Kiddie Academy vs Tutor Time
Kiddie Academy vs Tutor Time: Kiddie Academy costs $3.8M to $6.0M to open; Tutor Time costs $98K to $751K. Kiddie Academy has 378 units, Tutor Time has 80. SBA loan history: Kiddie Academy = 567 loans (3.2% default); Tutor Time = 108 loans (12.0% default). The franchise with more SBA funded units, a lower SBA default rate, and a lower royalty load is the safer financing bet; see the comparison below.
Kiddie Academy vs Tutor Time: Capital, Scale & Lending Analysis
Analysis based on 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
Tutor Time requires the lower minimum capital commitment ($98K vs $3.8M for Kiddie Academy), a 3739% spread. Initial franchise fees come in at $135K for Kiddie Academy versus $55K for Tutor Time, Tutor Time has the lower entry fee.
System Scale & Tenure
On scale, Kiddie Academy operates 378 units to Tutor Time's 80, roughly 5× the system size.
SBA Lending Profile
Kiddie Academy has the deeper SBA lending track record, with 567 7(a) approvals compared with 108 for Tutor Time.
Risk Signal
SBA default rates are 3.2% for Kiddie Academy and 12.0% for Tutor Time, Kiddie Academy has the cleaner SBA loss record by 8.8 points. PeerSense FPI scores come in at 64 (Moderate) for Kiddie Academy and 27 (Fair) for Tutor Time, giving Kiddie Academy the stronger composite signal across SBA performance, lender appetite, and operational consistency.
Health & Performance
FPI Score | 64/100 | 27/100 |
Health Tier | Moderate | Limited |
Confidence | N/A | N/A |
Lending Trend | Declining | Declining |
SBA Lending
SBA Loans | 567 | 108 |
SBA Volume | – | – |
Default Rate | 3.2% | 12.0% |
Peer Tier | major | major |
Investment & Costs
Total Investment | $3.8M to $6.0M | $98K to $751K |
Franchise Fee | $135K | $55K |
Royalty Rate | 7% | N/A |
Ad Fund | 2% | N/A |
Liquid Capital | $250K | N/A |
Net Worth Required | $750K | $200K |
Financial Performance (Item 19)
Item 19 Status | Disclosed | Not Disclosed |
System Size & Operations
Total Units | 378 | 80 |
Franchised Units | 378 | 80 |
Company Owned | – | – |
Term Length | 15 yrs | N/A |
Brand Information
Year Founded | 1981 | N/A |
Franchising Since | 1992 | 1960 |
Years Franchising | 34 yrs | 66 yrs |
Headquarters | Abingdon, MD | CONGERS, NY |
Category | Child Day Care Services | Child Day Care Services |
Website | ||
FDD Year | 2025 | N/A |
Which Is Better, Kiddie Academy or Tutor Time?
Lower upfront capital required
Tie
Kiddie Academy: $3.8M starting · Tutor Time: $98K starting
More SBA lender confidence
Kiddie Academy
Kiddie Academy: 567 SBA loans · Tutor Time: 108 SBA loans
Lower SBA default rate
Kiddie Academy
Kiddie Academy: 3.2% · Tutor Time: 12.0%
Larger system & brand presence
Tie
Kiddie Academy: 378 units · Tutor Time: 80 units
More lender financing options
Kiddie Academy
Kiddie Academy: 134 unique lenders · Tutor Time: 45 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 Tutor Time: Franchise Funding Comparison
Comparing Kiddie Academy and Tutor Time is about more than brand preference. It's about which franchise fits your financial profile and funding strategy. Investment ranges from $98K to $6.0M.
Kiddie Academy has 567 SBA loans on record and Tutor Time has 108. Those totals are cumulative history rather than a measure of current appetite. Recent lending activity is trending down for at least one of these brands, so current lender appetite has to be checked deal by deal rather than assumed from the totals.
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 Tutor Time, Frequently Asked Questions
Which is a better franchise investment, Kiddie Academy or Tutor Time?
How much does a Kiddie Academy franchise cost compared to Tutor Time?
Can I finance Kiddie Academy or Tutor Time with an SBA loan?
Which has a lower SBA default rate, Kiddie Academy or Tutor Time?
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Page Review
Reviewed by Edward L. Freeman, Founder and Managing Director, PeerSense
- PeerSense is a capital advisory firm that places commercial financing with direct capital sources; the capital source sets final terms.
- Edward L. Freeman founded PeerSense in January 2020.
- He is a Registered Franchise Consultant with Business Alliance, Inc., a credential issued in March 2022, and worked as a franchise consultant there from March 2022 to May 2023.
- His recorded experience includes a $22 million SBA construction loan, with about $16 million funded on the deal.
- In the 12 months through September 30, 2026, PeerSense tracked 912 publicly announced financings with a disclosed size of $361.32 billion. PeerSense Capital Data Report · Methodology page
Last reviewed LinkedIn profileAbout Edward Freeman