Childrens Lighthouse vs Ivybrook Academy Franchise Comparison

Below is an in-depth analysis and side-by-side comparison of Childrens Lighthouse vs Ivybrook Academy including start-up costs and fees, business experience requirements, training & support and financing options.

Start-Up Costs and Fees
 
Childrens Lighthouse Franchise
Ivybrook Academy Franchise
Investment $440,600 - $630,000$310,700 - $440,200
Franchise Fee $50,000$50,000
Royalty Fee 7%6%
Advertising Fee -1%
Year Founded 19972007
Year Franchised 19992016
Term Of Agreement 15 years-
Term Of Agreement 15 years-
Renewal Fee --


Business Experience Requirements
 
Childrens Lighthouse Franchise
Ivybrook Academy Franchise
Experience
  • Industry experience
  • General business experience
  • Marketing skills
  • (qualifications important but not required)
    		•  Compassionate and caring, ready to help our students learn Able to work with both students and their parents – both our “customers” Motivated to build a team and student enrollment Accepts and embodies the Ivybrook Academy mission

    Financing Options
     
    Childrens Lighthouse Franchise
    Ivybrook Academy Franchise
      In-House/3rd PartyIn-House/3rd Party
    Franchise Fees No/No-/Yes
    Start-up Costs No/Yes-/Yes
    Equipment No/Yes-/Yes
    Inventory No/Yes-/Yes
    Receivables No/Yes-/Yes
    Payroll No/Yes-/Yes

    Training & Support
     
    Childrens Lighthouse Franchise
    Ivybrook Academy Franchise
    Training 4 weeks: 2 weeks of training at the Children's Lighthouse home office, one week of in-school training with seasoned Children's Lighthouse franchise owners and one week of post-opening training in your school.We provide over 120 hours in person for you to get up and running before you even open and it doesn’t stop there. Here is a list of how we are DETERMINED to set you up for SUCCESS: Before Opening - 2 weeks of training both at our corporate location and at your school’s location Opening Month- Our team will be with you the entire week prior to opening as well as your first week of operation. After Opening- Regular visits, calls and open lines of communication are important for everyone’s success! On-The-Job Training: 46 hours Classroom Training: 66 hours
    Support Meetings, Toll-free phone line, Grand opening, Internet, Security/safety procedures, Field operations/evaluations, Purchasing cooperativesPurchasing Co-ops Meetings/Conventions Grand Opening Online Support Security/Safety Procedures Field Operations Site Selection Proprietary Software Franchisee Intranet Platform
    Marketing Co-op advertising, Ad slicks, Regional advertisingNational Media Social media SEO Website development Email marketing
    Operations Franchisees required to buy multiple units/master licenses; 0% of all franchisees own more than one unit

    Number of employees needed to run franchised unit: 25

    Absentee ownership of franchise is allowed. (100% of current franchisees are owner/operators)

    		Number of Employees Required to Run: 15

    Expansion Plans
     
    Childrens Lighthouse Franchise
    Ivybrook Academy Franchise
    US Expansion -Yes
    Canada Expansion No-
    International Expansion Yes-

    Company Overviews

    About Childrens Lighthouse

    Childrens Lighthouse is currently offering franchises in all 50 states. We are totally committed to the support and service of our franchises. We've worked hard to develop quality management support systems to help you become successful in your new business. Targeted crew and management training programs, proven local neighborhood marketing tactics, aggressive advertising programs, labor and inventory control aids, equipment and supplies innovations are all examples of Childrens Lighthouse support tools. When you become a Childrens Lighthouse franchisee, you benefit from our many years of business experience. Although we are growing rapidly, we are not so big that you can't join us. Unlike some franchises, there is plenty of development territory still available. We are aggressively seeking new franchisees to expand existing markets as well as develop new ones. Opportunities range from single-unit franchises to multi-unit territories. And, we offer a variety of investment options for you to choose from. With Childrens Lighthouse, you can be in business quickly and at an investment level that best fits your particular situation and initial goals. Our program is designed to guide you from the moment you make the decision to purchase a franchise. In addition to counseling you in necessary financial matters, the most important step is selecting an appropriate site to build your childcare center and gaining exclusivity to that territory. The right location is critical to the success of your center and we have been successful in determining appropriate sites.

    About Ivybrook Academy

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    Ivybrook Academy was created by a public school teacher who was looking to balance quality of life with owning a business. As a highly involved mom of two very young children, she sought a means of achieving financial freedom that would also allow her more time with her kids.   Enter the Ivybrook Academy model.
    • Steady daytime hours of operation - 8:15 to 4:30
    • No transportation/busing of children
    • No lunches served
    • Professional teachers with 4-year teaching degrees
    • Progressive blended curriculum based on Reggio Emilia and Montessori methods
    • The facility is closed approximately 32 work days per year
    • When summer hours are involved, the facility closes by noon
    We will assist you every step of the way on your journey through the franchising process. From helping you find the right location, developing the building plans, and going through construction to ordering your equipment and furniture, hiring staff, training and more, we will offer the support you need and deserve.
    As part of the Ivybrook Academy franchise family, we’ll help you through developing, running, and owning your own Ivybrook Academy!