Children's Lighthouse: Franchise at Orlando Show

Children’s Lighthouse will be in Orlando for The National Franchise Show on April 25-26, 2026, where the brand plans to meet with prospective franchisees interested in early education at Booth #319.

Held at the Orange County Convention Center, the event is Florida’s largest “Own Your Own Business” showcase, bringing together top franchise brands and aspiring entrepreneurs for two days of in-person networking, education, and discovery.

Orlando market growth

With a proven model, a differentiated curriculum, and a clear runway for growth across Florida, Children’s Lighthouse is using the event to connect with candidates interested in building meaningful, scalable businesses in high-demand markets.

With an established foundation, Children's Lighthouse has a clear path forward in the Orlando market.

“Children’s Lighthouse has an established presence in the Orlando area with a school in Winter Garden that has been serving families since 2005,” said Matt Kelton, Vice President of Development. “With more than two decades of operation, the school has built a strong reputation in the community and has been recognized as a top preschool in the market, including being named ‘Best Preschool’ by Orlando City Magazine in 2024.”

That long-standing success signals both brand credibility and unmet demand. “The Orlando market is well-positioned to support approximately six to eight Children’s Lighthouse schools over time,” Kelton said. “This reflects the size of the metro area, continued population growth and the availability of high-quality suburban trade areas that align with our model.”

With more people moving in, more jobs being created and more young families putting down roots, Orlando stands out as a strong fit for Children’s Lighthouse’s early education model.

“Orlando is one of the fastest-growing metro areas in the United States, driven by strong population growth, job creation and continued migration from across the country and internationally,” Kelton said. “The region benefits from a diverse economy spanning healthcare, technology, tourism, and professional services, creating a large base of dual-income households.”

That demographic shift is critical. “These families are seeking high-quality early education and care, making Orlando an ideal fit for the Children’s Lighthouse model,” he said.

The brand is specifically targeting high-growth suburban corridors where family density and new housing development are expanding, including:

• Horizon West/Winter Garden/Windermere

• Lake Nona

• Clermont/Minneola

• Kissimmee/St. Cloud

• Oviedo/Winter Springs/Sanford corridor

“In Orlando, we’re prioritizing locations within rapidly expanding suburban corridors and master-planned communities where young families are relocating,” Kelton said. “We focus on high-visibility, accessible sites near residential growth, major commuter routes and community anchors.”

Franchise expansion plans

Rather than over-saturating the Orlando market, Children’s Lighthouse is taking a disciplined, long-term approach to growth.

“Children’s Lighthouse anticipates a measured and strategic rollout,” Kelton said.

• Year 1: 1 new location

• Year 3: 2 to 3 locations

• Year 5: 4 to 5 locations

• Year 10: 6 to 8 locations

“This approach ensures that each school is thoughtfully placed and positioned for long-term success,” he said. For franchisees, that translates into protected territories, strong site selection support and the ability to scale over time.

Florida market opportunities

Orlando remains a key market for Children’s Lighthouse, but the brand is also looking more broadly at opportunities across Florida.

• Tampa Bay: projected capacity of 4 to 6 schools

• Southwest Florida (Naples, Fort Myers, Cape Coral): projected capacity of 4 to 6 schools

“The brand recently signed a franchise agreement in Naples, further reinforcing its commitment to expanding in Southwest Florida,” Kelton said.

Together, these markets represent a significant opportunity for both single-unit and multi-unit operators looking to establish a presence in one of the country’s fastest-growing states.

At The National Franchise Show, Children’s Lighthouse will connect directly with prospective franchisees exploring business ownership, many for the first time.

The event offers attendees the chance to meet brands face-to-face, explore full- and part-time opportunities, attend educational seminars on franchising, financing, and business ownership, and compare opportunities across industries.

“With strong demand, clear market capacity, and a differentiated offering centered on character values and early childhood development, this is a unique moment for franchisees to enter the Children’s Lighthouse system in Florida,” Kelton said.

Demand for trusted early education remains strong, especially in fast-growing suburban areas, and Children’s Lighthouse is looking to meet that need with a model built around both mission and business performance. For franchisees, that creates an opportunity to build something financially sound while also making a meaningful difference for families in their communities.

Prospective owners attending the Orlando show will have the opportunity to meet the team, explore available territories and learn how they can play a role in expanding Children’s Lighthouse across Florida’s most dynamic markets.