Neighborhood Kids Hires Chloe Lee as Its First Franchise Development Manager, Looks to Expand

Neighborhood Kids, the faith-based preschool concept, launched a franchise opportunity in 2022 after seeing soaring demand for Christian early education programs. Now, the brand has brought on its first franchise development manager, Chloe Lee, as it prepares for expansion around southern Florida and, eventually, the rest of the United States. 

Lee, a recent graduate of Palm Beach Atlantic University, was introduced to Neighborhood Kids through a professor. When she learned more about the brand, she couldn’t believe how well it blended all of her interests, studies and passions. 

“I graduated with a Bachelor of General Studies and concentrations in franchising and education, as well as a minor in business,” Lee said. “So, when I was introduced to the company, I thought it was such a perfect fit. It allows me to use my passion in all areas of education, business and franchising.” 

Neighborhood Kids Was a Great Match For Lee

Not only was the brand a great fit professionally, but personally. It was the unique opportunity to work for a Christ-centered organization that sold Lee even further. Though Christian preschools are not uncommon, it’s quite rare to franchise that concept. Neighborhood Kids provides faith-based learning opportunities that are not found at other early-education providers. Of the 146 private Christian schools in Palm Beach County, Neighborhood Kids is the only one that’s a multi-campus preschool not connected to an elementary school or church. 

“As a fellow Christian, the faith-based environment really attracted me to the company,” said Lee. “Being part of an environment where I could talk about God with my fellow co-workers was really something I was looking for.”  

Lee’s Role in Getting Schools Off the Ground

In her role as franchise development manager, Lee is starting off by getting the franchise up and running. “We just sold our first franchise, so I'm going to be assisting in finding them a potential church partner. I specialize in promoting Neighborhood Kids Schools to pastors about what our mission is all about.” 

Neighborhood Kids franchisees can either open a second-generation school, which exists as a stand-alone building or within a shopping center, or they can establish a location within an existing church. The brand has seen great growth from locations within churches as they provide a connection between the families and the larger church community. 

“There are thousands of churches across America that are sitting empty during the week,” said  Frank Toral, CEO of Neighborhood Kids. “We know that there’s a significant use and utility for that space, and it’s notably lower in cost to future franchisees than refurbishing an existing stand-alone space.”

Neighborhood Kids Expansion Plans

The franchise is first aiming to expand within Dade, Broward and Palm Beach counties, as well as the Orlando and Tampa markets. And, eventually, Lee and Toral hope to expand across the United States. “Frank and myself’s personal goal is to have 1000 locations across the country,” Lee said. “That's a big goal for us, but I definitely think we can achieve it. We have such a unique mission and the drive to get us there. We also have a great team we work with, so I believe we can get it done.” 

There is certainly a high demand from parents in the United States for private Christian schools. Since January of 2021, all Neighborhood Kids locations have remained at capacity with additional students on the waiting list. This is also the case with most of the private Christian schools in Palm Beach County, leaving a vast opportunity for expansion.

“There is an unprecedented demand for Christian-based education in America right now. It’s unlike anything we’ve ever seen,” said Toral. “Parents want their children in an environment that teaches foundational family values. They want that because it prepares them not just for grade school but for life.”

Toral notes that, if expansion in Florida goes well, the brand will begin growing across the southern states, from Texas to the Carolinas, then begin to work its way around the country. 

Looking ahead, Lee is excited to keep learning and growing the franchise as it moves beyond its early stages. “It's a learning curve,” she said. “Because we are an emerging franchise, there’s a lot to absorb, and I’m looking forward to seeing how God uses us to advance his kingdom.” 

ABOUT NEIGHBORHOOD KIDS: 

Neighborhood Kids got its start as a preschool established in Wellington, Florida, in 1978. Now a private, faith-based early childhood education organization, Neighborhood Kids provides generational impact through safe, fun, supportive and God-honoring early education environments. For more information, visit www.neighborhoodkids.com.