2026 FDD Issued Apr 24, 2026 Minnesota Commerce (CARDS) Checked Nov 3, 2026
The Learning Experience Franchise Cost (2026)
The Learning Experience franchise costs an estimated $805,799 – $1,563,499 to open, according to Item 7 of the 2026 Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD). That total includes the $60,000 initial franchise fee (Item 5) and covers this format: New Center with Site Development Service Charge Addendum. Item 6 lists royalties: 7% of Gross Revenue, subject to the conditions below.
- Total investment
- $806K – $1.56MItem 7 source and qualifications
- Franchise fee
- $60KItem 5 source and terms
- Royalties
- 7% of Gross RevenueItem 6 conditions and fee bases apply
- Brand fund
- 1% of Gross RevenueItem 6 conditions and fee bases apply
- Units (2025)
- 465Item 20 source and scope
- Franchise exit rate
- 2.7% / yrCalculated 3-year average; definition and source
What stands out about The Learning Experience
The Site Development Service Charge is the largest distinct fee line in Item 7's new-Center table. That table assumes the franchisor coordinates a build-to-suit facility, while the separate Site Coordination format puts construction and equipment costs directly into the buyer's budget. The two estimates describe different site-development arrangements. The FDD also lists a separate acquisition format for an existing Center. Its cost should not be treated as a lower-priced version of either new-Center table because the purchase price and existing operation differ.
Item 6 combines a sales-based royalty and Brand Awareness Fund contribution with costs driven by the building and enrollment. Lease administration is calculated from rent or floor area, while the interactive curriculum charge has both a monthly service amount and a per-child component. A gross-sales figure alone cannot establish those charges. The software service fee is fixed monthly at the current rate, subject to increases under the FDD. The site-development and software amounts already included in the Item 7 opening estimate should not be added a second time to that estimate.
Item 19 separates older franchised Centers from those operating for a shorter period and does not provide one combined franchised sales average. The selected Mature Center average describes the larger disclosed group, not every franchised Center. The expense and EBITDAR statement covers company-owned Centers only, so it cannot establish franchisee profit. Item 20 also distinguishes new openings from centers acquired from the company by franchisees. Those acquisitions increase the franchised count without indicating a newly built Center.
What are the initial franchise fees and financial requirements for The Learning Experience?
Item 5 lists an initial franchise fee of $60,000 for The Learning Experience. Check the cited Item 5 for payment timing, discounts and format-specific terms.
The main new-Center fee is $60,000; eligible veterans may receive a 20% discount. The FDD describes separate site-development and site-coordination service fees, a computer setup fee, and a monthly software service fee. Acquiring an existing Center uses a different initial or transfer fee. A Multiple Franchise Center Addendum covers four new Centers with discounted fees subject to its terms.
Source: The Learning Experience 2026 FDD, Item 5, PDF p. 16.
This record lists no minimum net worth or liquid-capital requirement for The Learning Experience, because no sourced figure has been recorded. Ask the franchisor for its current financial qualifications in writing.
How much does it cost to open The Learning Experience franchise? (Item 7)
Source: The Learning Experience 2026 FDD, Item 7, PDF p. 27.
Item 7 of The Learning Experience’s 2026 Franchise Disclosure Document estimates the total cost to open one new center with site development service charge addendum at $805,799 – $1,563,499. This total includes the initial franchise fee.
| Expense Category | Low ($) | High ($) |
|---|---|---|
| Franchise Fee | $60,000 | $60,000 |
| SDSC Fee - only for Site Development | $250,000 | $312,500 |
| Lease Security Deposits | $15,000 | $150,000 |
| Initial Insurance Premiums | $3,500 | $18,000 |
| Assignor Security Deposit | $20,000 | $50,000 |
| Organizational Expenses | $1,000 | $2,500 |
| Software Service Fee for 6 months | $3,150 | $3,150 |
| Pre-paid Rent for up to 3 months | $0 | $150,000 |
| Opening Marketing efforts | $40,000 | $55,000 |
| Initial Computer Set Up Fee | $2,999 | $2,999 |
| Payments/Security Deposits to Utility Provider | $500 | $5,000 |
| Local and state Licenses and Permits | $400 | $2,000 |
| Travel/Lodging - for Staff Training | $2,500 | $15,000 |
| Initial Employee Salaries - 6 Months | $100,000 | $200,000 |
| Curriculum | $500 | $3,850 |
| Food/Paper/Expendables | $1,250 | $3,500 |
| Miscellaneous | $0 | $70,000 |
| Additional Funds - operating expenses for 6 months | $300,000 | $450,000 |
| L.E.A.P. Interactive Setup Fee (per whiteboard) | $5,000 | $10,000 |
| Total | $805,799 | $1,563,499 |
Other formats
| Format | Total investment |
|---|---|
| New Center with Site Coordination Addendum | $2,264,799 – $5,658,799 |
| Acquisition of existing Center | $937,300 – $3,393,000 |
For comparison, the median high-end investment among 7 education & tutoring records without a source-review hold is $288,400.
