Unlocking Opportunities: Lightbridge Academy® Set to Open New Centers in Katy and Cypress, Reinforcing Commitment to Working Parents
Unlocking Opportunities: Lightbridge Academy® Set to Open New Centers in Katy and Cypress, Reinforcing Commitment to Working Parents
Lightbridge Academy, a rapidly expanding early childhood education and child care franchise, is set to bolster its presence in Texas, with plans to open new centers in Katy and Cypress. The brand aims to reach 150 centers by 2025 and has recently signed five units in two development deals in the greater Houston area. A lease for a new center in Katy has already been secured.
Jim DiRugeris, Senior Vice President of Franchise Sales, highlighted Katy as an ideal growth market for Lightbridge Academy. The city has witnessed a 31% population surge over the past five years, with a notable increase in children under the age of five. This growth, coupled with the influx of young families, has created a demand for quality child care services that existing centers struggle to meet.
Lightbridge Academy differentiates itself by offering real-time technology to keep parents connected, advanced security features, and a commitment to health and safety, as demonstrated by their Lightbridge Promise initiative introduced in 2020.
Craig Murray, Chief Development Officer for Lightbridge Academy, emphasized the potential of Katy’s real estate market, noting several new developments in the area. The brand’s strategy involves proactively leasing real estate at the corporate level before signing franchisees, ensuring a quicker transition from signing to opening.
Looking forward, Lightbridge Academy has ambitious plans for Texas. Beyond Katy, the brand is targeting growth in Cypress, The Woodlands, Atascocita, and Pearland. Murray envisions the possibility of opening 20 to 25 Lightbridge Academy centers in Houston alone, expressing eagerness to collaborate with franchise owners aligned with the brand’s Circle of Care philosophy.