About our education franchise opportunity

Lightbridge Academy is a top children’s education franchise for business owners who want to make a difference in the lives of children and their community.

We were founded on strong core values that still define who we are today. Our Circle of Care philosophy is still at the heart of everything we do, bringing together our families, staff, community, and franchise owners to surround our children with safety, care, and learning.

The work we do is incredibly fulfilling and comes with the richest reward imaginable: the happiness and well-being of children and their families.

Teacher helping a young child with an activity at a Lightbridge Academy center

Our story

Lightbridge Academy was founded by Guy Falzarano and his wife, Julia, in 1997. We’re built on a foundation of clearly defined values and a deep culture of care. Our centers provide high-quality early childhood education and exceptional child care for working families. We serve ages six weeks through kindergarten, with special programming available for children up to 8 years old.

In 2011, we started franchising in order to expand our concept across the Mid-Atlantic region. Today, we have 200+ centers open or in development across the U.S.

As a Lightbridge Academy education franchise owner, you run your center as an independent business but you are never alone. Our team treats each owner as an important part of our family, providing support and encouragement for every step of your ownership journey.

Lightbridge Academy founders

Step into our circle

The Lightbridge Academy Circle of Care® is at the center of all that we do. Bringing together parents, children, staff members, the community, and learning center franchise owners, it represents the community approach to the care of our children — how we all come together as a family to ensure children feel safe, nurtured, and excited to learn and grow with us.

Lightbridge Academy center exterior

What matters most: The why behind everything we do

At Lightbridge Academy, we’re driven by a desire to nurture and develop meaningful relationships with all members of our family, never forgetting that children are the reason behind everything we do. We partner with franchisees who embody our core values and are committed to following the Lightbridge Academy system.

Children and teachers in a Lightbridge Academy classroom
  • Our Philosophy

    Our educational child care centers are built on a foundation of family values that shine through to illuminate the very best within each of us. Our children, parents, staff, community, and franchise owners all come together as a family to contribute to and benefit from a trusted Circle of Care, where we embrace the potential of today and explore the promise of tomorrow.

  • Our Vision

    Transform the lives of all families by treating them as part of our own.

  • Our Mission

    Illuminate young minds while helping everyone in our Circle of Care along life’s journey.

  • Our Core Values
    1. Care Deeply: Care deeply with every genuine interaction
    2. Happiness: Create happy memories in a joyful environment
    3. Integrity: Be honest and respectful in all relationships
    4. Lead by example: Set the example for all others to follow
    5. Deliver: Consistent WOW customer service
    6. Relationships and Recognition: Build meaningful relationships while recognizing accomplishment
    7. Excellence: Never settle for "good enough" by continuously improving and embracing change
    8. Nurture: Nurture each family member in a supportive and positive environment
“The Lightbridge Academy core values really resonated with me. They offer the best of a large and small company. They have the systems, the brand, the power to grow but they remain very flexible and are very true to their values.”

Alison Friedman

Lightbridge Academy Multi-Unit Franchise Owner