The Texas childcare market is experiencing rapid growth, driven by a population of over six million children who need high-quality care in 2025.
The state's recent $100M allocation for childcare scholarships highlights the growing demand for childcare services, including those offered by reliable childcare franchises. Texas’s rising population, combined with limited childcare options, presents a unique opportunity for childcare franchisees.
Willowbrae Academy, alongside competitors like The Goddard School® and Primrose, is strategically expanding in Texas to meet this rising need. Evaluating these notable franchises and how our brand compares favorably can help you determine which childcare investment opportunity offers the greatest potential.
Here’s a snapshot of the best childcare franchises shaping Texas’s early childhood education:
| Willowbrae Academy | The Goddard School | Primrose | |
| Franchising Costs: | Investment: $1.97M -$2.5MNet Worth: $2M - $3MLiquid Assets: $500KFranchise Fees: $250K (including location deposit)Royalty Fee: 6%Advertising Fee: 1% | Investment: $952K - $8.57MNet Worth: $600KLiquid Assets: $150KFranchise Fee: $263K - $295KRoyalty Fee: 7% of gross receiptsBrand-Building Fund: 4% of gross receipts | Investment: $5.7M - $8.5MNet Worth: $750KLiquid Assets: $350KFranchise Fee: $50K - $80KRoyalty Fee: 7% of gross revenueAdvertising Fee: $40K - $105K |
| No. of Locations: | 40 preschool franchises across CanadaPreschool franchises in Dallas and McKinney | Roughly 640 preschool franchises nationwideNumerous franchises across Texas | More than 500 schools in 34 statesFranchises in eight Texas locations |
| Franchisee Benefits: | Six distinct phases leading up to a seamless preschool launch.Comprehensive Training & SupportExtensive marketing guidanceFranchisees can earn up to $3.6M in revenue with 95% occupancy | 37 years of childhood development and franchising experienceActive growth markets across Texas | Proprietary Balanced Learning® approach encourages curiosity, creativity, confidence and compassion in young childrenFranchisee-backed investment |
| The Learning Experience | Creative World School | Kiddie Academy | |
| Franchising Costs: | Investment: $686K - $5.6MNet Worth: $1.5MLiquid Assets: $600KFranchise Fee: $60KRoyalty Fee: 7% of gross salesAdvertising Fee: 1% of gross sales | Investment: $4.8M - $9.2MNet Worth: $1MLiquid Assets: $600K - $800KFranchise Fee: $80KRoyalty Fee: 5% - 7%Advertising Fee: 1.2% | Investment: $4.4M - $7MNet Worth: $750K - $1MLiquid Assets: $250K - $900KFranchise Fees: $70K - $150KRoyalty Fee: 7% of gross revenuesBrand Building Fee: 2% of gross revenues |
| No. of Locations: | Approximately 326 preschool franchisesSix preschools throughout Texas | 30 preschools in five states3 franchises in Texas | Over 300 centers across 33 statesHas preschools in Texas |
| Franchisee Benefits: | Rapidly expanding across Texas | 25 years of franchising expertise | No prior business or childcare experience is requiredFinancial assistance and support for franchisees |
With successful franchises in Canada and expansions into Texas, Arizona, and Colorado, Willowbrae Academy is a childcare leader. We have several profitable, community-focused preschool franchises in McKinney and Dallas, with more centers planned for the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, Houston, and San Antonio.
If you’re wondering how to start a daycare franchise, we empower US franchisees with the tools to achieve their long-term investment goals, including:
With nearly 7,000 children enrolled across our preschools and a 96.4% occupancy rate in Q4 2024, our franchise model delivers measurable success.
The Goddard School is a highly respected early childhood education brand well known throughout Texas; among them are preschools in Amarillo, Dallas-Fort Worth, San Antonio, Lubbock, and Waco.
With an impressive average occupancy rate of 85.8%, franchisees can expect financial returns of approximately $522K in earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA). The brand’s commitment to quality education and franchisee satisfaction makes it a force in the childcare franchise market.
Primrose boasts over 40 years of experience as an early childhood education and franchise leader.
The brand's proven success and positive reputation have helped with expansion across various Texas metro areas, including Amarillo, Austin, Dallas-Fort Worth, Lubbock, San Antonio, and Waco.
Overall, Primrose is a good choice for investors seeking a childcare franchise that can thrive in diverse communities.
The Learning Experience’s (TLE) established children’s franchise offers options for those looking to invest in the Texas market. They have several preschools open in Houston and Northwest Austin, with plans to expand further into Conroe, Tomball and Jersey Village. TLE offers financial potential, with an average gross sales of approximately $2M per location.
With their active ownership business model and unique Exploratorium™ curriculum, Creative World School franchisees receive extensive on-site training to ensure business success while celebrating the individuality of their young learners.
Investors passionate about early childhood education can earn up to $2.2M in gross revenue. With three established franchises in Cypress, Georgetown, and Leander, franchisees can leverage Creative World School’s investment opportunities in Texas.
With its proven business model, Kiddie Academy is another option for those interested in entering the Texas childcare franchising market. They’ve successfully opened two preschools in Richmond and Cypress, exhibiting strong financial performance. In 2024, Kiddie Academy preschools that had been open for at least two years reported an average of $2.2M in annual gross revenue and $560K in gross profit.
Willowbrae Academy is among the top childcare franchises in North America, prioritizing a child-first approach through a framework designed to nurture lifelong learning.
Our curriculum promotes innovation, care, and a deep understanding of how children grow and thrive through:
As a profitable education franchise, we offer a competitive investment based on school size and enrollment rates.
| School Size | Enrollment Capacity | Potential Revenue |
Medium (150 Children) | 60% | $1.9M |
| 80% | $2.6M | |
| 95% | $2.9M | |
Large (200 Children) | 60% | $2.3M |
| 80% | $3M | |
| 95% | $3.6M |
Our corporate team assists with various marketing strategies, including running powerful SEO and social media campaigns for each academy. High-demand areas like Dallas-Fort Worth, Houston, and San Antonio give our franchisees a competitive edge in the Texas childcare sector.
The need for quality early childhood education continues to grow, making Texas a smart and impactful childcare franchise investment choice. With numerous thriving locations and rapid expansion plans in Texas, Arizona, and Colorado, Willowbrae Academy provides strong financial and personal rewards for prospective franchise owners.
Ready to work together with us to bring a preschool franchise to a community that shares our vision about the future of childcare? Make a difference in young learners’ lives and contact the Willowbrae Academy team today!
