Is Lightbridge Academy right for you?
Proven Scale
68 franchised centers and 24 company-owned centers as of 2025, with consistent net unit growth of 5-7 franchised locations per year.
Mature Center Performance
62 mature centers (open at least 18 months) reported average gross revenue of $2,640,681 in the most recent the financial-performance disclosure.
Defined Investment Range
Total initial investment from $834,868 to $2,609,735 for a single center, varying by lease versus purchase and build-out scope.
About Lightbridge Academy
Lightbridge Academy is an early education and childcare franchise founded in 2010 and headquartered in Iselin, New Jersey. The company grants franchises to operate centers providing programs for infants starting at six weeks, toddlers, preschool, kindergarten, summer camps, before and after care, and backup care. Centers typically range from 10,000 to 11,600 square feet and serve 140 to 200 children under the direction of a full-time trained Director and Assistant Director. As of the 2025 the filed disclosures, the system included 68 franchised and 24 company-owned centers across 13 states.
Lightbridge Academy operates purpose-built or renovated centers that deliver structured early learning curricula in a branded environment. Each center requires on-site leadership by a full-time Director and Assistant Director who complete the franchisor's training program. Daily operations focus on enrollment management, staff oversight, regulatory compliance, and delivery of age-specific educational and care services while maintaining standardized facility, curriculum, and safety protocols established by the franchisor.
Lightbridge Holdings Group, Inc., a Delaware corporation formed on May 17, 2021, purchased the majority of the ownership interest in Lightbridge Franchise Company, LLC on June 15, 2021. It has never offered franchises in the childcare industry or any other line of business.
The business model
How a Lightbridge Academy territory actually makes money at the unit level.
Revenue Model
Franchisees pay a 7 percent royalty on gross revenues, reduced to 4 percent for the first six months of operation, plus a 2 percent brand development fund contribution.
Initial Fees
Initial franchise fee of $50,000, center development fee of $40,000, and training fee of $40,000 for the first center. Multi-unit agreements reduce per-center development and training fees.
Facility and Capacity
Centers are 10,000-11,600 square feet with capacity for 140-200 children. Investment includes lease deposits, tenant improvements up to $1.2 million, equipment, and pre-opening marketing.
Supply Chain Requirements
Franchisees must purchase 90 percent of establishment and 80 percent of ongoing needs from approved suppliers. The franchisor or affiliates may serve as the sole source for certain items and receive disclosed rebates.
Territory Structure
No exclusive territory is granted. Multi-unit development agreements define non-exclusive development areas but allow company-owned or additional franchised centers within the same zone.
Ongoing Fees
Monthly technology fee of $400, minimum quarterly local advertising of $6,000, plus various pass-through and optional service fees for software, training, and support.
Quick facts
Initial franchise fee
$50,000
Total investment range
$834,868 to $2,609,735
Royalty
7.00% of gross revenue
Marketing fund
2.00% of gross revenue
Founded
2010
Headquarters
Iselin, NJ
Active US franchisees
60
Total US units
60
Training & support
What the franchisor + parent platform provide. And what they don't.
What's provided
- +Three weeks of combined virtual and in-person training for up to four people including the operating principal, center director, and assistant director, totaling 120 hours.
- +Operations manual covering standardized procedures, curriculum delivery, and compliance requirements.
- +Site review and approval, prototypical floor plan, and approved vendor lists.
- +Pre-opening consultation and assistance developing the pre- and post-launch advertising and marketing plan.
- +Ongoing advisory assistance, business coaching, curriculum updates, inspections, and evaluations as deemed appropriate by the franchisor.
- +Access to the Brand Development Fund administration and required participation in approved promotional programs.
Honest disclosure: what's NOT provided
The the filed disclosures does not disclose any specific training topics or hours that are explicitly withheld. All initial and ongoing training is provided at the franchisor's discretion as deemed appropriate and advisable.
Multi-unit growth path
Multi-unit operators may sign a Multi-Unit Operator Agreement that reduces the center development fee to $20,000 and training fee to $20,000-$25,000 for centers two through five. The agreement grants a non-exclusive development area and requires a specific opening schedule. Failure to meet the development schedule or performance obligations constitutes a default under both the multi-unit agreement and individual franchise agreements. As of 2025, the majority of franchisees operate single units, with limited operator outcome data available on multi-unit tenure or performance.
Capital + financing paths
Most operators use one of these four paths to fund the initial investment.
SBA 7(a) Loan Program
Many franchisees finance through SBA-guaranteed loans. Lightbridge Academy is eligible; franchisees should confirm current status with lenders and prepare detailed use-of-funds documentation based on the investment disclosure estimates.
