Goldfish Swim School Franchise FDD, Profits & Costs (2025)
Goldfish Swim School has established itself as a premier destination for child-centric swim instruction, founded on the passion and commitment of its co-founders, Jenny and Chris McCuiston.
The inception of this unique swim school dates back to the summer of 2000, when Jenny, leveraging her extensive background as a competitive swimmer and her degree in Early Childhood Development & Family Studies, recognized a pressing demand for quality swim lessons.
Distinguished by its “Golden Experience,” Goldfish Swim School provides a comprehensive and engaging learning environment through its proprietary “The Science of SwimPlay®” curriculum, which blends swim and safety skills with character-building in a playful manner.
This approach is facilitated in a setting characterized by vibrant, inspiring colors and a comfortable, shiver-free pool heated to 90 degrees, ensuring a conducive learning atmosphere for children from 4 months to 12 years old.
The franchise began its expansion in 2009, with the opening of a new location in Farmington Hills, Michigan, marking the beginning of its journey as a franchisor.
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Initial Investment
How much does it cost to start a Goldfish Swim School franchise? It costs on average between $1,663,000 – $3,747,000 to start a Goldfish Swim School franchised center.
This includes costs for construction, equipment, inventory, and initial operating expenses. The exact amount depends on various factors, including the location, and whether the franchisee chooses to lease or purchase the property.
| Type of Expenditure | Amount |
|---|---|
| Franchise Fee | $40,000 – $50,000 |
| Real Estate Fee | $0 – $2,500 |
| Real Estate/Rent | $0 – $82,000 |
| Architectural Fees | $34,500 – $85,000 |
| Leasehold Improvements | $1,334,230 – $2,685,033 |
| Insurance | $4,283 – $5,700 |
| Training | $17,250 – $37,000 |
| Furniture, Fixtures, Equipment, Computers | $100,000 – $126,500 |
| Initial Advertising Expense | $30,000 – $70,000 |
| Licenses, Permits, & Deposits | $4,500 – $80,000 |
| Legal & Accounting | $8,500 – $35,000 |
| Project Manager/Owner’s Representative | $15,000 – $45,000 |
| Water Tap Fees | $0 – $93,000 |
| Additional Funds (3 months) | $75,000 – $350,000 |
| Total | $1,663,263 – $3,746,733 |
Average Revenue (AUV)
How much revenue can you make with a Goldfish Swim School franchise? A Goldfish Swim School franchised business makes on average $2,079,000 in revenue (AUV) per year.
Here is the extract from the Franchise Disclosure Document:
This compares to $235,000 yearly revenue for similar arts/sports franchises.
Below are a few competitors in 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.
Goldfish Swim School Franchise Disclosure Document
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Goldfish Swim School locations are there?
As of the latest data, Goldfish Swim School operates 177 locations across the United States and Canada. The majority of these are franchise-owned, with a smaller number managed directly by the company. This extensive network reflects Goldfish Swim School’s commitment to providing quality swim instruction to children nationwide.
What is the total investment required to open a Goldfish Swim School franchise?
The total investment required to open a Goldfish Swim School franchise ranges from $1,663,000 to $3,747,000.
What are the ongoing fees for a Goldfish Swim School franchise?
A Goldfish Swim School franchise requires ongoing fees including a royalty fee of the greater of $2,500 per month or 6% of gross sales for the first 90 days, then the greater of $3,500 per month or 6% of gross sales thereafter.
The Brand Fund contribution is the greater of $900 per month or 2% of gross sales for the first 90 days, then $1,200 per month or 2% of gross sales thereafter. Local advertising requires 2% of gross sales, and there is a monthly technology fee of $700.
What are the financial requirements to become a Goldfish Swim School franchisee?
To become a Goldfish Swim School franchisee, candidates must have a minimum net worth of $2,000,000 and at least $1,000,000 in liquid capital. These requirements ensure that franchisees are financially equipped to support initial investments and ongoing operations.
How much can a Goldfish Swim School franchise owner expect to earn?
The average gross sales for a Goldfish Swim School franchise are approximately $2.08 million per location. Assuming a 15% operating profit margin, $2.08 million yearly revenue can result in $312,000 EBITDA annually.
Who owns Goldfish Swim School?
Goldfish Swim School was founded in 2006 by Jenny and Chris McCuiston. They continue to lead the company, with Chris serving as CEO and Jenny as visionary and co-founder. Under their leadership, Goldfish Swim School has expanded into a prominent franchise network across North America.
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