Build a Business
that Makes an Impact
-Every Single Day

For the purpose-driven entrepreneurs ready to build something meaningful through child care franchise ownership

WHAT MAKES BALANCED FAMILY ACADEMY DIFFERENT

We provide the systems, training, and personal guidance you need to open and grow successful child care franchise in your community

True Partnership icon
True Partnership
We offer a more personalized childcare franchise experience, providing direct access to leadership, meaningful training, and hands-on support long after opening day.
Family First Care Model icon
Family First Care Model
Balanced Family Academy supports the entire family by providing fresh meals, snacks, diapers, and daily essentials, simplifying life for parents while creating an experience families trust.
Rooted in the Community icon
Rooted in the Community
Our schools build strong relationships with families and neighborhoods, creating trusted school communities where children grow and families feel connected.
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WHY INVEST IN CHILD CARE

An Industry Built for Long-Term Growth

Child care continues to be one of the most essential and resilient service industries in the country. As workforce participation increases and demand for early childhood education grows, communities are seeking trusted child care programs more than ever.

$110B
Projected size of the U.S. child care market by 2033.
$65B+
Annual revenue generated by the U.S. child care industry.
$13K+
Average annual cost families spend on center-based child care.

HOW BALANCED FAMILY ACADEMY SETS OWNERS UP TO THRIVE

Taking the leap into business ownership can feel intimidating -the right systems and guidance make all the difference.

We equip our owners with proven systems, innovative tools, and personalized support developed through years of running successful childcare schools.

Buildout and Development
01

Buildout & Development

From early planning through construction, our team helps guide the development process—ensuring your school is designed to meet BFA standards and licensing requirements from the start.

Hiring and Staffing
02

Hiring & Staffing

We provide guidance and resources to help you recruit and build a strong leadership team and teaching staff for your school.

Marketing Support
03

Marketing Support

Our team provides brand and marketing support designed to help families discover your school. From digital presence to local outreach strategies, we help franchise owners build awareness and drive enrollment.

Leadership Training
04

Leadership Training

Franchise owners and school leaders participate in comprehensive training programs designed to prepare them for the operational, administrative, and leadership responsibilities of running a BFA school.

05

CareDay Technology

CareDay helps owners manage enrollment, optimize classroom capacity, streamline scheduling, and access real-time operational insights.

Full Circle Curriculum
06

Full Circle Curriculum

Franchise owners receive access to our Full Circle Curriculum, a comprehensive framework developed by experienced early childhood educators to support meaningful learning in every classroom.

A modern building with stone and wood exterior, large windows, and a green sign that says 'Landscaped Gardens Academy.' The building is surrounded by a neatly trimmed lawn, small trees, and a paved sidewalk under a partly cloudy blue sky.

FINANCIAL REQUIREMENTS

Understanding Your Investment

Investing in a Balanced Family Academy franchise is an investment in your community, your financial future, and the lives of the families you'll serve. To help you plan with confidence, we've outlined the key financial requirements below. These are estimates — more detailed figures are provided in our Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD), available upon request.

Initial franchise fee
$70K
$20K secures your territory. Remaining $50K due at location signing.
Minimum liquid capital
$250K
Required to qualify as a BFA franchise owner.
Total investment range
$1M–$6M+
Varies by construction path, territory, and school size.

Investment breakdown by construction type

The total cost to open your BFA center depends on your territory, school size, and chosen construction path. All line-item costs are included within the total investment ranges shown.

Leasing or purchasing an existing commercial building and renovating it to BFA standards — often the faster path to opening.

Total investment range
Includes leasing or purchasing an existing building, plus all costs below. Varies by territory, building size, and condition.
$1,350,000 – $4,800,000
Franchise fee
$20,000 due at signing to secure your territory. Remaining $50,000 due upon finalizing your location and securing your loan.
$70,000
Training fee
Covers 250+ hours of classroom and on-the-job training for you and your leadership team.
$30,000
Site development fee
Covers our real estate team's support in site identification, demographic analysis, and pre-approval review.
$25,000 – $100,000
Furniture, fixtures & equipment (FF&E)
Includes kitchen and playground equipment, signage, classroom furniture, and BFA-required millwork — front desk, classroom cubbies, circle time area.
$400,000
Working capital
Covers overhead — payroll, utilities, supplies — as you build enrollment during your ramp-up phase.
$250,000+

* These are estimated ranges. Construction costs, lease terms, and market conditions vary. Detailed figures are provided in Item 7 of the BFA Franchise Disclosure Document, available upon request.

Building your BFA center from scratch — whether leasing the land or purchasing the real estate outright. This path offers greater control over your facility design.

Total investment range
Includes land lease or purchase, full construction, and all costs below. Varies significantly by land cost, building size, and local construction market.
$1,000,000 – $6,000,000
Franchise fee
$20,000 due at signing to secure your territory. Remaining $50,000 due upon finalizing your location and securing your loan.
$70,000
Training fee
Covers 250+ hours of classroom and on-the-job training for you and your leadership team.
$30,000
Site development fee
Covers real estate analysis, demographic review, site approval support, and broker/developer network access.
$25,000 – $100,000
Furniture, fixtures & equipment (FF&E)
Includes kitchen and playground equipment, signage, classroom furniture, and BFA-required millwork — front desk, classroom cubbies, circle time area.
$400,000
Working capital
Covers overhead — payroll, utilities, supplies — as you build enrollment during your ramp-up phase.
$250,000+

* These are estimated ranges. Land acquisition, construction costs, and market conditions vary significantly. Detailed figures are provided in Item 7 of the BFA Franchise Disclosure Document, available upon request.

  • Most Balanced Family Academy locations open within 18–24 months, depending on the availability of land or an existing building in your territory.

