Lightbridge Academy Franchise FDD, Profits & Costs (2025)

Lightbridge Academy is a childcare and early education franchise founded in 1997 by Guy and Julia Falzarano in Iselin, New Jersey, where it is currently based.

It operates on a Circle of Care philosophy, focusing on the interconnected support between children, families, staff, and the community.

The franchise began its expansion in 2011 to promote its unique educational offerings. Lightbridge Academy stands out by incorporating advanced technology and safety features, including internet monitoring and air purification systems, to create a safe and engaging learning environment.

Initial Investment

How much does it cost to start a Lightbridge Academy franchise? It costs on average between $1,067,000 – $4,885,000 to start a Lightbridge Academy franchised business.

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. Indeed, Lightbridge Academy offers 2 types of franchises:

Center TypeInitial 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 ExpenditureAmount
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
*purchase amount only

Average Revenue (AUV)

How much revenue can you make with a Lightbridge Academy franchise? A Lightbridge Academy franchised center makes on average $2,445,000 in revenue (AUV) per year.

Here is the extract from the Franchise Disclosure Document:

Lightbridge Academy fdd item 19 extract

This compares to $1,879,000 yearly revenue for similar preschool franchises.

Below are 10 Lightbridge Academy competitors as a comparison:

Lightbridge Academy franchise competitors

Lightbridge Academy Franchise Disclosure Document

Frequently Asked Questions

How many Lightbridge Academy locations are there?

As of the latest data, Lightbridge Academy operates around 78 centers. Of these, 16 are company-owned, while the remaining locations are franchise-owned. The franchise has experienced significant growth, focusing on expanding in high-demand markets across various states, especially in areas with multi-unit opportunities

What is the total investment required to open a Lightbridge Academy franchise?

The total investment required to open a Lightbridge Academy franchise ranges from $1,067,000 to $4,885,000.

What are the ongoing fees for a Lightbridge Academy franchise?

Lightbridge Academy franchisees pay a 7% royalty fee on gross revenue, supporting network-wide resources and operational support. Additionally, a 1% marketing fee funds brand-level advertising and customer engagement efforts to strengthen market presence.

What are the financial requirements to become a Lightbridge Academy franchisee?

To qualify as a Lightbridge Academy franchisee, applicants need a minimum net worth of $1.5 million and at least $500,000 in liquid capital. These financial requirements are designed to ensure that franchisees have the resources to cover initial investments, operating expenses, and any unexpected costs during the early phases of business operations.

How much can a Lightbridge Academy franchise owner expect to earn?

The average gross sales for a Lightbridge Academy franchise are approximately $2.45 million per location. Assuming a 15% operating profit margin, $2.45 million yearly revenue can result in $367,500 EBITDA annually.

Who owns Lightbridge Academy?

Lightbridge Academy is primarily owned by the private equity firms Westerly Group and Elmsley Capital, which hold a majority stake in the company. This partnership, established in recent years, supports Lightbridge Academy’s strategic expansion plans and strengthens its ability to offer comprehensive early childhood education services.

Disclaimer

Disclaimer: This content has been made for informational and educational purposes only. We do not make any representation or warranties with respect to the accuracy, applicability, fitness, or completeness of the information presented in the article. You should not construe any such information or other material as legal, tax, investment, financial, or other professional advice. Nothing contained in this article constitutes a solicitation, recommendation, endorsement, advertisement, or offer to buy or sell any franchises, securities, or other financial instruments in this or in any other jurisdiction in which such solicitation or offer would be unlawful under the franchise and/or securities laws of such jurisdiction.

All content in this article is information of a general nature and does not address the detailed circumstances of any particular individual or entity. Nothing in the article constitutes professional and/or financial and/or legal advice, nor does any information in the article constitute a comprehensive or complete statement of the matters discussed or the law relating thereto. You alone assume the sole responsibility of evaluating the merits and risks associated with the use of any information or other content in this article before making any decisions based on such information or other content.

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