Class 101: Transforming College Planning for Students Nationwide

Class 101 began its journey in 1997, founded by Tom Pabin in Lexington, Kentucky, with a mission to simplify the college admissions process for high school students. Now headquartered in Bedford, Texas, the franchise has grown significantly, boasting 65 locations across 28 states.

Specializing in college planning, Class 101 offers a broad range of services tailored to support students throughout their college preparation journey.

These services include creating customized college lists, coordinating campus visits, enhancing academic performance, preparing for ACT, SAT, and PSAT exams, building standout resumes, writing impactful college essays, meeting crucial application deadlines, identifying scholarship opportunities, and assisting with financial aid forms like the FAFSA.

What truly distinguishes Class 101 from other college planning services is its personalized approach and consistent success. Students working with Class 101 enjoy an impressive acceptance rate of 85%, with an average of $200,000 in merit scholarships awarded to each student.

Training

Class 101 provides various types of training programs to its franchisees to ensure successful operation and management of the business:

1. Initial Training Program: Class 101 conducts an initial training program that includes both virtual and in-person sessions, taking place at an approved working Class 101 location. Owners and their Designated Managers are required to complete this training to the franchisor's satisfaction before opening the business.
2. New or Replacement Manager Training: If a Designated Manager leaves, the franchisee must promptly enroll a replacement in Class 101’s training program. This ensures new managers are properly trained according to the franchisor's standards.
3. Refresher and Remedial Training: The franchisor may require franchisees and their key personnel to attend refresher courses, seminars, or remedial training sessions from time to time. This helps maintain high standards and addresses any operational deficiencies.
4. Continuing Education and Specialized Training: Class 101 offers ongoing and specialized training programs, often annually, to enhance business management skills and technical expertise. Franchisees may also be required to attend conferences that focus on operational efficiency, sales training, and system updates.
5. On-Site Opening Assistance: For the franchisee’s first business, Class 101 provides two to three days of remote or on-site opening assistance. If on-site, the franchisee must pay a training fee plus any related travel and accommodation costs.

Territory Protection

Class 101 provides a form of limited territory protection to its franchisees through a "Protected Area" designation. Franchisees are granted a Protected Area that typically covers specific zip codes, geographic boundaries, or a set radius around their Approved Location.

During the term of the agreement and as long as the franchisee is in compliance, Class 101 will not establish or allow others to establish another Class 101 business within the franchisee’s Protected Area.

However, the protection is not exclusive in all aspects. Class 101 reserves the right to sell its products and services through alternative channels such as the internet, direct mail, and mobile venues, even within the Protected Area.