    During this process, our team supports you with:

    • Site selection and demographic analysis
    • Construction and build-out guidance
    • Comprehensive onboarding and training
    • Local marketing strategy for your community

    From your first introductory call to your grand opening, we are committed to supporting you every step of the way.

  • The total investment varies depending on your territory, the size of your school, and construction costs. The Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) provides the full investment range.

    This investment typically includes:

    • Franchise and training fees
    • Construction costs
    • Furniture, fixtures, and equipment
    • Working capital during your enrollment ramp-up phase

    Balanced Family Academy also provides a business plan template and support with financial projections as you prepare to secure financing.

  • Many Balanced Family Academy owners pursue financing through:

    • Conventional bank loans
    • SBA-backed loans
    • Silent investors or investment partners

    Our team can also connect you with lenders who understand the childcare industry and have experience financing franchise businesses.

  • Financial performance varies depending on your location, enrollment capacity, and operating expenses.

    Item 19 of the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) provides financial performance information, including average center occupancy and EBITDAR data, which can help you understand potential performance.

    Balanced Family Academy also provides financial systems and operational trackers designed to support strong, sustainable business performance.

  • Balanced Family Academy charges a 6% royalty on gross revenue.

    Please refer to Items 6 and 7 of the Franchise Disclosure Document for complete details regarding ongoing fees.

HOW TO GET STARTED

Our franchise process is designed to help you explore the opportunity and move forward with confidence. From your initial inquiry and introductory conversation through discovery and ultimately launching your school, each step is designed to help you understand the BFA model and prepare for successful ownership.

Your Path to Ownership

1
Submit Your Inquiry
Complete our short inquiry form so we can learn more about your background and goals.
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2
Intro Call
Meet with our team to discuss the opportunity and determine whether there is a mutual fit.
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3
Discovery Process
Meet our leadership team, tour our schools, and experience the BFA model firsthand.
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4
Launch Your School
Begin your launch roadmap with guidance through site selection, buildout, training, and enrollment planning.
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Get Started Today!

What Our Franchisees Are Saying

Katie Larabee | Grove City Franchise Owner

“As an owner, Balanced Family Academy has given me a proven structure, strong leadership systems, and the support needed to build a high-quality, sustainable childcare business. The clarity, consistency, and operational guidance make it possible to grow while maintaining the standards that truly set us apart. The close network of owners creates a level of support and collaboration that is invaluable.”

Kenny Thompson | Multi-Unit Franchise Owner

“From day one, the franchise support system gave us the tools and support needed to build a thriving business that’s become a meaningful contributor to our local community. As a former attorney, I’ve traded the morning commute to the court room for mornings greeted by the smiling faces of children learning, laughing, and growing. It’s a daily reminder that this is more than a business — it’s a calling!"

Laura Sforza | Hilliard Franchise Owner

“Owning a Balanced Family Academy franchise has been one of the most rewarding decisions I’ve made. The support and systems gave me the confidence to build something meaningful from day one, and the impact we have on families is incredibly fulfilling. The model lets me focus on my team, our culture, and delivering high‑quality care. I’m proud to be part of a franchise that values community and heart.”

FAQ

  • Balanced Family Academy provides over 250 hours of training, including both classroom instruction and hands-on operational training.

    Our onboarding program prepares franchise owners to confidently lead their school and implement the systems that support successful childcare operations.

  • Yes. Our team provides hands-on support throughout the site identification and selection process.

    We assist with:

    • Demographic and market analysis
    • Visibility and accessibility evaluation
    • Broker and developer introductions
    • Site approval and real estate review

    Once a potential site is identified, we provide a comprehensive analysis and review the findings with you before a final decision is made.

  • Childcare can be a strong franchise investment for entrepreneurs who want to build a business that serves an ongoing need in their community. Families need reliable, high-quality care year-round, and demand for trusted early education programs continues across many growing markets.

    At Balanced Family Academy, we help franchise owners build a business that is both mission-driven and operationally sound, with support in site selection, training, systems, and long-term growth planning.

  • Investing in a childcare franchise gives owners the opportunity to build a meaningful business while meeting a real need for families. Parents are looking for more than supervision. They want a safe, supportive place where their child can learn, grow, and be cared for each day.

    Balanced Family Academy combines that purpose with a proven franchise system, giving owners the structure, tools, and support they need to launch and grow with confidence.

  • Balanced Family Academy is built around the belief that supporting children starts with supporting the whole family. Our model is designed to create an exceptional experience not only for children, but also for parents, teachers, and franchise owners.

    We combine a family-centered philosophy with proven operational systems, hands-on franchise support, onboarding and training, marketing guidance, and tools that help owners build strong school communities and sustainable businesses.

  • Balanced Family Academy provides support throughout the full franchise journey, from early planning through ongoing operations. This includes help with site selection, real estate review, onboarding, training, operational systems, and local marketing support.

    Our goal is to help franchise owners feel equipped, supported, and confident as they grow their schools and serve families in their communities.

    • During the first 2 years, you are required to be present at the school for 20 hours/week. Once your director(s) are at the school for 1 year, there is more flexibility in your onsite hours. Many of our franchise owners have more than 1 location, therefore their time is divided up accordingly.

    • Our franchise owners come from various backgrounds, but are all in alignment supporting our mission of every child, every parent, every teacher, every day! They model this by their strong leadership skills and passion to create safe learning environments for each child, a contagious culture for their staff and an exceptional experience for every parent!

    • While childcare experience isn't required, owners must exhibit great time management and have a deep understanding of financial and business acumen. 

    • Hiring a director with extensive childcare experience is required if you don’t have a background in childcare. The BFA system allows for both skill sets to complement each other creating a strong, unified team to thrive in all areas of BFA operational excellence.