The #1 Montessori Reggio Franchise in America

Own a Profitable Business That Shapes the Future

Discover how entrepreneurs across the country are building $1.3M+ Montessori schools with world class support every step of the way.

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Recognized by Newsweek, #1 Child Care Brand for Customer Service
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Montessori School of the Year 2026, Education Insider
Start Your Journey

Book a free, no-obligation franchise discovery call.

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$1.3M
Avg. Annual Revenue
30+
Schools Nationwide
9 to 12 months
Average Time to Open
20%
Avg. EBITDA Margin
The Opportunity

Build a Legacy You Can Be Truly Proud Of

If you've been searching for an entrepreneurial opportunity that goes beyond profit, one that leaves a lasting mark, Montessori Kids Universe is where passion meets purpose.

When you open an MKU school, you're not just launching a business. You're creating a space where children grow with curiosity, confidence, and compassion. You're providing a foundation for families and a calling for your community.

With MKU, you are in business for yourself, not by yourself. For entrepreneurs seeking a resilient, recession proof opportunity, we guide you confidently through every step of the journey.

You are also building a business supported by proven systems, national brand recognition, and strong enrollment demand.

You don't have to choose between doing well and doing good. At MKU, you can do both.

MKU franchise owners at grand opening of their Montessori Kids Universe school
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School of the Year 2026 Awarded by Education Insider
Why Montessori Kids Universe

Financial Strength. Lifestyle Freedom. Scalable Equity.

We've built one of the most comprehensive franchise systems in early childhood education, combining authentic Montessori practice with a proven business model.

Recession Resistant

Parents invest in their child's early education regardless of the economy. MKU schools operate in a childcare category with steady, year round demand.

Strong Financials

Average annual gross revenue of $1.3 million with a 20% EBITDA, representing approximately $261,000 in pre tax earnings for franchise owners.

Lifestyle Freedom

A scalable ownership model that lets you build multiple units, create recurring revenue, and achieve financial freedom with a business that runs with purpose.

Free MKUTI Training

Every franchise receives access to our in house Montessori certification program, a $10K+ per teacher value, at no additional cost. Virtual, self paced, and comprehensive.

Full-Service Franchise Support

From SBA funding guidance and site selection to marketing strategy and weekly support calls — our team is alongside you every step of the way so you can focus on growth.

Rising Market Demand

Parents are moving away from traditional, test driven classrooms. Montessori is one of the fastest growing approaches in early childhood education nationwide.

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Within our first year, we grew to 78% capacity. MKU Corporate has been there every step of the way with guidance, resources, and encouragement, and we couldn't be happier to be part of this incredible community.

Pam & Josh Hernandez, Owners, MKU Stoneoak

Hear It From an Owner

The Support That Makes the Difference

Pam Hernandez, owner of MKU Stoneoak, shares how the MKU corporate team supported her through every stage of her journey. From securing funding and completing the build out to growing enrollment and managing daily operations, the team was there for it all.

"MKU Corporate has been there every step of the way with guidance, resources, and encouragement."
Pam Hernandez Owner, MKU Stoneoak
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Investment Overview

A Smart Investment in Education & Community

Our franchise model combines educational excellence with a proven business structure. SBA loans can fund up to 90% of startup costs, making ownership accessible for qualified applicants.

$75K
One Time Franchise Fee
7%
Royalty on Gross Revenue
~$125K
Typical Liquid Capital Needed
15 yrs
Franchise Agreement Term
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SBA Funding Support

Our experienced lending partners guide you through every step of the SBA qualification and funding process. Up to 90% of startup costs can be financed.

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Real Estate & Build Out

Our real estate team leverages demographic data and specialized software to help you secure the ideal location, then guides you through construction and design.

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Marketing & Enrollment

A customized marketing strategy drives enrollment from day one. Weekly support calls and monthly webinars ensure your school follows best practices for long term success.

What Makes MKU Different

Authentic Montessori. Enriched Curriculum. Whole Child Approach.

At MKU, we blend authentic Montessori teaching with our proprietary Reggio inspired DaVinci Kids curriculum, giving families an experience they can't find anywhere else.

Children engaged in independent Montessori work cycle activities

The Montessori Work Cycle

Children choose activities, work at their own pace, and complete tasks independently. This deep concentration builds focus, confidence, and a love of learning that families see and trust.

Child exploring colorful sensory materials in Reggio inspired learning

Reggio Inspired Learning

MKU blends the structure of Montessori with the creativity of the Reggio Emilia approach. Children express ideas through art, open ended materials, and hands on exploration. Families value this balance of independence and creativity.

Children working with Montessori puzzle maps and geography materials

Around the World Curriculum

Using puzzle maps, flags, artifacts, and three part cards, children explore continents, cultures, animals, and plants in meaningful, hands on ways that spark curiosity and empathy.

Young child watering garden plants in MKU outdoor classroom

Outdoor Classroom & Gardening

Children plant, water, harvest, and observe life cycles. Each MKU school creates beautiful outdoor spaces that invite movement, exploration, and real world responsibility.

