Challenge Island logo
Educational enrichment programs

Investment

$58,465

Initial Franchise Fee

$49,900

Units

252

Growth Rate

+35.5%

Overview About Investment Territories Support Operations Ranking History

Overview

Industry Children's Businesses
Founded 2003
Franchising Since 2012
Parent Company Challenge Island Global
Leadership Sharon Estroff, Founder/CEO
# of Employees at HQ 8

Units and Growth Chart

About Challenge Island

Challenge Island is an international educational enrichment program for children. Challenge Island's Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math (STEAM) program equips students with skills including creativity, critical thinking, problem solving, and social emotional skills. 

Award-winning author, educator, and parenting expert Sharon Duke Estroff M.A.T. founded Challenge Island in 2003. The company started franchising in 2012 and currently has over 175 franchise units globally. 

Why You May Want to Start a Challenge Island Franchise

For a visionary and passionate person who loves working with children, Challenge Island is an excellent opportunity to start a fulfilling career. Challenge Island will train you in their top-rated curriculum that is trusted by educators and parents. As a Challenge Island franchisee, you will receive all the tools you need to maximize your business success potential using the company's tested and popular home-based franchise model.

As a franchisee, you will make a difference in children's lives through fun and educational activities. You will be part of a renowned educational program that offers a proven curriculum and introduces students to a new academic world through STEAM and STEM enrichment classes, field trips, camps, family events, birthday parties, scout workshops, and more.

What Might Make a Challenge Island Franchise a Good Choice?

The Challenge Island franchise network is a top program in the STEAM sector. Franchisees have various business streams and multiple profit centers. These include:

  • Afterschool enrichment classes

  • In-school field trips

  • Educational summer camps

  • Birthday parties

  • Kids nights out

  • Virtual learning programs

  • Corporate team building

  • Preschool programs

To franchise a Challenge Island location, be prepared to invest financially. Franchisees will need to meet a company set liquid capital and net worth. You will need to pay a franchise fee along with an investment range depending upon site location, employee wages, etc. Teachers and veterans are offered a discount on the company franchise fee. 

Challenge Island offers full support, including on-the-job and classroom training. They will help you market your franchise through regional advertising, website development, email marketing, and social media. 

How to Start a Challenge Island Franchise

The initial inquiry may garner a franchise representative contacting you to discuss the franchise opportunity further. As you move through the franchise process, you may have the chance to talk with other Challenge Island franchisees. Current franchisees may give you advice and insight into operating a Challenge Island franchise. 

As you make your decision regarding whether to open a Challenge Island franchise, make sure you take time to explore the opportunity. Research the brand and your local area to see if a franchise would do well in your community. While competition is healthy, too much of it may not allow for the most possible growth.

If you are chosen to franchise with Challenge Island, you will be expected to attend a three-day training in Atlanta, Georgia to prepare you to launch and grow your own local Challenge Island franchise. You may receive on the job training at a franchised Challenge Island to familiarize yourself with how you should operate the business. As you near the opening of your location, Challenge Island will continue to support you as you prepare to teach and inspire the next generation of children. 

Investment Details

Initial Franchise Fee $49,900
Initial Investment $58,465 - $74,050
Net Worth Requirement $100,000
Cash Requirement $50,000
Royalty Fee 7%
Ad Royalty Fee 2%
Technology Fee 0
Term of Agreement 10 years
Is Franchise Term Renewable? Yes
Financing Third Party
Veterans Incentive 10% off franchise fee

Available Territories

Franchising opportunities available in the following regions

United States International

Training & Support Programs

Comprehensive training and ongoing support to help you succeed

Training

On the Job Training
Classroom Training 24 hours

Ongoing Support

Purchasing Co-ops
Newsletter
Meetings & Conventions
Grand Opening
Online Support
Security & Safety Procedures
Field Operations
Proprietary Software
Franchisee Intranet Platform

Marketing Support

Co-op Advertising
Ad Templates
Social Media
SEO
Website Development
Email Marketing

Operations & Requirements

Key operational details and requirements for running this franchise

Is absentee ownership allowed? No
Can this franchise be run from home/mobile unit? Yes
Can this franchise be run part time? Yes
# of employees required to run 0
Are exclusive territories available? Yes

Ranking History

Challenge Island performance in the Franchise rankings over recent years

Find You Perfect Franchise Match

See which franchises fit your budget and have open territories near you.

Sign Up for Our Franchise Newsletter

Stay up to date on the latest news and trends affecting the franchise industry.

Related Franchise Content

Catch up on the latest franchise news, trends, and more.

Franchise

A Major Restaurant Operator Just Cashed Out of One of Its Biggest Brands — Here's Why

The sale marks a strategic shift — and is a sign of how fast-food giants are rethinking growth.

Franchise

These Are the Top Retail Franchises for 2025, According to the Franchise 500

These retail brands are proving there's still a big opportunity in brick-and-mortar franchising.

Franchise

Franchise Success Isn't Automatic — It's Earned. Here's How to Do It Right.

Many franchise candidates fall for the "it runs itself" myth. Here's why hands-on ownership is the only real path to success.

Franchise

Most Acquisitions Fail — Here's How to Make Yours the Exception

Buying a company is the easy part. The challenge is getting your new team to feel like part of the same firm.

Franchise

This Fast-Food Powerhouse Is Getting a Makeover. Here's What Customers Can Expect.

Wendy's is rolling out Project Fresh, a consumer-focused overhaul that promises faster drive-thrus, smarter ordering tech and a refreshed menu.

Franchise

A Water Wings Swim School Franchise Offers Year-Round Revenue Potential

Water Wings Swim School stands out as a franchise investment for mission-driven entrepreneurs seeking both purpose and profit.

See more franchise content
Disclaimer
The information on this page is not intended as an endorsement or recommendation of any particular franchise or business opportunity by Entrepreneur Media. Our listings and rankings are solely research tools you can use to compare opportunities. Entrepreneur stresses that you should always conduct your own independent investigation before investing in a franchise or business opportunity. That should include reviewing the company's legal documents, consulting with an attorney and an accountant, and talking to former and current franchisees/licensees/dealers.
Updated: December 12th, 2022