With nearly 300 centers nationwide, Huntington Learning Center is the premier leader in the $6 billion parent-pay tutoring industry. Through its commitment to empowering children with a lasting education, Huntington has garnered an established reputation for excellence. Huntington offers an innovative, individualized approach to learning; providing K-12 tutoring in reading, writing, math, phonics, spelling, study skills and test preparation (i.e. SAT and ACT). Huntington builds a personalized learning program for each child, working one-on-one with skilled teachers, based on individual strengths and personal pace and needs as determined by a comprehensive diagnostic evaluation. Huntington Learning Center offers franchisees the chance to fulfill their aspirations of becoming successful business owners and to make a positive difference in the lives of thousands of children. With its 30 years of experience, an established reputation for excellence, and a proven business model, Huntington dominates the tutoring industry within the exploding education market, representing a timely and tremendous business opportunity. Advice from Huntington is available to franchisees 24/7 to ensure the highest level of franchisee success.
| Operating Units | 12/31/2008 | 12/31/2009 | 12/31/2010 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Franchised | 336 | 293 | 251 |
| % Change | -- | -12.80% | -14.30% |
| Company-Owned | 36 | 33 | 32 |
| % Change | -- | -8.30% | -3.00% |
| Total | 372 | 326 | 283 |
| % Change | -- | -12.37% | -13.80% |
| Franchised as % of Total | 90.30% | 89.90% | 88.70% |
The initial franchise fee for a Huntington Learning Center franchise is $24,000 for a standard franchise and $43,000 for an expanded franchise. Huntington Learning Center provides the following range of investments required to open your initial franchise. The range assumes that all items are paid for in cash. To the extent that you choose to finance any of these expense items, your front-end investment could be substantially reduced.
| Item | Established Low Range | Established High Range |
|---|---|---|
| Franchise Fee Standard Franchise | $24,000 | $24,000 |
| Development Fee | $0 | $0 |
| Turn Key Management Fee | $0 | $17,200 |
| Expenses While Training | $200 | $2,000 |
| Curricula | $29,600 | $29,600 |
| Furniture, Computers, Equipment | $27,200 | $27,200 |
| Start-up Supplies | $8,700 | $8,700 |
| Opening Advertising | $10,000 | $10,000 |
| Software License Fee | $14,000 | $14,000 |
| Software Maintenance Fee | $0 | $4,250 |
| Phone Number License Fee | $500 | $500 |
| Call Center Set-up Fee | $500 | $500 |
| Conference Center Set-up Fee | $500 | $500 |
| Architect Design | $2,000 | $4,000 |
| Security and Utility Deposits; License Fees | $2,000 | $5,000 |
| Real Estate and Improvements | $12,000 | $100,700 |
| Signage | $2,800 | $2,800 |
| Center Graphics | $1,500 | $1,500 |
| Professional Fees | $900 | $3,500 |
| Insurance | $400 | $4,300 |
| Additional Funds (3 Months) | $25,000 | $35,000 |
| Total Initial Investment | $161,800 | $295,250 |
Huntington Learning Center franchisees pay a monthly royalty fee equal to the greater of 9% of gross revenue or $1,800 for a standard franchise, and the greater of 8% of gross revenue or $1,600 for an expanded franchise. Franchisees also pay a monthly advertising fee equal to the greater of 2% of gross revenue or $400, and an annual local advertising investment equal to a minimum of $57,000. Franchisees may also be subject to a cooperative advertising fee of approximately $2,000 to $3,000 per month as determined by the Advertising Cooperative Association. Other expenses include annual software support and maintenance fees, white and yellow pages fees, a phone number monthly access fee, call center licensing fees and conference services licensing fees.
Huntington Learning Center devotes itself to the success of its franchisees, and as such, franchisees receive considerable ongoing training and support throughout the franchise relationship. Prior to opening, Huntington provides franchisees design specifications for the prototypical Huntington Learning Center layout as well as a list of required products and services. Franchisees attend a 12-day initial training program at corporate headquarters in Oradell, NJ that consists of 80 hours of classroom instruction, 40 hours of on-site training and 15 hours of online courses. The training program covers topics such as school marketing, business planning, center operation and analysis, diagnostic testing, exam preparation, hiring staff, initial teacher training, software, facilities and procedures. After opening, franchisees participate in ongoing occasional trainings, meetings, workshops and an annual convention.
Huntington Learning Center grants exclusive territories.
Note: The tables and information regarding the number of operating units, investment required, on-going expenses, training and territory grants were taken from the company’s 2011 FDD. The 2011 write-ups will be incorporated into the 2012 Edition of the Bond’s Top 100 Franchises publication.