From the development of early childhoods to specialized guidance and test preparation, the sector for the trading franchises continues to bloom – which shows that learning always requires a lot. These brands do not only teach children their ABCs or stimulating math scores; They build up trust, open doors and help students reach their full potential.
Every year, Entrepreneur Ranks the strongest franchise opportunities in various industries, and these 10 teaching brands have earned their place in the 500 rankings from the 2025 franchise. They combine proven business models, scalable systems and a mission -driven approach that appeals to entrepreneurs who want to have an impact while building a sustainable company. From Global Tutoring Giants to innovative early learning centers, here is a further consideration of the educational franchises that were at the top of this year’s list – and what strikes them.
Related: Consider franchise -property? Get started now to find your personalized list of franchises that match your lifestyle, interests and budget.
1. Kumon
- Set up: 1954
- Franchising since: 1958
- General rank: 10
- Number of units: 25,563
- Change in units: +0.57% for 3 years
- Initial investment: $ 73,123 – $ 165,360
- Leadership: Yusuke Nakamura, CEO & COO
- Parent company: N / A
Kumon has been refined his after-school enrichment model since 1954 and helps students build strong math and reading skills worldwide through daily practice and self-learning. With more than 25,000 locations around the world and arranged in the top 10 of the franchise 500, Kumon stands out for his low, high impact approach to education. Supported by decades of success and led by CEO Yusuke Nakamura, this streamlined franchise offers a unique opportunity for those who are passionate about helping children from Excel – without the complexity of a traditional guidance center.
Related: ‘Send a man next time’: how an entrepreneur and her daughters built a $ 2.5 million franchise in a field dominated by men
2. The Learning Experience Academy of Early Education
- Set up: 2001
- Franchising since: 2003
- General rank: 25
- Number of units: 433
- Change in units: +36.6% for 3 years
- Initial investment: $ 780,799 – $ 5,608,799
- Leadership: Richard Weissman, CEO
- Parent company: N / A
Founded in 2001 and franchising since 2003, the learning experience has grown rapidly, now that more than 400 locations are operating and #25 ranking on the franchise of 2025. The brand has been expanded by more than 36% in the past three years by more than 36%, fed by a strong demand for quality education for quality. The franchise combines playful, character -driven learning with robust operational support. With an initial investment ranging from $ 780,799 to $ 5.6 million, it is designed for serious, mission -driven entrepreneurs.
Related: I ran away from a business career to start my own small company – this is why you should do the same
3. The Goddard School
- Set up: 1983
- Franchising since: 1988
- General rank: 55
- Number of units: 649
- Change in units: +9.1 % for 3 years
- Initial investment: $ 902,500 – $ 8,514,000
- Leadership: Darin Harris, CEO
- Parent company: Sycamore Partners
The Goddard School is one of the top franchises for early children’s education and #55 on the general franchise 500. With nearly 650 locations it has been steadily expanded and grows by more than 9% in the past three years. Under the leadership of CEO Darin Harris and supported by Sycamore Partners, the brand offers a premium, play -based curriculum in carefully designed centers. The initial investment varies from around $ 902,500 to $ 8.5 million, as a result of the quality and scale of this trusted educational franchise.
Related: Use these 4 stories Tell strategies to grow a loyal supporter
4. Kiddie Academy
- Set up: 1981
- Franchising since: 1992
- General rank: 86
- Number of units: 355
- Change in units: +17.9% for 3 years
- Initial investment: $ 405,000 – $ 6,950,000
- Leadership: Casey Miller, CEO
- Parent company: Essential Brands, Inc.
Kiddie Academy combines education and childcare through the characteristic curriculum “Life Essentials”, in which children from six weeks to 12 years old are. Founded in 1981 and franchising since 1992, the brand now has 355 locations nationwide – an increase of almost 18% in the past three years. Ranked #86 in general on the 2025 franchise 500, Kiddie Academy offers learning in a caring environment all year round.
Related: how a police officer started a pet care company with $ 3 million a year
5. Mathnasium -Learning Centers
- Set up: 2002
- Franchising since: 2003
- General rank: 97
- Number of units: 1,231
- Change in units: +5.7% for 3 years
- Initial investment: $ 112,936 – $ 149,616
- Leadership: Tyler SGRO, CEO
- Parent company: Roark Capital
Mathnasium Learning Centers specializes in mathematics tutoring, and uses its own Mathnasium method ™ to help students excel. Founded in 2002 and franchising since 2003, it has been at #97 on the 2025 franchise 500 and supports more than 1,200 centers, which has a steady growth of 5.7% in three years. The brand stands out for its cheap access point – usually between $ 113,000 and $ 150,000, making it one of the more accessible opportunities in education franchising.
