Is Code Ninjas right for you?
Proven Scale
230 franchised centers reported full-year 2025 data with average annual gross sales of $237,614 and a median of $237,614.
Protected Territory
Single-unit franchisees receive a protected area typically defined by a 1.5 to 2 mile radius around the center.
Multi-Unit Ownership
19 percent of active operators run more than one unit, indicating a viable path to scaled ownership.
About Code Ninjas
Code Ninjas is a STEM education franchise founded in 2016 and headquartered in Peachtree Corners, Georgia. The company operates and franchises learning centers and smaller Studio Centers that deliver after-school and enrichment programs focused on coding, computer programming, math, logic, reasoning, teamwork and related STEM skills for children. As of year-end 2025 the system included 238 franchised outlets and 7 company-owned outlets across 36 states.
Franchisees operate Code Ninjas Learning Centers or Studio Centers that provide structured group and individual instruction in coding and STEM topics using a proprietary curriculum. Centers serve children typically in elementary through middle-school ages with after-school, weekend and camp-based programs. Operators manage enrollment, deliver or oversee instruction, handle day-to-day center operations and maintain brand standards while generating revenue primarily through tuition and program fees.
Code Ninjas Holdings LLC is the immediate parent and sole member of Code Ninjas, LLC. Its own parent is EMP Ninja 2 LLC, which is managed by Eagle Merchant Partners.
The business model
How a Code Ninjas territory actually makes money at the unit level.
Initial Franchise Fee
The standard initial franchise fee is $45,000 for a Learning Center. Studio Centers carry a $35,000 fee. Area developers pay $45,000 for the first unit plus $25,000 for each additional unit.
Ongoing Fees
Learning Centers pay 8.25 percent royalty on net sales plus 2 percent marketing contribution. Studio Centers pay 12.25 percent royalty. A technology fee of $350 per month is also required.
Investment Range
Estimated initial investment for a standard 1,100 to 1,500 square foot Learning Center ranges from $174,250 to $265,750. This includes lease deposits, build-out, equipment, inventory, training, grand opening marketing and three months of working capital.
Supply Chain & Rebates
Franchisees must purchase from approved suppliers or per brand standards. The franchisor may retain all supplier rebates, allowances and incentives. Approximately 70 to 80 percent of ongoing operating costs are estimated to flow through approved sources.
Financial Performance Representation
the financial-performance disclosure discloses 2025 annual gross sales and monthly active student counts for 230 centers by quartile and location type. The data reflect historical results only and do not include operating costs or net profit.
Territory Rights
Franchisees receive protected-area exclusivity for compliant operation. The franchisor retains rights to sell through online, e-commerce and alternative channels within the territory.
Quick facts
Initial franchise fee
$45,000
Total investment range
$174,250 to $265,750
Royalty
8.25% of gross revenue
Marketing fund
2.00% of gross revenue
Founded
2016
Headquarters
Peachtree Corners, GA
Active US franchisees
195
Total US units
236
Training & support
What the franchisor + parent platform provide. And what they don't.
What's provided
- +Initial training program required before opening as outlined in the Franchise Agreement Section 3.1.
- +New franchisee training fee of $750 per attendee covers required participants.
- +Periodic field consultant visits and operational assistance are provided on an ongoing basis.
- +Grand Opening Marketing Program development support is included.
- +Access to national and regional advertising materials, plans and in-house agency resources.
- +Ongoing training deemed appropriate by the franchisor under Franchise Agreement Section 6.4.
Honest disclosure: what's NOT provided
Item 11 does not specify the number of training hours, exact curriculum modules, training location or detailed instructor qualifications.
Multi-unit growth path
Multi-unit ownership is established within the system. Of 195 active operators, 37 run more than one unit for a 19 percent multi-unit share and an average of 1.21 units per active operator. Area development agreements allow committed operators to secure larger territories with a development schedule and corresponding fee structure of $45,000 for the first center plus $25,000 for each additional center. Success in single-unit operations, adherence to brand standards and demonstrated financial performance are typical prerequisites for expansion.
Capital + financing paths
Most operators use one of these four paths to fund the initial investment.
SBA 7(a) Loans
Many franchisees utilize SBA-backed loans to finance a significant portion of the initial investment. Lenders familiar with education and service franchises commonly fund Code Ninjas projects that meet standard credit and collateral requirements.
