Ducklings Early Learning Center franchise: cost, fees and total investment
Short answer: The Ducklings Early Learning Center franchise fee is $75,000 and the total initial investment ranges from $656,400 to $1,729,500, with about $185,000 in liquid cash required, based on franchise disclosure data compiled in October 2026. Confirm current figures in Items 5 and 7 of the Ducklings Early Learning Center FDD.
What are the Ducklings Early Learning Center franchise fees and investment?
The Ducklings Early Learning Center franchise requires a franchise fee of $75,000 and a total initial investment of $656,400 to $1,729,500. The franchise fee is one line inside the total investment, which also covers location, equipment, opening inventory and working capital.
| Franchise fee (FDD Item 5) | $75,000 |
|---|---|
| Total initial investment (FDD Item 7) | $656,400 to $1,729,500 |
| Minimum liquid cash | $185,000 |
| US locations | 7 |
| Industry | Education & Children (School) |
| Headquarters | West Chester, Pennsylvania |
| Founded | 1994 |
| Franchising since | 2016 |
How does the Ducklings Early Learning Center investment compare with other education & children franchises?
Ducklings Early Learning Center's minimum investment of $656,400 is above the median minimum investment of $118,363 across the 231 education & children franchises in the SelectFranchiseList database. 32 of the other 230 brands in this industry start at a higher investment. Its franchise fee starting at $75,000 compares with an industry median of $42,500.
By minimum investment, Ducklings Early Learning Center belongs with franchises over $500,000.
What should you verify in the Ducklings Early Learning Center FDD?
Verify six parts of the Ducklings Early Learning Center Franchise Disclosure Document before you sign, because figures change with every annual FDD:
- Item 5 and Item 6: the current franchise fee, royalty, marketing fund and technology fees.
- Item 7: the full investment range by expense line, including working capital.
- Item 19: whether Ducklings Early Learning Center discloses financial performance data, and which units it covers.
- Item 20: openings, closures and transfers, plus contacts for current and former franchisees.
- Item 21: the franchisor's audited financial statements.
- Item 12: whether your territory is protected.
The full list of Items is in the FDD guide. You must receive the FDD at least 14 calendar days before you sign a binding agreement or pay any money.
Which franchises are similar to Ducklings Early Learning Center?
These education & children franchises have the closest minimum investment to Ducklings Early Learning Center:
| Franchise | Franchise fee | Total investment |
|---|---|---|
| Monkey Joe's | $40,000 | $681,000 to $1,240,500 |
| Get Air | $20,000 | $625,500 to $4,150,500 |
| Maple Bear | $55,000 | $690,000 to $2,270,000 |
| Musicologie | $60,000 | $603,000 to $1,323,000 |
| Funtopia | $35,000 | $600,791 to $1,850,881 |
See every brand in education & children franchises.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a Ducklings Early Learning Center franchise cost?
The total initial investment for a Ducklings Early Learning Center franchise ranges from $656,400 to $1,729,500, including a franchise fee of $75,000, according to franchise disclosure data compiled in October 2026. The exact amount depends on location, build-out and working capital, as shown in Item 7 of the FDD.
How much cash do you need to open a Ducklings Early Learning Center franchise?
Ducklings Early Learning Center lists a minimum of about $185,000 in liquid cash. Lenders usually finance part of the remaining investment, and the franchisor confirms its capital requirements during qualification.
How many Ducklings Early Learning Center locations are there?
Ducklings Early Learning Center reported 7 US locations in the data compiled in October 2026. Item 20 of the FDD shows openings, closures and transfers for the last three years.
How long has Ducklings Early Learning Center been franchising?
Ducklings Early Learning Center started offering franchises in 2016 after the company was founded in 1994.
Figures are compiled from franchise disclosure data and public franchise listings as of October 2026 and may have changed. Ducklings Early Learning Center and its trademarks belong to their owner; SelectFranchiseList is not affiliated with or endorsed by Ducklings Early Learning Center. This page is not an offer to sell a franchise. Only the franchisor's current FDD is authoritative.