Primrose Schools Franchise FDD, Profits & Costs (2025)

Primrose Schools, founded in 1982, is a well-established leader in the early childhood education industry, headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia.

The franchise began offering franchising opportunities in 1988. Primrose Schools is recognized for its unique educational approach called Balanced Learning®, which combines teacher-guided and child-initiated activities to foster learning through play and exploration.

Distinguished by its high standards in educational quality and care, Primrose Schools offers franchisees a proven business model in a financially rewarding and emotionally satisfying sector.

The franchise’s commitment to excellence has earned it accolades from various business publications, highlighting its status as a premier franchising opportunity.

Initial Investment

How much does it cost to start a Primrose Schools franchise? It costs on average between $743,000 – $8,595,000 to start a Primrose Schools 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. Primrose Schools offers 5 types of franchises:

ProgramInitial Investment Range
Real Estate Development Program$5,788,200 to $8,595,000
Build-to-Suit Program$742,900 to $1,525,000
Permanent Lease Program$2,256,300 to $4,899,200
Independent Development Program$5,758,200 to $8,550,000
Site First Program$826,900 to $1,405,000

We are summarizing below the main costs associated with opening a Primrose Schools Real Estate Development Program franchised facility. For more information on costs required to start a Primrose Schools franchise, refer to the Franchise Disclosure Document (Item 7).

Type of ExpenditureAmount (Low – High)
Initial Fee$50,000 – $80,000
Real Estate Fee Deposit$25,000
Balance of Real Estate Fee$30,000 – $45,000
Other Real Estate and Development Costs$4,827,300 – $7,040,000
Utility Security Deposits$10,000 – $30,000
School Equipment and Supplies$313,000 – $383,000
Insurance$5,000 – $20,000
Initial Training Fee$35,000
Marketing, Advertising and Grand Opening$40,000 – $105,000
Transportation Vehicle$900 – $50,000
Licenses$4,000 – $7,000
Miscellaneous$10,000 – $45,000
Financing Cost$258,000 – $310,000
Additional Funds – 3 months$180,000 – $420,000
TOTAL$5,788,200 – $8,595,000

Average Revenue (AUV)

How much revenue can you make with a Primrose Schools franchise? A Primrose Schools franchised facility makes on average $2,622,000 in revenue (AUV) per year.

Here is the extract from the Franchise Disclosure Document:

Primrose Schools fdd item 19 extract

This compares to $1,774,000 yearly revenue for similar preschool franchises. Below are 10 Primrose Schools competitors as a comparison:

Primrose Schools competitors

Primrose Schools Franchise Disclosure Document

Frequently Asked Questions

How many Primrose Schools locations are there?

As of the latest data, Primrose Schools operates 483 franchise-owned locations and 0 company-owned locations. This reflects the brand’s strong reliance on independent franchisees to drive its growth across 34 states in the U.S.​

What is the total investment required to open a Primrose Schools franchise?

The total investment required to open a Primrose Schools franchise ranges from $743,000 to $8,595,000.

What are the ongoing fees for a Primrose Schools franchise?

Primrose Schools franchisees are required to pay a 7% royalty fee on gross revenue. Additionally, there is a marketing fee of 2% of gross revenue, which includes system-wide marketing efforts.

What are the financial requirements to become a Primrose Schools franchisee?

To become a Primrose Schools franchisee, the financial requirements are as follows: a minimum net worth of $750,000 and liquid assets of $350,000. These financial requirements ensure that potential franchisees have the necessary capital to invest in the franchise and sustain operations during the initial stages of development.

How much can a Primrose Schools franchise owner expect to earn?

The average gross sales for a Primrose Schools franchise are approximately $2.62 million per location. Assuming a 15% operating profit margin, $2.62 million yearly revenue can result in $393,000 EBITDA annually.

Who owns Primrose Schools?

Primrose Schools is owned by Roark Capital Group, a private equity firm that specializes in investing in franchise businesses. Roark Capital acquired a majority stake in Primrose Schools in 2018. Primrose Schools was founded in 1982 by Paul and Marcy Erwin, and the company operates as a leading provider of early childhood education and care through a franchise model.

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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