
LeafSpring Schools is an established name in the early childhood education sector, originally created in 1989 by Gail W. Johnson, RN, MSN. During her time teaching at the Medical College of Virginia/Virginia Commonwealth University School of Nursing, Johnson saw firsthand how difficult it was for families to manage childcare when children weredealing with short-term or ongoing health issues.
Her solution was the development of the “Get Well Place,” a nurse-led care center designed specifically for mildly ill children and incorporated directly into the school setting. Today, the company operates from its headquarters in Glen Allen, Virginia, just outside Richmond.
LeafSpring Schools began offering franchise opportunities in 1999. The system provides a wide range of full-day programs for infants through Pre-K, along with private kindergarten, before- and after-school activities, summer camps, and specialized care options for children with minor illnesses.
The brand uses its own play-based learning model, PLAYWORKS®, and integrates a leadership initiative known as INSPIRED, which teaches key life skills across social, health, environmental, civic, entrepreneurial, and financial areas.
Here's what you would need to invest if you were to start this franchise. These costs are provided by the franchisor in the Franchise Disclosure Document.
LeafSpring Schools offers a detailed training program to equip franchisees with the necessary tools and knowledge to operate their centers successfully. The training is structured into pre-opening and post-opening phases, with a mix of formal instruction, on-site visits, and ongoing support.
LeafSpring Schools grants franchisees a defined territory, but it is not exclusive. As long as the franchisee complies with the agreement, no other LeafSpring School will be allowed in that territory.
However, the franchisor can still operate or license other businesses, distribute branded products, and establish corporate childcare programs within it.
For those under a Development Agreement, no new LeafSpring Schools will be opened in the Development Area during the term, unless previously approved. Despite this, the franchisor retains rights to operate other school types, merge with competitors, and sell related products within or outside the area.
Below are some of
LEAFSPRING SCHOOL
key competitors in the
Preschool
sector.

12
$87,500
$979,000
$1,406,000
n.a.
$3,908,000
$xxx,xxx
42.6%
n.a.
14.4%
n.a.

Marigold Academy is a childcare and early-education franchise offering curriculum-driven preschool and daycare programs, serving working families seeking trusted care, and known for purpose-driven culture, streamlined operations, and comprehensive support that emphasizes quality classrooms, community impact, and strong unit-level profitability.
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MindChamps International Preschool is an early-childhood education franchise offering preschool and enrichment programs, serving children from toddler age through kindergarten, and known for research-based curricula, a proprietary learning framework, and premium school environments popular with parents across Asia-Pacific.
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Ivy Kids Early Learning Center is a childcare and education franchise offering curriculum-based early learning and preschool programs, serving infants through pre-K children and their families, and known for spacious classrooms, STEM-enriched activities, and strong parent communication supporting whole-child development.
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LEAFSPRING School is an early-childhood education franchise offering preschool and elementary-grade programs, serving families seeking Montessori-style learning, and known for modern campuses, teacher development, and results-focused academic foundation.
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KidsPark is a family entertainment and early-education franchise offering indoor play, drop-in childcare, preschool programs, and birthday events, serving families of young children, and known for bright facilities, flexible scheduling, and community-centric model.
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Genius Kids is a children’s educational franchise offering fun learning classes, camps, and early enrichment programs, serving families seeking supplemental education, and known for engaging instructors, accessible locations, and broad age-range curriculum.
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