Primrose Schools

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Primrose Schools

Primrose Schools Franchise FDD, Costs & Fees (2025)

Education-based child care franchise offering early childhood education programs for infants, toddlers, preschoolers, and school-aged children, focusing on a balanced curriculum and nurturing environment.

Established in 1982 in Marietta, Georgia, Primrose Schools has become a premier provider of early childhood education and care. The company began franchising in 1988 and has expanded to over 500 schools across more than 35 states. Primrose Schools cater to children from six weeks to six years old, offering programs that emphasize a balanced approach to learning.

Primrose Schools differentiates itself through its proprietary Balanced Learning® curriculum, which combines teacher-guided and child-initiated activities to foster learning through play and exploration.

This approach integrates character development, social-emotional learning, and academic readiness, providing a holistic educational experience. Additionally, Primrose Schools maintains high standards of quality and safety, with each school accredited by Cognia, ensuring adherence to rigorous early childhood education standards.

By focusing on comprehensive child development and maintaining a commitment to excellence, Primrose Schools has established itself as a leader in the early education sector, continually raising the bar for quality and innovation.

Initial investment

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.

Primrose Schools offers 5 types of franchises:

Program Initial Investment Range
Real Estate Development Program $5,788,200 to $8,595,000
Build-to-Suit Program $742,900 to $1,525,000
Permanent Lease Program $2,256,300 to $4,899,200
Independent Development Program $5,758,200 to $8,550,000
Site First Program $826,900 to $1,405,000

We are summarizing below the main costs associated with opening a Primrose Schools franchised facility under Independent Development Program. For more information on costs required to start a Primrose Schools franchise, refer to the Franchise Disclosure Document (Item 7).

Type of Expenditure Low Amount High Amount
Initial Fee $50,000 $80,000
Real Estate Fee $25,000 $25,000
Other Real Estate and Development Costs $4,827,300 $7,040,000
Utility Security Deposits $10,000 $30,000
School Equipment and Supplies $313,000 $383,000
Insurance $5,000 $20,000
Initial Training Fee $35,000 $35,000
Marketing, Advertising and Grand Opening $40,000 $105,000
Transportation Vehicle $900 $50,000
Licenses $4,000 $7,000
Miscellaneous $10,000 $45,000
Financing Cost $258,000 $310,000
Additional Funds – 3 months $180,000 $420,000
Total $5,758,200 $8,550,000

Primrose Schools offers 5 types of franchises:

Program Initial Investment Range
Real Estate Development Program $5,788,200 to $8,595,000
Build-to-Suit Program $742,900 to $1,525,000
Permanent Lease Program $2,256,300 to $4,899,200
Independent Development Program $5,758,200 to $8,550,000
Site First Program $826,900 to $1,405,000

We are summarizing below the main costs associated with opening a Primrose Schools franchised facility under Independent Development Program. For more information on costs required to start a Primrose Schools franchise, refer to the Franchise Disclosure Document (Item 7).

Type of Expenditure Low Amount High Amount
Initial Fee $50,000 $80,000
Real Estate Fee $25,000 $25,000
Other Real Estate and Development Costs $4,827,300 $7,040,000
Utility Security Deposits $10,000 $30,000
School Equipment and Supplies $313,000 $383,000
Insurance $5,000 $20,000
Initial Training Fee $35,000 $35,000
Marketing, Advertising and Grand Opening $40,000 $105,000
Transportation Vehicle $900 $50,000
Licenses $4,000 $7,000
Miscellaneous $10,000 $45,000
Financing Cost $258,000 $310,000
Additional Funds – 3 months $180,000 $420,000
Total $5,758,200 $8,550,000

Franchise Disclosure Document

Number of units

Training

Primrose Schools franchises provide comprehensive training programs to ensure franchisees and their teams uphold the brand’s high standards of quality and operational excellence. This includes:

  1. Initial Training:
    • Conducted multiple times annually, it involves remote orientation, self-guided studies of the early childhood education industry, in-person sessions at designated locations, and on-site training at approved facilities. Online components, such as webinars and assignments, are also included. Franchisees must complete pre-opening training at least 16 weeks prior to opening or purchasing a facility and post-opening training within 6 to 12 months of operation.
  2. Director and Multi-School Manager Training:
    • Directors are required to attend training within six to 12 months of employment. Multi-School Managers must complete Initial Training within 30 days of assuming their roles.
  3. Additional Programs:
    • These include annual conferences, refresher training, seminars, and workshops, which may be conducted in person or online, to enhance skills and ensure continued compliance.
  4. Employee Training:
    • Franchisees are responsible for training their employees to meet state laws, licensing requirements, and Franchisor standards. The Franchisor may directly provide employee training if necessary.
  5. School Excellence Training:
    • This program must be completed within six to 12 months after a facility’s opening or transfer, focusing on maintaining operational excellence.

Territory Protection

Primrose Schools franchises offer limited territory protection through a "Development Area," assigned at the start of the agreement, based on demographics and population. The franchisor may adjust this area over time if changes support additional facilities.

Franchisees can request a "Designated Area" for enhanced protection between the second anniversary of opening and six months after. The franchisor determines its boundaries at their discretion, excluding certain existing or potential locations. If no timely request is made, the franchisor is not obligated to establish this designation.

Competitors

Below are some of

Primrose Schools

key competitors in the

Preschool

sector.

Franchise
Franchisees
Initial fee
Total investment
Revenue
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Gross Profit
Upgrade
EBITDA
Upgrade

505

New
+
9%
9%

$80,000

$743,000

$8,595,000

n.a.

$2,622,000

$xxx,xxx

n.a.

xx%

n.a.

16.4%

xx%

n.a.

Competitors

Safari Kid

Safari Kid is an early childhood education franchise offering preschool and after-school programs that blend academic learning with creative and physical activities.

Franchisees

?

18
+
-10%
-10%
Investment

?

$377,000 - $1,273,000
Education
Preschool

Montessori Kids Universe

Montessori Kids Universe offers early childhood education based on Montessori principles, fostering independence, creativity, and academic growth in a nurturing environment.

Franchisees

?

19
+
58%
58%
Investment

?

$562,000 - $1,139,000

Tierra Encantada

Tierra Encantada offers bilingual daycare services for children, focusing on Spanish immersion. Franchisees are provided with comprehensive training, marketing support, and operational tools to run a successful daycare business.

Franchisees

?

2
+
0%
0%
Investment

?

$1,542,000 - $3,658,000

The Learning Experience

Early education and childcare franchise offering a curriculum-based approach to early childhood development and school readiness.

Franchisees

?

326
+
21%
21%
Investment

?

$686,000 - $5,609,000

The Goddard School

Preschool and early childhood education franchise providing a play-based learning environment and comprehensive curriculum for children.

Franchisees

?

627
+
9%
9%
Investment

?

$704,000 - $8,514,000

Primrose Schools

Education-based child care franchise offering early childhood education programs for infants, toddlers, preschoolers, and school-aged children, focusing on a balanced curriculum and nurturing environment.

Franchisees

?

505
+
9%
9%
Investment

?

$743,000 - $8,595,000