Table A spans PDF pages 27-28. Table B spans pages 28-30 and entails substantially different construction costs. The separate acquisition Table C spans pages 30-31. The FDD cover states that the estimates exclude purchase of land.
What ongoing royalties and fees does The Learning Experience charge? (Item 6)
Source: The Learning Experience 2026 FDD, Item 6, PDF p. 21.
Item 6 of The Learning Experience’s 2026 FDD lists the charges below. Recurring charges and charges triggered by a transfer, renewal or other event have different conditions. Read each fee’s basis and notes before comparing rates.
How to read an Item 6 fee table.
| Fee Type | Amount / Rate | Payment Frequency | Notes & Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Royalties | 7% of Gross Revenue | Every period | (Item 6, PDF p. 21) |
| Renewal Expenses | Varies | When it applies | No franchisor renewal fee is charged, but renewal-related expenses can apply. (Item 6, PDF p. 21) |
| Brand Awareness Fund | 1% of Gross Revenue | Every period | Current rate; the FDD permits an increase up to 2.5%. (Item 6, PDF p. 21) |
| Marketing Materials | Varies | When it applies | Conditional cost plus a licensing fee of up to 18%, shipping, handling and storage for requested materials. (Item 6, PDF p. 21) |
| Audit Fee | Varies | When it applies | Conditional audit expense and underpayment charges described in Item 6 Note 3. (Item 6, PDF p. 21) |
| Lease Administration Fee | Varies | When it applies | Monthly installments of the greater of $1.80 per square foot per year or 8% of annual base rent; applies under the lease arrangement described in the FDD. (Item 6, PDF p. 21) |
| Ongoing Purchases of Proprietary Products | Varies | When it applies | Conditional full purchase price plus up to 18% licensing and delivery costs; the FDD estimates $5,000 to $10,000 per year when applicable. (Item 6, PDF p. 22) |
| Software Service Fee | $525 per month | Every period | The FDD permits periodic increases capped at 5% per year. (Item 6, PDF p. 22) |
| Interest on Late Payments | Varies | When it applies | Up to 18% annually on overdue amounts, subject to applicable law. (Item 6, PDF p. 22) |
| Returned Check Fee | Varies | When it applies | Greater of $100 or 5% of the dishonored payment, plus actual bank charges. (Item 6, PDF p. 22) |
| Late Fee for Delayed Payment | Varies | When it applies | 10% of an amount unpaid more than ten days after its due date; not a percentage of sales. (Item 6, PDF p. 22) |
| Late Fee for Delayed Filing of Required Reports | Varies | When it applies | $50 per occurrence plus $30 per day; a separate percentage applies to late Corporate Contracts reporting. (Item 6, PDF p. 22) |
| Bank Fees | Varies | When it applies | Reasonable ACH bank charges if applicable. (Item 6, PDF p. 22) |
| Training Fee | $1,500 | When it applies | Per additional trainee under the conditions in the FDD. (Item 6, PDF p. 22) |
| On-Site Training Program | $1,500 per week | When it applies | (Item 6, PDF p. 23) |
| Refresher Non-Attendance Fee | $500 | When it applies | (Item 6, PDF p. 23) |
| Transfer Fee | $25,000 | When it applies | (Item 6, PDF p. 23) |
| Securities Offering | Varies | When it applies | Greater of $25,000 or actual document review costs. (Item 6, PDF p. 23) |
| Alternative Supplier Inspection | Varies | When it applies | Franchisor's inspection and evaluation expenses when an alternate supplier is requested. (Item 6, PDF p. 23) |
| Insurance Policy Review Fee | $1,500 | When it applies | (Item 6, PDF p. 23) |
| Insurance - Reimbursement of Costs | Varies | When it applies | Conditional premium and expenses plus 18% when the franchisor obtains required coverage. (Item 6, PDF p. 23) |
| Indemnification | Varies | When it applies | (Item 6, PDF p. 23) |
| Costs and Attorneys' Fees | Varies | When it applies | (Item 6, PDF p. 24) |
| Fee for non-attendance at Convention | Varies | When it applies | Greater of $1,500 or 80% of the convention attendance charge. (Item 6, PDF p. 24) |
| Management Fee | Varies | When it applies | Conditional out-of-pocket costs plus 20% of Center profits and the greater of 4% of Gross Revenue or $2,500. (Item 6, PDF p. 24) |
| L.E.A.P. Interactive Monthly Fee | Varies | Every period | $249 monthly service fee plus $2.58 to $5.88 per child per month for curriculum materials; enrollment-dependent, with possible increases. (Item 6, PDF p. 24) |
| Lost Future Royalties | Varies | When it applies | Conditional present-value calculation after termination for franchisee default. (Item 6, PDF p. 24) |
| Bookkeeping Service Fee for Managed Centers | $250 per month | When it applies | Only if the franchisor manages the Center and the franchisee elects the service. (Item 6, PDF p. 24) |
| Late Data Fee | $150 | When it applies | Per day of assigned staff work under a Bookkeeping Services Charge Agreement when data is late. (Item 6, PDF p. 25) |
Explore annual fees and payback assumptions
This fee schedule cannot be reduced to the calculator’s simple sales-based formula. Enter your own assumptions and check them against the Item 6 terms.
