Education Franchise Industry News & Announcements

ORADELL, NJ - (Marketwired - May 9, 2013) - Huntington Learning Center joins educators, lawmakers and communities across the nation to celebrate National Charter Schools Week May 5-11. The annual celebration publicizes the successes of charter schools and encourages lawmakers to support their states' efforts to strengthen and expand charter school offerings.
According to the Center for Education Reform, the first charter school opened 21 years ago in Minnesota and today, more than 2.3 million students are enrolled in more than 6,000 charter schools throughout the United States. In his May 3, 2013, Presidential Proclamation of National Charter Schools Week, President Barack Obama stated, "These learning laboratories give educators the chance to try new models and methods that can encourage excellence in the classroom and prepare more of our children for college and careers...

ST. AUGUSTINE, Fla. - May 1, 2013 - (BUSINESS WIRE) - Creative Learning Corporation (CLCN.OB), owner and developer of Bricks 4 Kidz®, the highly-popular children’s education and enrichment program, is pleased to announce that BFK Franchise Company, LLC (a wholly owned subsidiary of Creative Learning Corporation) has recently sold a Master Franchise to Creative Child Development Sdn Bhd.
“The sale of the Malaysia Master Franchise clearly indicates a significant demand internationally for the Bricks 4 Kidz® program, considering that we’re now operating in thirteen countries and in Puerto Rico, with contracts out for Botswana and Spain also. In addition to the Malaysia Master Franchise, we have a Malaysian subfranchisee coming to our May training,” commented Brian Pappas, CEO of Creative Learning...

ORADELL, NJ - (Marketwired - Apr 30, 2013) - Huntington Learning Center will host its annual Huntington School Services Convention June 6, 2013, at the Hotel Sax in Chicago, Illinois. Huntington School Services franchisees, staff and corporate employees will come together to discuss best practices for quality instruction, new marketing initiatives, annual results, goals for the coming years, and more. The theme of this year's convention -- the fourth in the company's history -- is "Team up for Triumph."
Huntington was one of the nation's first supplemental education services providers to offer federally funded tutoring services (through the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001) to students at eligible schools, and has provided free tutoring to thousands of students nationwide...

Brain Balance Achievement Centers Provides Tips in Support of Celiac Disease Awareness Month
April 30, 2013 // Franchising.com // Jersey City, N.J. – According to the National Foundation for Celiac Awareness (NFCA), approximately 3 million people have Celiac disease, a genetic autoimmune disease which damages the small intestine and prompts intolerance to gluten. In the United States, approximately 21 million people are sensitive to gluten.
May is Celiac Disease Awareness Month, and Brain Balance Achievement Centers, nationwide specialized achievement centers for children with neurobehavioral issues, is educating families on the direct link between gluten intolerance and neurobehavioral issues. Such issues include ADHD, processing disorders, learning disabilities and Autism Spectrum Disorder...

SAN FRANCISCO - April 25, 2013 /PRNewswire/ - The Gymboree Corporation (the "Company") today reported consolidated financial results for the fourth fiscal quarter and the fiscal year ended February 2, 2013 ("fiscal 2012").
Fourth Quarter Results
Net sales for the 14 weeks ended February 2, 2013 were $397.6 million, an increase of 11.7% compared to $355.8 million in net sales for the 13 weeks ended January 28, 2012. Comparable sales for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2012, decreased 2% compared to the fourth quarter of fiscal 2011. Given the additional week included in the fiscal fourth quarter, the comparable period has been adjusted to reflect a similar 14 week period.
Gross profit for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2012 was $144...

ST. AUGUSTINE, Fla. - April 26, 2013 - (BUSINESS WIRE) - Creative Learning Corporation (OTCBB:CLCN) owner and developer of Bricks 4 Kidz®, the highly-popular children’s education and enrichment program, is pleased to announce that the Company reached its 300th franchise on April 25th, a milestone that was not projected to be achieved until the end of October, 2013. The 300th franchise is located in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Creative Learning Corporation now has franchises in 39 states plus the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and 13 foreign countries.
About Creative Learning Corporation
Creative Learning Corporation, operating under the trade name Bricks 4 Kidz®, offers programs designed to teach children ages 3-12+ the basic principles of engineering, architecture and physics using LEGO®, bricks...

ORADELL, NJ - (Marketwired - Apr 22, 2013) - Key executives from the Huntington Learning Center recently attended the 13th annual Education Industry Days Summit in Washington, D.C., participating in discussions about the Common Core State Standards, tightening state and school district budgets, No Child Left Behind (NCLB) waivers and how waivers impact education reform, and more. Huntington also provided sponsorship of the event, hosted by the Education Industry Association (EIA), which represents more than 300 preK-12 education organizations that serve families, communities and schools.
The supplemental education services market has changed dramatically in recent years, with more than 30 states now receiving waivers from provisions of NCLB that previously required them to offer tutoring services (paid for by NCLB Title I funds) to students at underperforming schools...

Tutor Doctor Shares How Technology Can Positively Impact Learning
April 22, 2013 // Franchising.com // Toronto, ON – As new mobile applications and technological devices continue to be launched at accelerated rates, one of the industries that has primarily benefited and enriched the most is education. While some blame technology for attention issues and deem it as a distraction, recent studies have shown that when used properly, technology can serve as an advantageous tool for promoting and advancing education and learning.
Tutor Doctor, the fastest growing "at-home" tutoring franchise worldwide, supports technological resources when it comes to both independent and codependent learning. The abundance of informative websites, apps, and gadgets at our disposal can positively impact learning in a variety of ways, allowing easier access to information, increased retention, interactive teaching, better presentation of information, knowledge sharing, and endless research capabilities...

