Ivybrook Academy

Ivybrook Academy

Information based on 2025 FDD

Children's Services · Other Children's Businesses

Investment min
$541K
Total: $541K–$870K
Avg gross revenue
$968K
Unit-level, 2025
Franchise fee
$50K
Per current disclosure
Royalty
7%
of gross revenue
Locations
42
Franchising since 2016

Description

What is Ivybrook Academy?

Ivybrook Academy is a Montessori & Reggio Emilia-inspired children's preschool. Our schools are uniquely positioned to not compete with ANY other daycares, pre-schools, or tutoring centers because of our unique schedule and educational model. Our franchise owners are passionate about making a difference in the lives of children while creating their own quality of life giving them nearly 1/3rd of the year off because of our academic school schedule. The total investment is low, the return is high, and the rewards are priceless. Ivybrook Academy provides excellence in early childhood education by valuing our student’s individuality, enhancing their academic achievements, and inspiring their love of learning. Unlike childcare services that cater to working parents, Ivybrook is a half-day curriculum-based learning environment. Our business model focuses on education, not childcare services. Nationally recognized for their proprietary multifaceted approach to preschool curriculum, Ivybrook Academy has emerged as a leader in the field of early childhood education. Topics of study and experiences are designed to reflect and support a child’s individual interests and needs. Our franchise owners are passionate about making a meaningful difference in the lives of children while creating a great quality of life for their families.

  • Top 500 Franchise Four Years Running
  • 123% Higher Revenue Than Industry Average
  • Strong 22% EBITDA Margin Performance
  • Unique Reggio Emilia-Montessori-Multiple Intelligences Curriculum
  • 17 Years Proven Operational Excellence
  • Half-Day Program Operational Efficiency Model

Location Analysis

Where Ivybrook Academy wins

Ivybrook Academy demonstrates strong regional concentration in the Southeast, with widespread coverage across multiple states. The franchise shows particular density in the Carolinas, with a strong presence in North Carolina and South Carolina, suggesting a successful market fit in these regions. Texas and Georgia represent significant secondary growth markets, while Colorado indicates promising western expansion potential.

The franchise's average rating of 4.36 across numerous customer reviews indicates strong operational performance and customer satisfaction, particularly important in the education sector where reputation drives enrollment. This consistent performance suggests effective standardization of services across diverse markets.

The current geographic distribution reveals opportunities for expansion in underserved regions, particularly in the Northeast and Midwest. Successful locations typically operate in affluent suburban areas with high concentrations of dual-income families and strong population growth. Ideal locations should be situated in communities with median household incomes above regional averages and significant populations of children under 5 years old.

Prospective franchisees should focus on high-growth suburban markets with strong educational spending patterns, proximity to residential developments, and limited competition from other premium early education providers. The franchise's proven success in the Southeast provides a blueprint for expansion into similar demographic profiles in other regions.
Total US locations
109
Franchise units
42
Corporate locations
1
Avg. sq. footage
6000

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Financial Analysis

The numbers behind Ivybrook Academy

Avg gross revenue$967,875
Investment range$540,700 – $869,860
Investment midpoint$705,280
Brand fund1%
Royalty7%
Franchise fee$50,000
Min. net worth$1,000,000
Min. liquid capital$200,000
Ivybrook Academy requires an investment of $540,700-$869,860, positioning it as a premium franchise opportunity that commands significantly higher capital requirements than the sub-sector average of $245,010-$508,020. This premium positioning delivers exceptional returns, with franchise locations generating an average gross revenue of $967,875 and EBITDA of $213,536, representing a strong 22% EBITDA margin.

The financial performance significantly outpaces competitors, with Ivybrook generating 123% more revenue than the sub-sector average of $433,376. This $534,499 revenue premium reflects the specialized nature of their unique curriculum blend combining Reggio Emilia, Montessori, and Multiple Intelligences philosophies for children aged 18 months to 6 years.

With 109 units and 17 years of operation since 2007, Ivybrook demonstrates solid system maturity and measured growth trajectory. The franchise has achieved notable industry recognition, earning Top 500 franchise status for four consecutive years, indicating strong franchisor support and operational systems.