The Learning Experience startup investment and modeled fees over 10 years
Lease administration depends on rent or square footage, and the L.E.A.P. curriculum charge depends on enrollment. Neither is determined by gross sales alone. Product purchases and conditional charges are also excluded from an annual sales-based fee illustration. See the fee amounts and definitions in Item 6 above. Open the calculator with your own assumptions.
Item 20: The Learning Experience franchised outlet history
Source: The Learning Experience 2026 FDD, Item 20, PDF p. 77.
Item 20 Table 3 reports 436 franchised outlets at the end of 2025. The company-owned table reports a further 29 outlets. Our calculated average annual franchised exit rate is 2.7% across the 3 reported years, using the definition below.
| Year | Franchised at Start | Opened | Acquired from company | Reported Exits | At End | Franchise Exit Rate (%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 301 | 31 | 7 | 13 | 326 | 4.3% |
| 2024 | 326 | 54 | 9 | 3 | 386 | 0.9% |
| 2025 | 386 | 57 | 4 | 11 | 436 | 2.8% |
Franchised units went from 301 to 436 over 3 years (+135).
Reported exits include terminations, non-renewals, franchisor reacquisitions and other cessations. A reacquired outlet may continue operating. How we calculate the exit rate. How to read the Item 20 outlet tables. Compare The Learning Experience’s exit rate with other brands.
20 units changed owners in 2025.
Table 3 all-state franchised totals are on PDF page 77. Its separate 'Company-Owned Outlets Acquired by Franchisees' column adds operating franchised centers without classifying them as new openings. Table 2 transfer totals are on page 75; Table 4 company-owned totals are on page 79. Item 20 counts open centers currently providing child care, excluding the additional pre-opening businesses described after Table 5.
How much do The Learning Experience franchise owners make? (Item 19)
Source: The Learning Experience 2026 FDD, Item 19, PDF p. 66.
Item 19 of the 2026 FDD reports average Gross Sales, Mature Franchised Centers of $2,186,393 (January 1 to December 31, 2025, 266 franchised Mature Centers open more than 48 months as of the fiscal year end). The Learning Experience’s Item 19 reports sales but no profit, costs or owner pay. Rent, payroll, supplies, loan payments and Item 6 fees such as the royalty (7% of Gross Revenue) come out of sales before an owner is paid, so these figures cannot show what an owner earns.
See every The Learning Experience Item 19 figure, with its period and sample.
Payback calculator (enter your own assumptions) Check any inputs against this record’s Item 7 startup costs and Item 6 fee rules.
How to interpret The Learning Experience’s Item 19 figures and sample limits.
How long is the The Learning Experience franchise agreement term?
Source: The Learning Experience 2026 FDD, Item 17, PDF p. 63.
Greater of 15 years or the initial site lease term, capped at 20 years
Item 17 provides up to three additional five-year terms subject to conditions.
How long does it take to open The Learning Experience franchise? (Item 11)
Source: The Learning Experience 2026 FDD, Item 11, PDF p. 45.
Item 11 of the 2026 FDD states the time from signing the Franchise Agreement to opening: 12 to 36 months for a New Center.
Weather, government approval, site availability, lease negotiations, and construction can extend the period.
Franchises with a similar investment range
These published records are selected by proximity to The Learning Experience’s $805,799 low-end Item 7 investment, starting with Education & Tutoring. Formats, fees and source qualifications differ; the figures are not interchangeable budgets:
Compare other education & tutoring franchises
Sources
The Learning Experience Systems LLC Franchise Disclosure Document, issued April 24, 2026, as filed with the Minnesota Commerce (CARDS). Read the source FDD PDF. How to get this FDD yourself.
- Item 5: cited PDF p. 16
- Item 6: cited PDF p. 21
- Item 7: cited PDF p. 27
- Item 19: cited PDF p. 66
- Item 20: cited PDF p. 77
- Agreement term (Item 17): cited PDF p. 63
Page references for The Learning Experience use the PDF viewer's digital page count, not printed page headers. Some viewers download the document instead of opening the referenced page.
If the state document viewer does not open, use Minnesota Commerce's public filing instructions to look up the filing by franchisor name and document date.
Document & verification changelog
- November 3, 2026: Source check completed against the recorded FDD.
- November 3, 2026: Initial cost profile published from the 2026 Franchise Disclosure Document (issued April 24, 2026).