Lightbridge Academy, established in 1997 by Guy and Julia Falzarano, is a childcare and early education franchise headquartered in Iselin, New Jersey.
Guided by its "Circle of Care" philosophy, the franchise emphasizes fostering strong connections among children, families, staff, and the surrounding community to create a supportive and nurturing environment.
In 2011, Lightbridge Academy began franchising to expand its distinctive educational approach. The franchise differentiates itself through the integration of cutting-edge technology and safety measures, such as internet monitoring and air purification systems, ensuring a secure and enriching space for learning and growth.
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.
Lightbridge Academy offers 2 types of franchises:
We are summarizing below the main costs associated with opening a Purchased Lightbridge Academy Center. For more information on the costs required to start a Lightbridge Academy franchise, refer to the Franchise Disclosure Document (Item 7).
Lightbridge Academy offers 2 types of franchises:
We are summarizing below the main costs associated with opening a Purchased Lightbridge Academy Center. For more information on the costs required to start a Lightbridge Academy franchise, refer to the Franchise Disclosure Document (Item 7).
Lightbridge Academy provides comprehensive training to its franchisees to ensure the successful operation of their centers. Initial training is mandatory for franchisees and key personnel, including Directors and Operating Principals.
This training, often referred to as the "Owners Track" program, includes real estate review, legal and financial planning, marketing, and operational understanding. It takes place in Iselin, New Jersey, or virtually, and covers essential skills for managing and operating a Lightbridge Academy Center.
Additional training includes on-site assistance, refresher courses, and supplemental training for franchisees and their employees. Multi-unit franchisees also undergo specialized training focusing on managing multiple locations. Training-related expenses, such as transportation, lodging, and meals, are borne by the franchisees.
Franchisees must also participate in ongoing professional development activities like seminars and webinars to meet the franchisor's standards and keep their skills updated. This ensures alignment with Lightbridge Academy’s operational protocols and quality benchmarks.
Lightbridge Academy does not offer exclusive territorial protection to its franchisees. Franchisees are granted rights to operate at a designated approved location, but the franchisor retains the ability to open additional corporate-owned locations or franchise centers nearby.
Franchisees may face competition not only from other franchisees but also from outlets directly owned or controlled by Lightbridge Academy.
The lack of territorial exclusivity means that the franchisor reserves the right to develop other locations within the same general area. While franchisees have freedom in their geographic marketing strategies, they cannot operate outside their designated premises without approval.
KEY FRANCHISE STATS
All you need to know about this franchise
?
?
?
?
Below are some of
Lightbridge Academy
key competitors in the
Preschool
sector.
62
$50,000
$1,040,000
$7,625,000
n.a.
$2,607,000
$xxx,xxx
n.a.
n.a.
15.8%
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.
?
?
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.
?
?
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.
?
?
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.
?
?
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.
?
?
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.
?
?
Choosing a franchise goes beyond reviewing fees and financials — it requires an honest assessment of your goals, skills, and risk tolerance. This article outlines the key questions prospective owners should ask before committing. It helps clarify whether the opportunity aligns with your lifestyle, long-term plans, and operational preferences.
Speaking with current and former franchisees is one of the most reliable ways to understand how a franchise really operates. This guide explains how to conduct validation calls, what questions to ask, and how to identify patterns in feedback. It provides a practical framework for uncovering real performance expectations and support quality.
Not all franchise opportunities offer the same potential. This article breaks down how to evaluate a brand’s industry, financial health, support systems, and competitive positioning. It helps prospective buyers compare options and identify franchises with strong long-term viability.
A clear, well-structured business plan is essential for securing financing and preparing for the realities of franchise ownership. This article explains how to build a plan that covers market analysis, operations, staffing, and local marketing. It also outlines how to create realistic pro forma financials, including revenue projections, startup costs, and break-even analysis. Readers gain a practical framework they can use when applying for loans or planning their first years of operations.
.png)
