schools franchisees are responsible for the following ongoing payments and fees:
| Type of Fee | Amount |
| Royalty Fee | 6% of gross sales/month |
| Marketing Fund Contribution | Up to 1.5% of gross sales/month |
| Local Advertising | Up to $2,500/month |
ROI Potential: According to the 2025 FDD, the 23 schools (6 company owned and 17 franchised) open for at least 18 months reported the following gross revenue for FY 2024:
| Category | Average | Median | High | Low |
| Smaller Schools — Company Owned (4) | $2,013,870 | $1,959,891 | $2,896,899 | $1,238,800 |
| Larger Schools — Company Owned (2) | $2,935,196 | $2,935,196 | $3,551,971 | $2,318,420 |
| Smaller Schools — Franchised (2) | $2,435,649 | $2,435,649 | $3,082,425 | $1,788,873 |
| Larger Schools — Franchised (15) | $2,529,777 | $2,280,357 | $4,642,256 | $1,423,369 |
Franchisees and school directors undergo a comprehensive training program that covers educational philosophy, operations, hiring, marketing and technology systems.
KLA Schools offers end-to-end support, including site selection, architectural design, licensing assistance, grand opening marketing and ongoing business support.
Franchisees receive access to proprietary systems for school management, enrollment tracking, parent communications and curriculum planning.
KLA Schools does not require franchisees to have an education degree. The brand is looking for candidates with strong professional backgrounds who are passionate about early childhood education, comfortable following its systems and standards, and committed to building relationships with families and their communities.
Franchisees must commit to owning and operating a full-time early education center. While semi-absentee ownership may be possible after a period of time, and with a qualified director in place, active engagement is strongly encouraged.
KLA Schools works with third-party lenders and may offer guidance with preferred financing partners.
The U.S. early childhood education and child care sector is sizable and growing steadily, with the preschool market estimated at about $70.15 billion in 2024 and projected to reach roughly $105.71 billion by 2033, a CAGR of about 4.7 percent. U.S. child care services overall are expected to rise from about $65.1 billion in 2024 to $91.7 billion by 2030, growing at just under 6 percent annually. Globally, early childhood education is expanding even faster, with estimates showing the market increasing from around $245.65 billion in 2023 to about $618.76 billion by 2030, driven by rising demand for structured early learning. In the United States, that demand is underpinned by roughly 23 million children ages 0-5 and by trends like higher workforce participation among parents, more single and dual-income households and greater public focus on school readiness and equity.
KLA Schools’ primary competitors include Primrose Schools, The Goddard School and Kiddie Academy. What sets KLA Schools apart is its unique Reggio Emilia approach, its customized school environments and its strong educational values that focus on the whole child.
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| KLA Schools Experts Investment Range | $1,121,000 - $5,934,750 |
| No. of Units Currently Open | 26 |
| No. of Units Expected to Open | 6 |
| Royalty(%) | 6% |
| Franchise Fee | $78,500 |
| KLA Schools Experts Investment Range | $1,121,000 - $5,934,750 |
| No. of Units Currently Open | 26 |
| No. of Units Expected to Open | 6 |
| Royalty(%) | 6% |
| Franchise Fee | $78,500 |
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