Top 10 Education Franchises Leading the Way in 2025
From early childhood development to specialized tutoring and test preparation, the education franchise sector continues to thrive. These brands aren’t just teaching kids their ABCs or boosting math scores; they’re building confidence, opening doors, and helping students reach their full potential. With a focus on proven business models, scalable systems, and mission-driven approaches, these franchises are making a lasting impact in the education industry.
Here’s a closer look at the top 10 education franchises that have made it to the 2025 rankings, showcasing what makes them stand out in a competitive market.
1. Kumon
Founded in 1954 and franchising since 1958, Kumon has been refining its after-school enrichment model for decades. It helps students worldwide build strong math and reading skills through daily practice and self-learning. With over 25,000 locations globally and ranked in the top 10 of the Franchise 500, Kumon stands out for its low-overhead, high-impact approach to education. The franchise offers an opportunity for those passionate about helping kids excel without the complexities of traditional tutoring centers.
Key Details: - Overall rank: 10 - Number of units: 25,563 - Change in units: +0.57% over 3 years - Initial investment: $73,123 - $165,360 - Leadership: Yusuke Nakamura, CEO & COO
2. The Learning Experience Academy of Early Education
Established in 2001 and franchising since 2003, The Learning Experience has grown rapidly, now operating more than 400 locations. Ranked #25 on the 2025 Franchise 500, the brand has expanded by more than 36% over the past three years. It combines playful, character-driven learning with robust operational support. The initial investment ranges from $780,799 to $5.6 million, making it ideal for serious, mission-driven entrepreneurs.
Key Details: - Overall rank: 25 - Number of units: 433 - Change in units: +36.6% over 3 years - Initial investment: $780,799 - $5,608,799 - Leadership: Richard Weissman, CEO
3. The Goddard School
Founded in 1983 and franchising since 1988, The Goddard School ranks among the top early childhood education franchises and #55 on the overall Franchise 500. With nearly 650 locations, it has expanded steadily, growing by more than 9% in the past three years. Under the leadership of CEO Darin Harris and backed by Sycamore Partners, the brand offers a premium, play-based curriculum within thoughtfully designed centers.
Key Details: - Overall rank: 55 - Number of units: 649 - Change in units: +9.1% over 3 years - Initial investment: $902,500 - $8,514,000 - Leadership: Darin Harris, CEO
4. Kiddie Academy
Kiddie Academy blends education and childcare through its signature "Life Essentials" curriculum, serving children from six weeks to 12 years old. Founded in 1981 and franchising since 1992, the brand now operates 355 locations nationwide — a nearly 18% increase over the past three years. Ranked #86 overall on the 2025 Franchise 500, Kiddie Academy offers year-round learning in a nurturing environment.
Key Details: - Overall rank: 86 - Number of units: 355 - Change in units: +17.9% over 3 years - Initial investment: $405,000 - $6,950,000 - Leadership: Casey Miller, CEO
5. Mathnasium Learning Centers
Mathnasium Learning Centers specializes exclusively in math tutoring, leveraging the proprietary Mathnasium Method™ to help students excel. Founded in 2002 and franchising since 2003, it sits at #97 on the 2025 Franchise 500 and supports over 1,200 centers. The brand stands out for its inexpensive entry point — typically between $113,000 and $150,000, making it one of the more accessible opportunities in education franchising.
Key Details: - Overall rank: 97 - Number of units: 1,231 - Change in units: +5.7% over 3 years - Initial investment: $112,936 - $149,616 - Leadership: Tyler Sgro, CEO
6. Sylvan Learning
Sylvan Learning, an education stalwart since 1979, now boasts nearly 600 centers under the leadership of brand president Susan Valverde. Ranked #115 on the 2025 Franchise 500, the brand appeals to operators valuing stability and longevity. With a relatively low entry cost (between $108,000 and $239,000), it is an attractive option in the competitive educational franchise landscape.
Key Details: - Overall rank: 115 - Number of units: 570 - Change in units: +0.2% over 3 years - Initial investment: $107,922 - $239,012 - Leadership: Susan Valverde, brand president
7. School of Rock
School of Rock blends music education with live performance, creating an engaging, confidence-building experience for students. Founded in 1998 and franchising since 2004, the brand has grown to more than 400 locations worldwide. Its patented SongFirst teaching method combines one-on-one instruction, group rehearsals, and real gigs, helping students learn faster and perform better.
Key Details: - Overall rank: 118 - Number of units: 416 - Change in units: +35.5% over 3 years - Initial investment: $425,250 - $704,800 - Leadership: Stacey Ryan, president
8. Huntington Learning Center
Huntington Learning Center, founded in 1977 and franchising since 1985, has built a lasting reputation for improving student performance. Operating more than 250 centers nationwide under the leadership of co-founder Eileen Huntington, the brand ranks among the top education franchises. Startup costs range from about $148,000 to $263,000, with a 25% franchise fee discount offered to veterans.
Key Details: - Overall 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 & CEO
9. Lightbridge Academy
Lightbridge Academy focuses on early learning for children from six weeks through pre-kindergarten. Founded in 1997 and franchising since 2011, it offers innovative curriculum, high safety standards, and technology-rich environments. With nearly 80 centers open, the system combines award-winning support and deep-rooted family leadership.
Key Details: - Overall rank: 179 - Number of units: 78 - Change in units: +47.2% over 3 years - Initial investment: $1,067,233 - $4,885,000 - Leadership: Gigi Schweikert, CEO
10. Primrose Schools
Primrose Schools, founded in 1982 in Marietta, Georgia, and franchising since 1988, now hosts over 500 independently-owned locations across more than 34 states. Recognized in the Franchise 500 (#197), Primrose blends a research-backed Balanced Learning curriculum with a philanthropic culture through its Primrose Promise. Franchisees benefit from award-winning support and a brand committed to educational excellence and community impact.
Key Details: - Overall rank: 197 - Number of units: 513 - Change in units: +13.0% over 3 years - Initial investment: $742,900 - $8,595,000 - Leadership: Jo Kirchner, CEO
These top education franchises are not only leading the way in the industry but also offering unique opportunities for entrepreneurs looking to make a meaningful impact while building a sustainable business. Whether you're interested in early childhood education, math tutoring, or music learning, there's a franchise that aligns with your goals and passion.