Conventional Bank Financing
Commercial banks and credit unions provide term loans and lines of credit for equipment, leasehold improvements, and working capital. Strong personal credit, collateral, and liquid capital are typically required.
Franchisor Lease Guaranty
Lightbridge affiliate New Jule Holdings, LLC offers lease guarantees for qualifying franchisees in exchange for a $20,000 initial fee plus 6 percent of the annual lease obligation paid monthly.
Personal Capital and Partnerships
Many single-center operators use personal savings, retirement rollovers, or equity partners. The the filed disclosures does not offer direct financing; all capital must be sourced independently.
Process timeline: inquiry → grand opening
Typical 12-16 week path from first call to launching your first customer route.
Discovery and Qualification
Review the filed disclosures, speak with franchisor, and submit application. Complete background checks and initial due diligence.
Franchise Agreement Execution
Sign franchise agreement and pay initial $50,000 franchise fee, $40,000 development fee, and $40,000 training fee.
Site Selection and Approval
Identify and secure location meeting 10,000-11,600 square foot criteria. Obtain franchisor approval of lease and site plans.
Build-Out and Permitting
Complete tenant improvements, equipment installation, signage, and obtain all licenses and permits. Timeline varies by new construction versus renovation.
Training and Pre-Opening
Complete three weeks of virtual and in-person training for key staff. Finalize marketing plan, hire and train team, and prepare for grand opening.
Opening and Launch
Open center and execute grand opening marketing. Begin operations under 4 percent introductory royalty rate for first six months.
Stabilization and Support
Operate for first 18 months to reach mature status. Receive ongoing coaching, inspections, and marketing support.
Match assessment
Are you a Lightbridge Academy 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 Lightbridge Academy franchise cost?
Total initial investment ranges from $834,868 to $2,609,735 according to the investment disclosure of the the filed disclosures. This includes the $50,000 franchise fee, $40,000 development fee, $40,000 training fee, lease deposits, build-out, equipment, and three months of working capital. Actual costs vary significantly by location, whether the center is leased or purchased, and scope of tenant improvements.
What is the royalty fee for Lightbridge Academy?
The royalty is 7 percent of gross revenues, reduced to 4 percent for the first six months after opening. An additional 2 percent of gross revenues is contributed to the brand development fund.
Does Lightbridge Academy provide financial performance representations?
Yes. the financial-performance disclosure discloses average and median gross revenue, occupancy, expenses, EBITDA, and adjusted EBITDA for 62 mature centers open at least 18 months. Average gross revenue was $2,640,681. 48 percent of centers exceeded the average. No representations are made for new centers.
How many Lightbridge Academy locations are there?
As of the 2025 the filed disclosures, there were 68 franchised centers and 24 company-owned centers for a total of 92 locations operating in 13 states.
What is the initial franchise fee for Lightbridge Academy?
The initial franchise fee is $50,000 for the first center. Multi-unit operators pay reduced development and training fees on subsequent centers.
Does Lightbridge Academy grant exclusive territories?
No. Franchisees receive rights only to an approved location. Multi-unit agreements define non-exclusive development areas that may still host additional franchised or company-owned centers.
How long does it take to open a Lightbridge Academy center?
The timeline varies by site acquisition and construction type. From franchise agreement to opening typically spans site selection, 4-8 months of build-out for renovations, staff hiring, training, and pre-opening marketing.
What training does Lightbridge Academy provide?
The franchisor provides three weeks of virtual and in-person training (120 hours total) for up to four people including the director and assistant director. Ongoing support includes operations manuals, marketing assistance, business coaching, and periodic evaluations.
What is the average revenue of a mature Lightbridge Academy center?
According to the 2025 the financial-performance disclosure, the 62 mature centers averaged $2,640,681 in gross revenue. Results ranged from $1,195,121 to $4,941,941. Individual performance varies by location, management, and market conditions.
How does Lightbridge Academy compare to other childcare franchises?
Lightbridge Academy emphasizes larger centers with capacity for 140-200 children and a full suite of care from infancy through school-age programs. Its disclosed mature-center revenue and EBITDA metrics allow direct comparison to competitors that also provide the financial-performance disclosure data. Prospective buyers should review competitor FDDs for differences in fees, investment range, and support.
Are Lightbridge Academy franchisees required to purchase from specific suppliers?
Yes. 90 percent of establishment costs and 80 percent of ongoing purchases must come from approved suppliers. The franchisor or its affiliates may be the sole source for certain items and receive rebates disclosed in Item 8.
Can I own multiple Lightbridge Academy centers?
Yes, through a Multi-Unit Operator Agreement. Fees are reduced for additional centers, but the agreement requires meeting a development schedule. Non-exclusive territories mean other locations may open in the same market.
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