Children's Lighthouse is an early-learning school franchise offering values-based childcare and education for infants through school-age children, serving working families seeking dependable care, and known for its proprietary curriculum, character-focused environment, and real-estate-supported franchise model.
KEY FRANCHISE STATS
Franchisees
?
69
+
8%
8%
Franchise fee
?
$85,000
Investment
?
$1,075,000 - $8,934,000
Revenue (AUV)
?
Undisclosed
$1,906,000
+
n.a.
n.a.
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Children’s Lighthouse is a U.S.-based early-childhood education and childcare franchise. The first Children’s Lighthouse center opened in 1997 in Fort Worth, Texas. The brand was created to provide high-quality care that blends safety, learning, and character development.
The company is headquartered in Fort Worth, Texas. Children’s Lighthouse began franchising around 1999, expanding its model to local owners who want to operate education-focused childcare centers.
Children’s Lighthouse offers early-learning programs for infants, toddlers, preschoolers, and school-age children up to about age 12. Its proprietary Lighthouse Pathways® curriculum combines early-education fundamentals with STREAM learning (science, technology, reading, engineering, arts, and math) and emphasizes values-based development.
The franchise differentiates itself through its holistic approach to learning, focusing on academic readiness, character building, social skills, and a nurturing environment. Its strong franchisee support system and structured curriculum make it a strong competitor in the childcare and early-education market.
Initial investment
The initial investment required for a Children's Lighthouse franchise is
$1,075,000 - $8,934,000.
That is the total cost you would need to finance if you were to start this franchise.
These costs are provided by the franchisor in the Franchise Disclosure Document.
Children's Lighthouse offers 2 types of franchises:
Type of Expenditure
Amount
Children's Lighthouse Build-to-Suit Lease Program
$1,074,580 – $1,467,050
Children's Lighthouse Equity Development Program
$5,855,974 – $8,933,880
We are summarizing below the main costs associated with opening a Children's Lighthouse Equity Development Program.
For more information on the various types of franchises and its costs, refer to the Franchise Disclosure Document (Item 7).
Type of Expenditure
Amount
Franchise Fee
$60,000 – $85,000
Real Estate
$875,000 – $1,200,000
Real Estate Improvements and Construction Costs
$3,657,000 – $5,959,150
School Development Fee
$25,000
Furniture, Fixtures, and Equipment
$343,580 – $421,000
Utility and Security Deposits
$5,000 – $10,000
Playground Equipment
$178,000 – $213,000
Financing Costs
$204,169 – $316,380
Interim Interest
$160,000 – $286,000
Opening Training Fee
$15,000 – $25,000
Buses
$2,500 – $5,000
Pre-Opening Marketing Expenses
$35,000
Travel and Living Costs while Training
$4,000 – $6,000
Insurance and Professional Fees
$10,750 – $13,250
Agency License
$750 – $1,300
Additional Funds (3 months)
$277,725 – $332,800
Total
$5,855,974 – $8,933,880
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Children's Lighthouse offers 2 types of franchises:
Type of Expenditure
Amount
Children's Lighthouse Build-to-Suit Lease Program
$1,074,580 – $1,467,050
Children's Lighthouse Equity Development Program
$5,855,974 – $8,933,880
We are summarizing below the main costs associated with opening a Children's Lighthouse Equity Development Program.
For more information on the various types of franchises and its costs, refer to the Franchise Disclosure Document (Item 7).
Type of Expenditure
Amount
Franchise Fee
$60,000 – $85,000
Real Estate
$875,000 – $1,200,000
Real Estate Improvements and Construction Costs
$3,657,000 – $5,959,150
School Development Fee
$25,000
Furniture, Fixtures, and Equipment
$343,580 – $421,000
Utility and Security Deposits
$5,000 – $10,000
Playground Equipment
$178,000 – $213,000
Financing Costs
$204,169 – $316,380
Interim Interest
$160,000 – $286,000
Opening Training Fee
$15,000 – $25,000
Buses
$2,500 – $5,000
Pre-Opening Marketing Expenses
$35,000
Travel and Living Costs while Training
$4,000 – $6,000
Insurance and Professional Fees
$10,750 – $13,250
Agency License
$750 – $1,300
Additional Funds (3 months)
$277,725 – $332,800
Total
$5,855,974 – $8,933,880
Franchise Disclosure Document
Below is Children's Lighthouse's 2024 Franchise Disclosure Document. Upgrade to Pro or purchase the FDD to view and download the document.
Number of units
Children's Lighthouse had 69 total units in 2024, of which 69 were franchised-owned and 0 company-owned.
Children’s Lighthouse provides a detailed, multi-phase training program to ensure franchisees are well-prepared to open and operate their schools effectively. The training includes classroom, on-site, and ongoing instruction across various operational areas. Here is a breakdown of the programs:
Owners’ Training: Conducted about 90 days before school opening, this training is mandatory for up to two principal owners, including the Operating Principal. It covers the operation and management of the school and may be held in Fort Worth, Texas, or via distance learning.
Directors’ Training: Held approximately 60 days before opening, this program is for the School Director and Operating Principal. It focuses on day-to-day operations and can also be conducted in Fort Worth or virtually.
Pre-Opening On-Site Training: Within 30 days of opening, Children’s Lighthouse provides post-opening support at the school. The training duration depends on the experience of the leadership team and the specific needs of the new school.
Ongoing and Continuing Education: The franchisor offers periodic training through in-person visits, seminars, virtual meetings, or printed/electronic materials. They may also conduct regional or online continuing education programs, which are mandatory unless otherwise excused.
Replacement Directors' Training: If a new School Director is appointed, the franchisor provides training similar to the original Directors’ Training program to maintain consistency in operations.
Territory Protection
Children’s Lighthouse provides each franchisee with a defined Territory once the Approved Location is secured. For most locations, this Territory includes a minimum 1.25-mile radius around the school unless the area is densely populated, in which case there may be no minimum protection.
As long as the franchisee remains in good standing, the franchisor agrees not to open or license another Children’s Lighthouse School within that Territory. However, this protection is limited. Children’s Lighthouse does not guarantee exclusivity beyond the specific brand and Approved Location.
The franchisor and its affiliates retain the right to operate or license competing child care or educational services under different trademarks and can market within any Territory through channels such as online platforms, direct mail, and e-commerce.
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