Prospective investors should consider the specialized operational requirements including certified educational staff and regulatory compliance that drive higher initial investments. However, the half-day program model offers operational efficiency while maintaining premium pricing power.

Ideal candidates require substantial liquid capital and preferably background in education or service industries. The strong ROI potential, with EBITDA covering 25-39% of initial investment annually, makes this attractive for markets with affluent demographics and young families.
Did you know? Starting an Ivybrook Academy franchise, which focuses on nurturing young minds through innovative early childhood education programs, requires a total investment between $540,700 and $869,860 (including the $50,000 franchise fee) to cover everything from classroom setup and educational materials to staff training and initial marketing needed to launch your premium preschool and childcare center.

Financing partners

Vetted partners, tailored to franchisees

Your Franzy advisor can connect you with these partners later in the process — competitive rates, specialized in franchise financing.

FranFund

Lender

CRF USA

Nonprofit SBA lender; provides financing for franchise acquisitions, startups, and expansion.

Lender

First Bank of the Lake

Lender

Pension Pros

Lender

The model

How Ivybrook Academy works

01
Ownership
Part-Time (Executive)

Owner stays in an executive role — sets strategy, hires a manager, and oversees crews. Typically 5–20 hr/wk after ramp; many keep their day job.

Full-Time

Owner runs the business as their primary job — leads the team day-to-day on the ground, 40+ hr/wk.

02
Revenue
Recurring revenueTransaction-basedBig-ticket salesService-basedProduct sales (retail)Hybrid model
03
Customer
B2B

Sells to businesses, contractors, or property owners.

B2C

Sells directly to consumers and homeowners.

Mixed

Serves both businesses and consumers.

FDD Item 7

Initial investment range

$541K–$870K
Most common
$540,700
Minimum
$705,280
Midpoint
$869,860
Maximum

Per FDD Item 7, total initial investment ranges from $540,700 to $869,860. The midpoint $705,280 is what most franchisees report at signing — financing typically reduces cash-at-close by 80–90%. Knowing the investment range helps you plan confidently and ensure you're fully prepared to make the leap.

FDD Item 19

Average gross sales

$2M$1M$900K$600K$300KN/A
$913K
$806K
$927K
2022
2023
2024
Avg
$882K
YOY change (2023 -> 2024)
+15%

According to Item 19 of the Franchise Disclosure Document, Ivybrook Academy has an average gross revenue of $927K. (Note: This information is based on the latest FDD in our records. Please review the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) and confirm this information directly with the brand. We make no claims of accuracy for the information presented.)

Growth over time

Franchise footprint

+26% YoY
4032241680
2018
2019
2020
2021
2022
2023
2024
34 units open as of 2025 FDD+7 in last 12 mo

2025 Franchise Disclosure

FDD documents

Below are items 2, 3, 4, 7, 11 and 19 for Ivybrook Academy's 2025 FDD. The complete FDD is delivered to you directly by the franchisor, per the FTC Franchise Rule.

Estimated initial investment
FDD Item 7 · PDF
Financial performance representations
FDD Item 19 · PDF
Members-only items
Executive team
FDD Item 2 · PDF
Litigation
FDD Item 3 · PDF
Bankruptcy
FDD Item 4 · PDF
Franchisor assistance
FDD Item 11 · PDF
Members only
Unlock the 2025 FDD

Connect to download Items 2, 3, 4, and 11 — direct from the franchisor.

Buyer FAQs

Frequently asked questions

The initial investment for a Ivybrook Academy franchise typically ranges between $540,700.00 and $869,860.00. This includes the franchise fee, equipment, real estate, and other startup costs. To get a detailed breakdown and better understand the financial requirements, we recommend scheduling a call with the Franzy team. We'll walk you through the specifics and answer any questions you might have. For more detailed information, refer to the financial sections of the FDD.

Disclaimer. The information provided on this page is based on the latest Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) that is publicly available and that we have on record, which was issued in 2025. This information is for informational purposes only and is not intended to constitute legal, financial, or business advice. We make no guarantees or claims regarding the completeness or accuracy. For the most current and detailed information, we recommend consulting the franchisor directly for the most recent FDD and regarding any questions that you may have about the information provided.

Ivybrook Academy
Ivybrook Academy
$968K avg revenue · 42+ US franchises

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