Franchisor Stories
Franchise Opportunity Deep Dive: The low-cost supplemental education franchise leverages diagnostic testing and a unique Self-Learning Method to support students’ growth.
JEI Learning Center is a supplemental education franchise that focuses on a “self-learning system.” This model uses diagnostic testing to get a baseline measurement of students’ abilities and allows JEI to create a customized study program meant to help students develop problem-solving skills and the confidence to work independently.
JEI was established in 1977 in Seoul, South Korea. Sung Hoon Park, the founder, was an educator and entrepreneur with a vision for a better education. After developing the Self-Learning Method, he brought JEI to the U.S. in 1992. The brand has consistently grown around the world, bringing its individualized programs to students in Canada, New Zealand, India and more.
Mission: To provide a nurturing educational environment where every student can reach their potential with the help of customized, self-paced programs.
Vision: To cultivate creative, talented and independent people who have the confidence and skills to solve problems on their own.
JEI is consistently growing around the world. Visit the brand’s site to view an interactive map for more information on where the brand is aggressively growing, moderately growing and open to opportunities.
Initial Costs: The estimated initial investment required to begin operation of a JEI Learning Center franchise ranges from $65,000 to $115,000. The 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) breaks these costs down as follows:
| Type of Expenditure | Min | Max |
| Initial Franchise Fee | $22,500 | $22,500 |
| JEI Initial Inventory Deposit | $5,500 | $5,500 |
| JEI Initial Marketing Fee | $500 | $500 |
| Real Estate/Rent (1 Month) | $3,000 | $5,000 |
| Real Estate Security Deposit | $4,500 | $10,000 |
| Leasehold Improvements | $5,000 | $20,000 |
| Interior Design Build-Out | $5,000 | $10,000 |
| Office Supplies, Hardware, Software, Furniture | $4,000 | $6,000 |
| Insurance | $1,000 | $2,500 |
| Travel for Initial Training | $250 | $2,500 |
| Signage | $1,000 | $6,000 |
| Grand Opening & Initial Marketing | $6,000 | $6,000 |
| Legal & Accounting | $1,250 | $2,500 |
| Licenses & Permits | $500 | $1,000 |
| Additional Funds (1-3 Months) | $5,000 | $15,000 |
Initial Franchise Fee: The initial franchise fee of $22,500 is due when the franchise agreement is signed. JEI offers a $5,000 discount for qualified existing franchisees who want to open additional locations.
Ongoing Fees: According to the 2025 FDD, JEI Learning Center franchisees are responsible for the following ongoing payments and fees:
| Type of Fee | Amount |
| Royalty Fee | $23 to $35/student/month. Royalty fees decrease as enrollment increases. |
| Enrollment Fee | $15/student |
| Brand Fund Contribution | $1/student/month |
| Cooperative Advertising | $100 - $300/month, depending on the region |
ROI Potential: JEI Learning Center does not make any financial representations and notes that it does not authorize employees or representatives to make any representations, either.
JEI provides robust training for new franchisees, covering all aspects of running the center. The training lasts up to 10 business days and takes place across classroom and online environments as well as through hands-on, on-the-job instruction.
JEI supports franchisees with site selection, providing key criteria for a successful site and offering feedback on potential locations. A system-wide brand fund allows for more impactful marketing spend, and franchisees have ongoing check-ins to discuss operational methods, sales strategies and other procedures to support consistent growth.
JEI franchisees have their own “child” pages on the main site and benefit from managed, location-specific social media pages.
JEI franchisees do not necessarily need previous experience in the education space, but they must be comfortable networking and serving as the face of the brand.
JEI requires franchisees to dedicate at least 20 hours per week to the operation of their center. For franchisees who do not aim to exceed that mandate, building strong, reliable teams who can support operations in the franchisees’ absence is crucial.
JEI does not offer any direct or indirect funding support.
“I feel great about the support that we get from the JEI head office. JEI was proactive during COVID. We were ready with Zoom and the online platform even before the schools shut down; because of that proactive-ness, I did not have to close the center at all to figure out how we’d offer the classes. My staff is the strength behind our programs because they are really focused, and they follow my method and what I believe in, so they definitely work with me and make sure we are delivering what we promise to the family. Teamwork is the key to my success.”
– Ruma Varshney, Franchisee — Bridgewater and Hillsborough, New Jersey
“If I was doing this on my own, opening a learning center from scratch, I would basically have to recreate everything myself. It's good to know you're not out there all by yourself and you have the support to back up your choices.”
- Nina Vukovic, Franchisee — Mercerville, New Jersey
The supplemental education market was worth over $145 billion in 2024 and is expected to reach $310 billion by 2033. With a projected compound annual growth rate of 8.7% through 2033, it’s clear the industry is strong and steadily growing.
JEI stands out thanks to its self-learning system, which focuses on fostering independence rather than relying on direct instruction for growth. The comprehensive diagnostic testing that takes place prior to the start of instruction ensures the learning support can be truly customized.
Primary competitors include Sylvan Learning, LearningRx, Mathnasium*, Kumon and ClubZ!.
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