Kiddie Academy vs Primrose Schools
Kiddie Academy vs Primrose Schools: Kiddie Academy costs $3.8M–$6.0M to open; Primrose Schools costs $743K–$8.6M. Kiddie Academy has 378 units, Primrose Schools has 389. SBA loan history: Kiddie Academy = 567 loans (3.2% default); Primrose Schools = 554 loans (0.0% default). The franchise with more SBA-funded units, lower default rate, and lower royalty load is the safer financing bet, see the comparison below.
Kiddie Academy vs Primrose Schools: Capital, Scale & Lending Analysis
Data-driven differentiation pulled from FDD filings and SBA 7(a) loan-level data. Each pairing reflects a unique combination of capital intensity, system scale, and financing path.
Capital Intensity
Primrose Schools requires the lower minimum capital commitment ($743K vs $3.8M for Kiddie Academy), a 406% spread. Initial franchise fees come in at $135K for Kiddie Academy versus $80K for Primrose Schools, Primrose Schools has the lower entry fee. Ongoing royalty load is 7% for Kiddie Academy and 7% for Primrose Schools, equal royalty drag.
System Scale & Tenure
On scale, Primrose Schools operates 389 units to Kiddie Academy's 378. Kiddie Academy has been operating 45 years (founded 1981) versus 44 for Primrose Schools (founded 1982), a 1-year tenure gap that affects unit-economics maturity and FDD revision history.
SBA Lending Profile
Kiddie Academy has the deeper SBA lending track record with 567 historical 7(a) approvals versus 554 for Primrose Schools.
Risk Signal
SBA default rates are 3.2% for Kiddie Academy and 0.0% for Primrose Schools, Primrose Schools has the cleaner historical loss profile by 3.2 points. PeerSense FPI scores come in at 64 (Moderate) for Kiddie Academy and 70 (Strong) for Primrose Schools, giving Primrose Schools the stronger composite signal across SBA performance, lender appetite, and operational consistency.
Health & Performance
FPI Score | 64/100 | 70/100 |
Health Tier | Moderate | Strong |
Confidence | N/A | N/A |
Lending Trend | Declining | Declining |
SBA Lending
SBA Loans | 567 | 554 |
SBA Volume | – | – |
Default Rate | 3.2% | 0.0% |
Peer Tier | major | major |
Investment & Costs
Total Investment | $3.8M – $6.0M | $743K – $8.6M |
Franchise Fee | $135K | $80K |
Royalty Rate | 7% | 7% |
Ad Fund | 2% | 2% |
Liquid Capital | $250K | $1.2M |
Net Worth Required | $750K | $1.2M |
Financial Performance (Item 19)
Item 19 Status | Not Disclosed | Disclosed |
System Size & Operations
Total Units | 378 | 389 |
Franchised Units | 378 | 389 |
Company-Owned | – | – |
Term Length | 15 yrs | N/A |
Brand Information
Year Founded | 1981 | 1982 |
Franchising Since | 1992 | 1988 |
Years Franchising | 34 yrs | 38 yrs |
Headquarters | Abingdon, MD | FRISCO, TX |
Category | Child Day Care Services | Child Day Care Services |
Website | ||
FDD Year | 2026 | 2025 |
Which Is Better, Kiddie Academy or Primrose Schools?
Lower upfront capital required
Primrose Schools
Kiddie Academy: $3.8M starting · Primrose Schools: $743K starting
More SBA lender confidence
Kiddie Academy
Kiddie Academy: 567 SBA loans · Primrose Schools: 554 SBA loans
Lower historical default rate
Primrose Schools
Kiddie Academy: 3.2% · Primrose Schools: 0.0%
Larger system & brand presence
Primrose Schools
Kiddie Academy: 378 units · Primrose Schools: 389 units
Lower ongoing royalty load
Tie
Kiddie Academy: 7% · Primrose Schools: 7%
More lender financing options
Kiddie Academy
Kiddie Academy: 134 unique lenders · Primrose Schools: 106 unique lenders
Decision matrix uses publicly disclosed FDD and SBA loan data. Not a recommendation. Your best franchise depends on capital, market, operating capacity, and risk tolerance.
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About These Franchises
Kiddie Academy vs Primrose Schools: Franchise Funding Comparison
Comparing Kiddie Academy and Primrose Schools is about more than brand preference. It's about which franchise fits your financial profile and funding strategy. Investment ranges from $743K to $8.6M.
Both brands have active SBA lending histories, Kiddie Academy with 567 SBA loans and Primrose Schools with 554. This means proven lender acceptance and established underwriting paths for franchise buyers.
SBA 7(a) loans are the most common franchise funding vehicle, offering up to $5M with as little as 10% down. PeerSense connects franchise buyers with the specific lenders who have approved loans for these brands, not generic referrals, but lenders with actual franchise lending track records.
Data sourced from SBA loan records, Franchise Disclosure Documents, and public filings. Updated regularly. Not financial advice, consult with a lending professional before making investment decisions.
Kiddie Academy vs Primrose Schools, Frequently Asked Questions
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