Related: This CEO took a cult-favorite Bagel Brand National. Here is the best lesson he has learned.
6. Sylvan learning
- Set up: 1979
- Franchising since: 1980
- General rank: 115
- Number of units: 570
- Change in units: +0.2% for 3 years
- Initial investment: $ 107,922 – $ 239,012
- Leadership: Susan Valverde, brand president
- Parent company: Brands LLC unleashes
Sylvan Learning – A training that has been steadfast since 1979 – now has nearly 600 centers led by brand president Susan Valverde and parent company Unleashed Brands LLC. Ranked #115 on the 2025 franchise 500, the brand appeals to operators who appreciate stability and lifespan. In addition, Sylvan offers relatively low entry costs (between $ 108,000 and $ 239,000), making it an attractive, reliable option in the competitive educational franchise landscape.
Related: 3 lessons I learned to sell my billion dollar business
7. School of Rock
- Set up: 1998
- Franchising since: 2005
- General rank: 118
- Number of units: 416
- Change in units: +35.5% for 3 years
- Initial investment: $ 425,250 – $ 704,800
- Leadership: Stacey Ryan, president
- Parent company: School of Rock LLC
School of Rock Blends Music Education with Live Performance, creating an exciting, trust structure for students. Founded in 1998 and franchising since 2004, the brand has grown to more than 400 locations worldwide. The patented SongFirst education method combines one-on-one instruction, group rehearsals and real performances, so that students learn faster and perform better. With a worldwide reach and a proven creative model, School of Rock offers entrepreneurs the opportunity to inspire communities through music.
Related: she changed a temporary post-college job to start a company at the age of 23. Then an ‘eye-opening’ advice helped to grow her to $ 5 million.
8. Huntington Learning Center
- Set up: 1977
- Franchising since: 1985
- General rank: 130
- Number of units: 268
- Change in units: -6.29% over 3 years
- Initial investment: $ 163,521 – $ 302,211
- Leadership: Eileen Huntington, co-founder and CEO
- Parent company: Huntington Learning Centers Inc.
Huntington Learning Center, founded in 1977 and franchising since 1985, has built up a lasting reputation for improving students’ performance. The brand operates more than 250 centers nationally under the leadership of co-founder Eileen Huntington, the brand is one of the top franchises of education. Start costs vary from around $ 148,000 to $ 263,000, with a discount of 25% franchise costs that are offered to veterans.
Related: Fried, fast and franchised – These are the top 10 chicken franchises in 2025
9. Lightbridge Academy
- Set up: 1997
- Franchising since: 2011
- General rank: 179
- Number of units: 78
- Change in units: +47.2% for 3 years
- Initial investment: $ 1,067,233 – $ 4,885,000
- Leadership: Gigi Schweikert, CEO
- Parent company: Lightbridge Franchise Co. LLC
The core of the mission of Lightbridge Academy is the Circle of Care philosophy, based on the conviction that families, teachers, staff, franchisees and communities are equally essential. Founded in 1997 and franchising since 2011, early learning offers for children from six weeks up to and including kindergarten. With almost 80 centers open, the system combines innovative curriculum, high safety standards and technology-rich environments-all supported by award-winning support and deep-rooted family directions.
Related: How I survived my first crisis as a CEO – and rebuilt from zero
10. Primrose schools
- Set up: 1982
- Franchising since: 1988
- General rank: 197
- Number of units: 513
- Change in units: +13.0% for 3 years
- Initial investment: $ 742,900 – $ 8,595,000
- Leadership: Jo Kirchner, CEO
- Parent company: Roark Capital Group
Founded in 1982 in Marietta, Georgia and Franchising since 1988, Primrose schools now organizes more than 500 independent ownership locations in more than 34 states, led by CEO Jo Kirchner. Recognized in the franchise 500 of Entrepreneur (#197) and known for growth with multiple units, Primrose combines a balanced learning curriculum with a philanthropic culture supported by his primrose promise. Franchisees benefit from award -winning support and a brand that is committed to educational excellence and community effects.
Ready to break your income ceiling? Participate with Level Up, a conference for ambitious managers to unlock new growth opportunities.
#Top #Education #franchises #Entrepreneur