LIGHTBRIDGE ACADEMY ACCELERATES MOMENTUM WITH REMARKABLE GROWTH IN FIRST HALF OF 2025

The Brand Awarded an Exceptional 21 Franchises and Celebrated Six Grand Openings, Displaying the Continued Societal Demand for High Quality Early Educational Child Care Across the Country

Iselin, N.J. (July 8, 2025) – Lightbridge Academy, Innovators in Educational Child Care® and one of the fastest-growing early childhood education franchises with over 160 centers either open or in development, is proud to celebrate its strong momentum with six grand openings and 21 new franchise locations awarded in the first half of 2025. Lightbridge Academy’s steadfast commitment to supporting its franchisees, centers, and families has played a vital role in demonstrating how the franchise continues to be a highly desirable opportunity for investors and franchisees.

“We’re incredibly proud of the strong growth Lightbridge Academy has experienced, marked by new franchise agreements, successful grand openings, and groundbreaking ceremonies in both emerging and established markets,” said Gigi Schweikert, Chief Executive Officer of Lightbridge Academy. “This momentum underscores the increasing demand for high-quality early education and care. As we expand our reach, we remain committed to delivering our whole-child approach and trusted curriculum to more families nationwide, supporting children’s development and providing peace of mind to working families.”

Growth Achievements:

In the first half of 2025, Lightbridge Academy awarded 21 new agreements, including Multi-Unit deals in Michigan, Connecticut, and Tennessee, further strengthening the brand’s national footprint.
Lightbridge Academy marked the grand openings of six new centers across key markets, including Katy, Preston Meadows, and Fort Worth, TX; Gallatin and Hendersonville, TN; Glen Allen, VA; and Wyomissing, PA—demonstrating the brand’s continued expansion into high-growth regions.
The brand also celebrated the groundbreakings for nine upcoming locations, including entering into two new markets in Centerville, OH, and Troy, MI, along with expanding in existing markets across Texas, North Carolina, and Minnesota.
This year, the brand also transitioned its first corporate-developed site in Flower Mound, TX, to franchisees Renuka Karthiyeri Parappur and Vishal Gandhi. The brand’s competitive real estate strategy continues to attract investors, developers, and franchisees for its pre-vetted and validated sites, and fast track to opening. By identifying the best land opportunities and working with experienced developers, Lightbridge Academy streamlines the process and helps eliminate common setbacks related to zoning, permitting, and site readiness.
Lightbridge Academy’s quality standards continue to rise as the demand for high-quality child care continues to be a priority for families nationwide. As a result, two additional Lightbridge Academy centers have received accreditation, with another 28 centers in the process to receive accreditation from the National Accreditation Commission, an Association for Early Learning Leaders committed to excellence in the field of early childhood care and education by promoting leadership development and enhancing program quality.

Lightbridge Academy continues driving significant growth through strategic market expansions, streamlined investor timelines facilitated by key partnerships like Single Tenant Net Lease (STNL), and the acquisition of second-generation sites. These initiatives enhance Lightbridge Academy’s franchise model, solidifying its leadership in the dynamic educational child care sector. Looking forward, Lightbridge Academy eagerly anticipates upcoming franchise signings, grand openings, and groundbreaking events in new and established markets. With a steadfast dedication, Lightbridge Academy expands its Circle of Care, delivering unparalleled educational opportunities to families across the country.

To schedule a tour and learn more about Lightbridge Academy’s early childhood education programs, visit LightbridgeAcademy.com. Landlords, developers, or others with potential child care sites or those interested in exploring a franchise opportunity, visit LightbridgeAcademy.com/Franchise/

ABOUT LIGHTBRIDGE ACADEMY

Established in 1997, the company was founded as a family business based on core values and a Circle of Care philosophy that places equal importance on the needs of children, their families, teachers, center owners and the community. Lightbridge Academy, The Solution for Working Families®, provides quality early education and child care programs to children aged six weeks through kindergarten. The company currently has over 160 child care centers either open or in development throughout Arizona, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Maryland, Minnesota, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, and Virginia. We also have years of experience helping current center owners through their transition with a careful eye on maintaining continuity of care. The Lightbridge Promise also leads the industry as the Gold Standard for health & safety in the child care industry. This year, Lightbridge Academy was awarded the Franchise Business Reviews Franchisee Satisfaction Award, ranked #179 on Entrepreneur’s Franchise 500 list, and was featured on Franchise Times Fast & Serious list. For more information on Lightbridge Academy’s successful franchise business model, or information on selling or converting your existing center, visit LightbridgeAcademy.com/Franchise.