The Learning Experience Franchise FDD, Profits & Costs (2025)
The Learning Experience, founded in 1980, is a leading early childhood education franchise offering daycare, preschool, and after-school programs. Headquartered in Deerfield Beach, Florida, its mission is to create engaging learning environments that positively impact children’s lives.
Franchising began in 2003, and the brand has since expanded to hundreds of centers across the U.S., with continued growth ahead.
The Learning Experience is known for its proprietary L.E.A.P. (Learning Experience Academic Program), which integrates technology and enrichment programs to foster cognitive, social, and physical development. The curriculum blends play and learning, encouraging creativity and growth in young children.
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The Learning Experience Franchise Initial Investment
It costs on average between $686,000 – $5,609,000 to start a The Learning Experience franchised facility.
This includes costs for construction, equipment, inventory, and initial operating expenses. The exact amount depends on various factors, including the type of facility you choose, the location, and whether the franchisee chooses to lease or purchase the property. The Learning Experience offers 3 types of franchises:
| Type of Center | Initial Investment Range |
|---|---|
| New Centers with SDSC Addenda | $685,799 – $1,477,299 |
| New Centers with SC Addenda | $2,154,799 – $5,608,799 |
| Acquisition of Existing Center Only | $837,300 – $3,318,000 |
We are summarizing below the main costs associated with opening a New Center with SC Addenda franchise. For more information on the various types of franchises and its costs, refer to the Franchise Disclosure Document (Item 7).
| Type of Expenditure | Amount |
|---|---|
| Franchise Fee | $60,000 |
| Site Coordination Fee | $75,000 – 20% upon execution, 80% at closing |
| Lease Security Deposits | $15,000 – $150,000 |
| Insurance Premiums | $3,500 – $18,000 |
| Organizational Expenses | $1,000 – $2,500 |
| Software Service Fee (6 months) | $3,150 |
| Computer Hardware and Microsoft Office | $14,000 |
| Pre-paid Rent for up to 3 months | $0 – $150,000 |
| Opening Marketing Efforts | $30,000 – $55,000 |
| Computer Set-Up Fee | $2,999 |
| Payments/Security Deposits to Utility Provider | $500 – $5,000 |
| Local and State Licenses and Permits | $400 – $2,000 |
| Travel/Lodging for Staff Training | $2,500 – $15,000 |
| Initial Employee Salaries (6 Months) | $100,000 – $175,000 |
| Curriculum | $500 – $3,850 |
| Food/Paper/Expendables | $1,250 – $3,500 |
| Miscellaneous | $0 – $70,000 |
| Signage | $5,000 – $45,000 |
| Improvements (including Playground) | $1,500,000 – $4,000,000 |
| Furniture, Fixtures & Equipment | $50,000 – $125,000 |
| Architectural Fees | $35,000 – $100,000 |
| Proprietary Products | $50,000 – $100,000 |
| Additional Funds (operating expenses for 6 months) | $200,000 – $400,000 |
| L.E.A.P. Interactive Setup Fee | $5,000 – $8,800 |
| Total | $2,154,799 – $5,608,799 |
The Learning Experience Franchise Average Revenue (AUV)
A The Learning Experience franchised facility makes on average $2,038,000 in revenue (AUV) per year.
Here is the extract from the Franchise Disclosure Document:
This compares to $1,774,000 yearly revenue for similar preschool franchises. Below are 10 The Learning Experience competitors as a comparison:
The most profitable franchises to own in 2025
We have compiled the list of the top 400 franchises across 9 industries. Download the report below.
The Learning Experience Franchise Disclosure Document
Frequently Asked Questions
How many The Learning Experience locations are there?
As of the latest, The Learning Experience operates a total of 366 centers. Of these, 326 are franchised, while 40 are company-owned.
Additionally, the company is planning further expansion, with over 100 new locations expected to open in the next two years.
What is the total investment required to open a The Learning Experience franchise?
The total investment required to open a The Learning Experience franchise ranges from $2,154,799 to $5,608,799 for the New Center with SC Addenda franchise.
What are the ongoing fees for a The Learning Experience franchise?
The royalty fee is 7% of gross sales, which covers the ongoing use of the franchise’s brand, support services, and curriculum. In addition, there is an advertising fee, typically 1% of gross sales, with the potential for an additional local marketing contribution of up to 2.5%, aimed at promoting the franchise within the community and supporting broader national campaigns.
What are the financial requirements to become a The Learning Experience franchisee?
To become a franchisee of The Learning Experience, the financial requirements include having a minimum net worth of $1.5 million and at least $600,000 in liquid capital. These requirements ensure that prospective franchisees have the financial resources to invest in and sustain the business, covering initial costs such as construction, training, and opening expenses.
How much can a The Learning Experience franchise owner expect to earn?
The average gross sales for a The Learning Experience franchise are approximately $2.04 million per location. Assuming a 15% operating profit margin, $2.04 million yearly revenue can result in $306,000 EBITDA annually.
Who owns The Learning Experience?
The Learning Experience is owned by Golden Gate Capital, a private equity firm that acquired the company in 2018. This acquisition allowed The Learning Experience to continue expanding its network of early education centers, with a strong focus on franchise growth and international development.
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