Teacher and children exploring nature and science enrichment activities

Daily Enrichments

Every MKU school offers weekly yoga, gardening, cooking, foreign language, and music, a complete, ready to implement curriculum that parents consistently cite as a top reason they choose MKU.

Teacher working with children on Montessori moveable alphabet literacy activity

Early Literacy Skills

MKU children fall in love with language through hands on exploration with materials like sandpaper letters and the moveable alphabet. MKUTI training helps guides follow each child's natural readiness so reading and writing feel joyful.

Open a School

Your Path to Opening an MKU School

From first conversation to opening day, we guide you every step of the way. A clear, step by step path with experienced support at every stage, from your first call to your grand opening.

1

Discovery Call

Schedule a one on one Zoom call with our Franchise Sales Team. You'll review the FDD and explore the opportunity.

2

Secure Financing

Our Financial Lending Team guides you through SBA loan qualification, business plan development, and lender submission.

3

Sign Agreement

Once financing is approved, sign your Franchise Agreement. Our legal team ensures a smooth, transparent process.

4

Site Selection

Our Real Estate Team analyzes demographics and market data to help you secure the ideal location for your school.

5

Build, Train, Open

Staff training via MKUTI, customized marketing, grand opening support, and ongoing weekly calls for long term success.

What Owners Are Saying

Real Journeys. Real Results.

★★★★★

I came from a business background with little operational experience in early childhood education, however the MKU corporate team provided the guidance, resources, and support I needed to open a beautiful school for children and their families within my community.

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Megan Tinsley Owner, MKU Bannockburn
★★★★★

Through funding, design, licensing, hiring, and opening, they were right alongside us every step of the way. Taking a chance on ourselves and on MKU was the best decision we have ever made for the security and freedom of our family.

BJ
Brad & Jordan Jansen Owners, MKU Effingham & MKU Dieterich
★★★★★

We committed to MKU and with their help, we found our location, built our business plan and obtained funding with ease. We are so thankful to all of our staff and teachers' dedication to their jobs and the families that call our schools home.

JK
Jason & Kimberly McDougall Owners, MKU Homewood & MKU Hoover
★★★★★

Recession resistant business with strong profit margins. High customer lifetime value. Work life balance, no nights, weekends and holidays. Scalable for growth, and sellable when it's time to exit the business. A product and business I can be proud of.

MR
Mike Raulston Owner, MKU Mason & MKU Liberty Township
★★★★★

Within our first year, we grew to 78% capacity. Looking back, it has been such a blessing. MKU Corporate has been there every step of the way with guidance, resources, and encouragement, and we couldn't be happier to be part of this incredible community.

PH
Pam & Josh Hernandez Owners, MKU Stoneoak
★★★★★

Tom and Nancy are very responsive and understanding of our individual market needs. It has been a marvelous ride, and of my various business pursuits, this has been the most fulfilling.

MP
Mitesh Patel & Crissy Pena Owners, MKU Shavano
Montessori School of the Year 2026 Award Badge
Award Winning Excellence

Named Montessori School of the Year 2026

This recognition by Education Insider reflects MKU's commitment to authentic Montessori practice, thoughtfully prepared environments, and meaningful learning experiences for children and families.

Awarded by Education Insider, ISSN 2995 9764
Frequently Asked Questions

Your Questions, Answered

Everything prospective franchise owners ask before getting started.

Our franchise term is 15 years, with a one time franchise fee of $75,000. In addition, the royalty fee is 7% on all gross monthly revenues. The total average investment to open an MKU school ranges from $782,208 to $1,688,958.
Absolutely. SBA loans can fund up to 90% of startup costs, which means qualified applicants typically only need around $125,000 in liquid capital to get started. Our trusted and experienced SBA loan partners will guide you through every step of the qualification and funding process.
While our Franchise Disclosure Document prevents us from making future earnings claims, we can share historical performance. In 2024, MKU franchise owners reported an average annual revenue of $1.3 million, with an EBITDA of 20%, representing approximately $261,000 in pre tax earnings.
No prior Montessori experience or education background is required. Many of our most successful MKU owners had no previous experience. With MKU's comprehensive guidance, resources, and step by step support, including free MKUTI certification for all staff, you can operate a thriving school that families trust.
Once a location has been secured, it typically takes 9 to 12 monthsnths to open an MKU school. Our team supports you through site selection, build out, licensing, staff hiring, and marketing to ensure a smooth and successful launch.
Yes. You may sell your franchise at any time. The buyer must continue operating the school as an MKU location and will be required to join the MKU franchise system, ensuring continuity for families and staff.
Yes. All franchisees work directly with our MKU Real Estate team during the site selection process. With a strong national network and specialized site selection software, we help identify and secure the ideal location for your school based on demographic data and market insights.
Ready to Take the Next Step?

Build a Business That Changes Lives Every Day

Territories are limited. Reserve your area before it's gone. Schedule a free, no obligation discovery call to learn if MKU is right for you.

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