The Learning Experience Franchise FDD, Profits & Costs (2025)
The Learning Experience, founded in 1980, is a leading early childhood education franchise offering daycare, preschool, and after-school programs. Headquartered in Deerfield Beach, Florida, its mission is to create engaging learning environments that positively impact children’s lives.
Franchising began in 2003, and the brand has since expanded to hundreds of centers across the U.S., with continued growth ahead.
The Learning Experience is known for its proprietary L.E.A.P. (Learning Experience Academic Program), which integrates technology and enrichment programs to foster cognitive, social, and physical development. The curriculum blends play and learning, encouraging creativity and growth in young children.
The Learning Experience Franchise Initial Investment
It costs on average between $686,000 – $5,609,000 to start a The Learning Experience 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. The Learning Experience offers 3 types of franchises:
| Type of Center | Initial Investment Range |
|---|---|
| New Centers with SDSC Addenda | $685,799 – $1,477,299 |
| New Centers with SC Addenda | $2,154,799 – $5,608,799 |
| Acquisition of Existing Center Only | $837,300 – $3,318,000 |
We are summarizing below the main costs associated with opening a New Center with SC Addenda franchise. For more information on the various types of franchises and its costs, refer to the Franchise Disclosure Document (Item 7).
| Type of Expenditure | Amount |
|---|---|
| Franchise Fee | $60,000 |
| Site Coordination Fee | $75,000 – 20% upon execution, 80% at closing |
| Lease Security Deposits | $15,000 – $150,000 |
| Insurance Premiums | $3,500 – $18,000 |
| Organizational Expenses | $1,000 – $2,500 |
| Software Service Fee (6 months) | $3,150 |
| Computer Hardware and Microsoft Office | $14,000 |
| Pre-paid Rent for up to 3 months | $0 – $150,000 |
| Opening Marketing Efforts | $30,000 – $55,000 |
| Computer Set-Up Fee | $2,999 |
| Payments/Security Deposits to Utility Provider | $500 – $5,000 |
| Local and State Licenses and Permits | $400 – $2,000 |
| Travel/Lodging for Staff Training | $2,500 – $15,000 |
| Initial Employee Salaries (6 Months) | $100,000 – $175,000 |
| Curriculum | $500 – $3,850 |
| Food/Paper/Expendables | $1,250 – $3,500 |
| Miscellaneous | $0 – $70,000 |
| Signage | $5,000 – $45,000 |
| Improvements (including Playground) | $1,500,000 – $4,000,000 |
| Furniture, Fixtures & Equipment | $50,000 – $125,000 |
| Architectural Fees | $35,000 – $100,000 |
| Proprietary Products | $50,000 – $100,000 |
| Additional Funds (operating expenses for 6 months) | $200,000 – $400,000 |
| L.E.A.P. Interactive Setup Fee | $5,000 – $8,800 |
| Total | $2,154,799 – $5,608,799 |
Download the Franchise Disclosure Document
Frequently Asked Questions
How many The Learning Experience locations are there?
As of the latest, The Learning Experience operates a total of 366 centers. Of these, 326 are franchised, while 40 are company-owned.
Additionally, the company is planning further expansion, with over 100 new locations expected to open in the next two years.
What is the total investment required to open a The Learning Experience franchise?
The total investment required to open a The Learning Experience franchise ranges from $2,154,799 to $5,608,799 for the New Center with SC Addenda franchise.
What are the ongoing fees for a The Learning Experience franchise?
The royalty fee is 7% of gross sales, which covers the ongoing use of the franchise’s brand, support services, and curriculum. In addition, there is an advertising fee, typically 1% of gross sales, with the potential for an additional local marketing contribution of up to 2.5%, aimed at promoting the franchise within the community and supporting broader national campaigns.
Who owns The Learning Experience?
The Learning Experience is owned by Golden Gate Capital, a private equity firm that acquired the company in 2018. This acquisition allowed The Learning Experience to continue expanding its network of early education centers, with a strong focus on franchise growth and international development.
Disclaimer
Disclaimer: This content has been made for informational and educational purposes only. SharpSheets is an independent educational resource and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or representing any franchisor mentioned on this website. Where noted, figures are taken from the franchisor’s Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD). In some cases, we may provide independent calculations or estimates based on publicly available information. 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.
