Marigold Academy Franchise FDD, Costs & Fees (2026)
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.
KEY FRANCHISE STATS
Franchisees
?
0
+
n.a.
n.a.
Franchise fee
?
$50,000
Investment
?
$847,000 - $2,409,000
Revenue (AUV)
?
Undisclosed
$0
+
n.a.
n.a.
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Marigold Academy is an early childhood education and daycare franchise that provides premium childcare and preschool programs for infants through pre-kindergarten. The brand was founded in 2019 by Jay Shah and Kruti Shah and is headquartered in Bloomfield, New Jersey. It focuses on creating a warm, nurturing learning environment for young children.
The franchise began franchising in 2023, offering entrepreneurs a structured and supportive model to open high-quality childcare centers. Its programs serve children from 6 weeks to 6 years of age, covering infant care, toddler care, preschool and pre-K education. Each program follows an age-appropriate curriculum designed to foster academic, social, and emotional development.
Marigold Academy differentiates itself through its “home-away-from-home” philosophy, blending school readiness with a warm, family-centered atmosphere. The curriculum includes music, languages, sign language, STEAM activities, and other enrichment programs delivered by certified early-childhood professionals. Children benefit from small class sizes, structured routines, and a strong focus on safety and nurturing care.
Initial investment
The initial investment required for a Marigold Academy franchise is
$847,000 - $2,409,000.
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.
Marigold Academy offers 2 types of franchises:
Type of Expenditure
Amount
Marigold Academy Center under a Franchise Agreement
$846,600 to $1,062,200
Marigold Academy Center (With Construction and Leasehold Improvements)
$2,033,400 to $2,409,000
We are summarizing below the main costs associated with opening a Marigold Academy Center (With Construction and Leasehold Improvements).
For more information on the various types of franchises and its costs, refer to the Franchise Disclosure Document (Item 7).
Type of Expenditure
Amount
Initial Franchise Fee
$50,000
Site Development Assistance Fee
$20,000
Training and Opening Assistance Fee
$20,000
Construction and Leasehold Improvements
$1,200,000 - $1,360,000
Lease Deposits
$13,400 - $23,400
Lease – Three Months
$40,200 - $70,200
Furniture, Fixtures and Equipment
$161,200 - $188,500
Outdoor Playground Equipment
$142,500 - $195,000
Signage
$30,200 - $35,400
Technology and Systems
$10,300 - $15,800
Security and Electronic Access
$33,000 - $36,300
Grand Opening Marketing
$45,000 - $50,000
Initial Inventory
$9,600 - $11,900
Utility Deposits
$1,500 - $2,000
Insurance
$4,500 - $6,000
Travel for Initial Training
$3,800 - $5,000
Professional Fees
$84,000 - $97,000
Licenses and Permits
$1,000 - $3,000
Pre-Opening Working Capital
$37,300 - $45,600
Additional Funds – Three Months
$125,900 - $173,900
Total Estimate
$2,033,400 - $2,409,000
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Marigold Academy offers 2 types of franchises:
Type of Expenditure
Amount
Marigold Academy Center under a Franchise Agreement
$846,600 to $1,062,200
Marigold Academy Center (With Construction and Leasehold Improvements)
$2,033,400 to $2,409,000
We are summarizing below the main costs associated with opening a Marigold Academy Center (With Construction and Leasehold Improvements).
For more information on the various types of franchises and its costs, refer to the Franchise Disclosure Document (Item 7).
Type of Expenditure
Amount
Initial Franchise Fee
$50,000
Site Development Assistance Fee
$20,000
Training and Opening Assistance Fee
$20,000
Construction and Leasehold Improvements
$1,200,000 - $1,360,000
Lease Deposits
$13,400 - $23,400
Lease – Three Months
$40,200 - $70,200
Furniture, Fixtures and Equipment
$161,200 - $188,500
Outdoor Playground Equipment
$142,500 - $195,000
Signage
$30,200 - $35,400
Technology and Systems
$10,300 - $15,800
Security and Electronic Access
$33,000 - $36,300
Grand Opening Marketing
$45,000 - $50,000
Initial Inventory
$9,600 - $11,900
Utility Deposits
$1,500 - $2,000
Insurance
$4,500 - $6,000
Travel for Initial Training
$3,800 - $5,000
Professional Fees
$84,000 - $97,000
Licenses and Permits
$1,000 - $3,000
Pre-Opening Working Capital
$37,300 - $45,600
Additional Funds – Three Months
$125,900 - $173,900
Total Estimate
$2,033,400 - $2,409,000
Franchise Disclosure Document
Below is Marigold Academy's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document. Upgrade to Pro or purchase the FDD to view and download the document.
Number of units
Marigold Academy had 2 total units in 2025, of which 0 were franchised-owned and 2 company-owned.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the royalty fee?
The royalty fee for a Marigold Academy franchise is 7.00%. In addition, you would have to pay the advertising (or national brand fund) fee of 2.00%.
What is the total investment?
The initial investment required for a Marigold Academy franchise is $847,000 - $2,409,000. 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.
What is the initial franchise fee?
The initial franchise fee for a Marigold Academy franchise is $50,000. This is typically paid upfront as part of the total initial investment, after signature of the Franchise Agreeement.
Marigold Academy provides franchisees with a structured training framework to ensure compliance and operational success:
Initial Training Program: Within 45 days before the business start date, the franchisee’s Managing Owner and one manager must attend and complete the franchisor’s training program. The training includes both classroom and on-the-job components and may be conducted either at the designated facility in Northern New Jersey or remotely. If more than two individuals attend, a fee of $500 per person per day applies.
Ongoing Training and Refresher Programs: Franchisees must attend refresher and system-wide training sessions as designated by the franchisor. These include additional programs and seminars to stay aligned with evolving operational standards and best practices. All costs for travel, lodging, meals, and wages related to these programs are borne by the franchisee.
Supplemental Training: The franchisor may offer or require supplemental training, especially if a new Operating Manager is hired or if operational deficiencies are identified. Supplemental training is charged at $500 per trainer per day, plus travel and accommodation expenses.
Territory Protection
Marigold Academy provides its franchisees with a Designated Territory once a Center location is approved. While there is no guarantee of an exclusive territory, the franchisor agrees not to open or authorize another Marigold Academy Center within the Designated Territory during the agreement’s term, provided the franchisee is in good standing.
Typically, this area is either a five-mile radius or one that includes 10,000 single-family households.
However, the franchise does not restrict itself from soliciting or accepting orders within a franchisee’s territory through alternative channels. These include internet sales, catalog orders, telemarketing, and the operation of centers in locations like malls, government facilities, and amusement parks.