Children’s Lighthouse Franchise FDD, Profits & Costs (2025)
Children’s Lighthouse is an early-childhood education and childcare franchise operating across the United States. The brand launched its first center in 1997 in Fort Worth, Texas, with a mission to deliver dependable care that blends safety, learning, and character development for young children.
The company remains headquartered in Fort Worth, Texas. It introduced its franchise program around 1999, allowing local operators to open centers built on an education-driven childcare model.
Children’s Lighthouse provides programs for infants through school-age children, typically up to age 12. Its Lighthouse Pathways® curriculum incorporates foundational early-learning concepts along with STREAM-based instruction—science, technology, reading, engineering, arts, and math—while also promoting strong values and social growth.
The brand stands out through its well-rounded educational philosophy, placing emphasis on academic preparation, character development, social-skills building, and a warm, supportive environment.
Initial Investment
How much does it cost to start a Children’s Lighthouse franchise? It costs on average between $1,075,000 – $8,934,000 to start a Children’s Lighthouse franchised center.
This covers expenses related to building out the childcare center, purchasing furniture and educational equipment, securing curriculum materials, and funding early operating needs. The total investment varies based on factors such as the center’s size, local real estate conditions, and whether the franchisee leases or acquires the property.
Children’s Lighthouse offers 2 types of franchises:
| Type of franchise | Amount |
|---|---|
| Children’s Lighthouse Build-to-Suit Lease Program | $1,074,580 – $1,467,050 |
| Children’s Lighthouse Equity Development Program | $5,855,974 – $8,933,880 |
We are summarizing below the main costs associated with opening a Children’s Lighthouse Equity Development Program. For more information on costs required to start a Children’s Lighthouse franchise, refer to the Franchise Disclosure Document (Item 7).
| Type of Expenditure | Amount |
|---|---|
| Franchise Fee | $60,000 – $85,000 |
| Real Estate | $875,000 – $1,200,000 |
| Real Estate Improvements and Construction Costs | $3,657,000 – $5,959,150 |
| School Development Fee | $25,000 |
| Furniture, Fixtures, and Equipment | $343,580 – $421,000 |
| Utility and Security Deposits | $5,000 – $10,000 |
| Playground Equipment | $178,000 – $213,000 |
| Financing Costs | $204,169 – $316,380 |
| Interim Interest | $160,000 – $286,000 |
| Opening Training Fee | $15,000 – $25,000 |
| Buses | $2,500 – $5,000 |
| Pre-Opening Marketing Expenses | $35,000 |
| Travel and Living Costs while Training | $4,000 – $6,000 |
| Insurance and Professional Fees | $10,750 – $13,250 |
| Agency License | $750 – $1,300 |
| Additional Funds (3 months) | $277,725 – $332,800 |
| Total | $5,855,974 – $8,933,880 |
Franchise Disclosure Document
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Children’s Lighthouse locations are there?
As of the latest available data, the Children’s Lighthouse system comprises 69 franchise locations in the United States.
What is the total investment required to open a Children’s Lighthouse franchise?
The total investment required to open a Children’s Lighthouse franchise ranges from $1,075,000 to $8,934,000.
What are the ongoing fees for a Children’s Lighthouse franchise?
A Children’s Lighthouse franchisee pays a royalty fee of 7% of gross sales, assessed on an ongoing basis. The brand also requires a marketing and advertising contribution of 0.5% of gross sales, which supports systemwide promotional activities.
Who owns Children’s Lighthouse?
Children’s Lighthouse franchise is owned by the Scudder family, who founded the company and continue to lead its ownership and direction through Children’s Lighthouse Franchise Company based in Fort Worth, Texas.
Disclaimer
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