Iselin-based Lightbridge Academy, the early childhood education franchise known as “The Solution for Working Families,” has kicked off 2026 with significant momentum. On Thursday, the company announced that a series of new center openings, groundbreakings, and prestigious industry awards in the first quarter have put the brand on a clear trajectory to open its 100th location by Fall 2026.
The first three months of 2026 saw Lightbridge Academy aggressively expand its geographic footprint, notably entering South Carolina for the first time. The brand’s Q1 growth highlights include:
- Grand Openings: New centers are now operational in Centerville, OH; Cypress, TX; and Greenville, SC.
- Groundbreakings: Construction began on future sites in Laurel, MD, and Ann Arbor, MI.
To maintain its “Gold Standard” for quality, the company noted that all new centers are opening under rigorous accreditation standards, ensuring that the rapid expansion does not compromise the educational excellence provided to families.
The brand’s business model and franchisee support systems earned high marks from industry evaluators this quarter. In addition to being named to the Financial Times’ Americas’ Fastest Growing Companies list, Lightbridge Academy secured several other key honors:
- Entrepreneur Franchise 500: Ranked #129, a testament to its financial strength and brand power.
- Franchise Business Review: Received the Franchise Satisfaction Award, highlighting the positive relationship between the corporate office and its franchise owners.
- Inc. Regionals: Northeast: For the third consecutive year, the brand was recognized as one of the fastest-growing private companies in the region.
“Every award, every ribbon cutting, and every groundbreaking in the first quarter of this year represents a family who now has access to trusted, high-quality early education,” Gigi Schweikert, CEO of Lightbridge Academy said. “The recognition we’ve earned only sharpens our focus on growing responsibly.”
The company attributes its accelerating pace to strategic market expansion and the acquisition of “second-generation” sites—existing buildings converted into high-quality childcare centers. This strategy has allowed for streamlined timelines for investors and faster access for families in high-demand areas.
With over 200 centers currently open or in various stages of development across 20 states, Lightbridge Academy is positioning itself as a dominant force in the $60 billion early childhood education industry.
