Ivybrook Academy Franchise FDD, Profits & Costs (2025)
Ivybrook Academy, established in 2007, offers a unique franchise opportunity in the early childhood education sector.
Headquartered in Weddington, NC, they began franchising in 2016, allowing passionate individuals to bring their innovative approach to nurturing young minds to new communities.
Ivybrook Academy focuses on a play-based, experiential curriculum inspired by the Montessori and Reggio Emilia philosophies. This approach emphasizes exploration, creativity, and respect for each child’s individuality.
Their curriculum goes beyond traditional preschool academics, incorporating music, Spanish, creative expression, and social-emotional development.
Additionally, Ivybrook Academy caters specifically to children aged 18 months to 5 years, filling a gap between daycare and traditional kindergarten programs.
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Initial Investment
How much does it cost to start a Ivybrook Academy franchise? It costs on average between $461,000 – $798,000 to start a Ivybrook Academy franchised center.
This includes costs for construction, equipment, inventory, and initial operating expenses. The exact amount will vary based on several factors, such as the location, the size of the facility, and whether the franchisee opts to lease or purchase the property.
Other considerations, including local market conditions and the specific needs for the academy’s educational environment, will also influence the total investment required.
| Type of Expenditure | Amount |
|---|---|
| Initial Franchise Fee | $50,000 |
| Training & Opening Support Fee | $10,000 |
| Real Estate and Facility Coordination Fee | $10,000 |
| Construction, Leasehold Improvements | $223,900 – $480,000 |
| Furniture, Fixtures, Classroom Equipment | $75,000 – $100,000 |
| Outdoor Classroom (playground equipment) | $8,000 – $18,000 |
| Signage (interior and exterior) | $8,000 – $14,000 |
| Computer Hardware and Software | $1,000 – $2,500 |
| Rent Deposit | $15,000 – $20,000 |
| Utility Deposits | $1,000 – $2,500 |
| Insurance Deposits and Premiums | $2,000 – $3,500 |
| Pre-opening Travel Expense | $400 – $2,000 |
| Grand Opening Advertising | $20,000 – $25,000 |
| Professional Fees | $17,000 – $30,000 |
| Business Permits and Licenses | $100 – $500 |
| Additional Funds – 3 Months | $20,000 – $30,000 |
| Total | $461,400 – $798,000 |
Average Revenue (AUV)
How much revenue can you make with a Ivybrook Academy franchise? A Ivybrook Academy franchised business makes on average $838,000 in revenue (AUV) per year.
Here is the extract from the Franchise Disclosure Document:
This compares to $1,879,000 yearly revenue for similar preschool franchises.
Below are a few 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.
Ivybrook Academy Franchise Disclosure Document
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Ivybrook Academy locations are there?
As of the latest data, Ivybrook Academy operates over 38 locations across the United States. This includes both company-owned and franchise-owned campuses, reflecting the organization’s growth and commitment to providing quality early childhood education nationwide.
What is the total investment required to open a Ivybrook Academy franchise?
The total investment required to open a Ivybrook Academy franchise ranges from $461,000 to $798,000.
What are the ongoing fees for a Ivybrook Academy franchise?
Ivybrook Academy franchisees pay a 6% royalty fee on gross revenue and contribute 1% to the Brand Development Fund for national marketing. An additional 1% of gross revenue must be allocated to local marketing efforts. These fees support brand consistency and promotional activities.
What are the financial requirements to become a Ivybrook Academy franchisee?
To become an Ivybrook Academy franchisee, candidates are required to have a minimum net worth of $1 million and at least $250,000 in liquid capital. These financial prerequisites ensure that franchisees possess the necessary resources to establish and operate a successful Ivybrook Academy location, covering initial investments and sustaining operations during the startup phase.
How much can a Ivybrook Academy franchise owner expect to earn?
The average gross sales for a Ivybrook Academy franchise are approximately $0.84 million per location. Assuming a 15% operating profit margin, $0.84 million yearly revenue can result in $126,000 EBITDA annually.
Who owns Ivybrook Academy?
Ivybrook Academy is owned by Jennifer McWilliams, a former first-grade teacher, and her husband, Drew McWilliams. Jennifer serves as the Head of Schools, while Drew holds the position of Chief Executive Officer. Together, they have expanded Ivybrook Academy into a network of early childhood education centers across the United States.
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