Equipment & Build-Out Financing
Specialized lenders offer term loans or leases specifically for computer hardware, furniture, fixtures and leasehold improvements. These facilities can reduce the cash equity required at launch.
Retirement Account Rollover (ROBS)
Qualified franchisees may use a ROBS structure to access 401(k) or IRA funds without early withdrawal penalties or taxes to capitalize the business.
Seller & Franchisor Financing
Limited seller financing may be available on resale opportunities. The franchisor does not directly finance franchise fees or development costs.
Process timeline: inquiry → grand opening
Typical 12-16 week path from first call to launching your first customer route.
Discovery & Application
Review the filed disclosures, speak with franchisor, submit application and receive approval to proceed.
Franchise Agreement Signing
Pay the $45,000 initial franchise fee and execute the Franchise Agreement.
Site Selection & Lease
Identify and secure an approved location within the protected territory, typically 1,100 to 1,500 square feet.
Build-Out & Setup
Complete construction, install approved furniture, fixtures, equipment and computer systems.
Training & Pre-Opening
Attend and complete initial training, prepare grand opening marketing program and hire staff.
Opening & Launch
Open the center and execute the approved grand opening marketing activities.
Ongoing Operations
Manage enrollment, deliver programs, report sales and utilize ongoing field and marketing support.
Match assessment
Are you a Code Ninjas match?
12 questions. Math-first. No high-pressure sales call afterwards. Just your match assessment and the reasoning behind it.
Start nowCommon questions
How much does a Code Ninjas franchise cost?
The estimated initial investment for a standard Learning Center ranges from $174,250 to $265,750 according to the investment disclosure of the the filed disclosures. This includes the $45,000 franchise fee, lease deposits, build-out, equipment, inventory, training, grand opening marketing and working capital.
What is the Code Ninjas franchise fee?
The initial franchise fee is $45,000 for a Learning Center and $35,000 for a Studio Center. Area developers pay $45,000 for the first unit plus $25,000 for each additional unit.
What royalty and marketing fees does Code Ninjas charge?
Learning Centers pay an 8.25 percent royalty on net sales and a 2 percent marketing contribution. Studio Centers pay a 12.25 percent royalty. A $350 monthly technology fee also applies.
Does Code Ninjas provide a financial performance representation?
Yes. the financial-performance disclosure reports 2025 historical gross sales for 230 franchised centers open the full year. Average annual gross sales were $237,614 with a range of $43,091 to $730,612. The disclosure covers sales and active student counts only and does not include operating expenses or profit.
How many Code Ninjas locations are there?
As of year-end 2025 the system had 238 franchised outlets and 7 company-owned outlets for a total of 245 locations across 36 states.
What is the difference between a Code Ninjas Learning Center and a Studio Center?
Learning Centers are the full-size model with an estimated investment of $174,250 to $265,750. Studio Centers are smaller format with a lower $35,000 franchise fee and correspondingly lower investment range. Studio Centers carry a higher 12.25 percent royalty.
Can I own multiple Code Ninjas franchises?
Yes. Approximately 19 percent of active operators own more than one unit. Area development agreements are available and allow qualified operators to secure larger territories under a defined development schedule.
What training and support does Code Ninjas provide?
The franchisor provides initial training before opening, periodic field consultant visits, ongoing operational and marketing support, and access to national advertising materials. Specific training hours and curriculum details are not disclosed in Item 11.
Does Code Ninjas offer protected territories?
Yes. Single-unit franchisees receive a protected area typically defined by a 1.5 to 2 mile radius in which the franchisor will not open or license another Learning Center while the franchisee remains in compliance.
How does Code Ninjas compare to other STEM education franchises?
Code Ninjas focuses on coding and broader STEM skills with a center-based model. Investment, royalty rates and disclosed average gross sales should be compared directly to competitors using each brand's current the filed disclosures. Historical system churn and net outlet change should also be evaluated.
Are Code Ninjas franchisees profitable?
the financial-performance disclosure discloses only gross sales and active student counts. Operating costs, labor, rent and other expenses are not provided. Prospective franchisees should conduct their own financial analysis using the the filed disclosures, consult with existing franchisees and engage qualified advisors.
What is the typical timeline to open a Code Ninjas center?
The process from signing to opening generally spans four to nine months depending on site selection, permitting, build-out and training completion. The franchisor provides support for site approval, design and grand opening marketing.
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