Lightbridge Academy Franchise FDD, Costs & Fees (2024)

KEY FRANCHISE STATS

All you need to know about this franchise in a snapshot

Initial franchise fee
$40,000
Investment required
$1,067,000 - $4,885,000
Royalty fee
4% to 7%

Lightbridge Academy: Redefining Childcare with Innovation and Community Care

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.

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.

Lightbridge Academy offers 2 types of franchises:

Center Type Initial Investment Range
Leased Lightbridge Academy Center $1,067,233 – $3,120,400
Purchased Lightbridge Academy Center $2,624,400 – $4,885,000

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).

Type of Expenditure Amount
Initial Franchise Fee $40,000
Initial Training $40,000
Center Development Fee $40,000
Background Checks and Asset Verification $1,000 – $2,000
Real Estate Acquisition, Construction Costs and Loan Fees $1,850,000 – $3,600,000
Equipment, Fixtures and Furnishing $241,000 – $399,000
Permits & Licenses $400 – $1,000
Signs $18,000 – $35,000
Prepaid Insurance Premium $4,000 – $8,000
Pre- and Post- Launch Advertising and Marketing Plan $35,000 – $55,000
Grand Opening Advertising and Marketing $5,000
Training $1,000 – $5,000
Professional Fees $200,000 – $400,000
Additional Funds – 3 months $150,000 – $255,000
Total Estimated Initial Investment* $2,624,400 – $4,885,000

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Number of units

2024
Franchised units

46

50

55

Company-owned units

16

17

18

Total units

62

67

73

Franchise Disclosure Document

Training

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.

Territory Protection

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.

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