America's Music School to Open First Location on West Coast
BETHESDA, Md. - April 22, 2013 /PRNewswire/ - Bach to Rock (B2R), America's music school for students of all ages, announced today it has signed a franchise agreement with Purple Dragon 88, LLC, to expand the brand to Sacramento, Calif. Expected to open in Winter 2013, the new school will be Bach to Rock's first on the West Coast. To date, Bach to Rock has seven schools open and seven franchised locations in development across the U.S.
"We are thrilled to expand Bach to Rock's presence to the West Coast and we're confident Sacramento residents will love our variety of music programs," said Brian Gross , president of Bach to Rock. "With music and arts programs continuing to be cut due to diminishing school budgets, Bach to Rock helps meet the increased need for high-quality music education...

ST. AUGUSTINE, Fla. - April 18, 2013 - (BUSINESS WIRE) - Creative Learning Corporation (OTCBB:CLCN), owner and developer of Bricks 4 Kidz®, the highly-popular children's education and enrichment program, is pleased to announce that the Company has recently rolled out Challenge Island®, an Atlanta-based franchise concept developed by parenting author, speaker and award-winning educator, Sharon Duke Estrof. Challenge Island®, www.challenge-island.com, provides unique challenge-based programs designed to foster critical and creative thinking skills, problem solving methodology, and core STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) principles in children ages 3-13+.
Brian Pappas, CEO of Creative Learning Corporation stated, “I’m thrilled at the huge response we’ve been getting to the Challenge Island franchise concept...

'Project Thank You' Includes Social Media Campaign to Promote Donorschoose.org Fundraising Efforts
BALTIMORE - April 17, 2013 /PRNewswire/ - In celebration of Teacher Appreciation Week from May 6-10, 2013, Sylvan Learning and Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory have joined forces on two initiatives that celebrate teachers and reward their efforts in meaningful ways.
Book Adventure Teacher Appreciation Reading Contest – For the past decade, Corporate and franchised Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory stores have been donating free chocolate prizes to members of Sylvan Learning's BookAdventure.com, a free online program that motivates children in grades K-8 to develop a love of reading.
To celebrate Teacher Appreciation Week, Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory will provide additional chocolate prizes for a special Book Adventure Teacher Appreciation Reading Contest that not only helps children enhance their reading skills, but also allows them to earn sweet treats for their favorite teachers...

Leading Business and Career Coach Attributes Successful Telecommuting to the Right Employee and the Right Structure
April 16, 2013 // Franchising.com // Southbury, CT – A recent survey conducted by global research company Ispos found that one in five employees now telecommutes on a frequent basis. With the recent hype over telecommuting, businesses are starting to weigh the pros and cons, and many are considering banning the idea altogether. Business coaches with AdviCoach®, the premier source for business coaching and advisory services customized for small- to mid-size businesses (SMBs), say that not all telecommuting is bad, depending on the type of position and stature of employee.
Yahoo!’s recent decision to prohibit employees’ choice to work from home has sparked a debate across the globe over whether or not telecommuting will result in productivity and growth for a business...

Kiddie Academy Offers Ideas for Earth Day Activities
BALTIMORE, MD - (Marketwired - Apr 9, 2013) - At Kiddie Academy, Earth Day, celebrated this year on April 22, is more than a global campaign to raise awareness about protecting the environment. Earth Day is also an opportunity to reinforce the importance of values such as respect, sharing, kindness, and manners -- all aspects of good citizenship that are core to the education-based childcare provider's curriculum.
"Our character education program includes, among other things, having respect for the environment we all share," said Claire Haas, vice president of education for Kiddie Academy. "That's why we include ongoing environmental lessons in our curriculum and make eco-friendly activities an important part of our unique Life Essentials program...

April 10, 2013 // Franchising.com // Melbourne, FL – Kinderdance® International has been recognized as one of the “BEST FRANCHISES IN AMERICA” by Americas Best Franchises.com February 2013 edition.
Kinderdance®, established in 1979 is a nationally recognized dance, gymnastics and fitness program for children age’s two to twelve. Their 124 Franchisees currently teach over 12,000 children weekly at over 800 various locations in 30 states and 9 countries. Classes are held on site in child care centers, recreation centers, hospitals, military bases, bowling alleys, fitness centers and many other locations that have space that can be utilized as an additional learning center.
Kinderdance® places emphasis on building self-confidence and self-esteem in children through learning to share, lead, interact and respond to others’ needs as well as their own...

April 10, 2013 // Franchising.com // Melbourne, FL – Kinderdance® International has been recognized again by Entrepreneur Magazine’s 34th annual Franchise 500 January 2013 edition. Kinderdance’s overall rank is #274. Kinderdance also increased in the ranking for the “Home Based” franchise category up to #71 from #76 last year.
Kinderdance®, established in 1979 is a nationally recognized dance, gymnastics and fitness program for children age’s two to twelve. Their 124 Franchisees currently teach over 12,000 children weekly at over 800 various locations in 30 states and 9 countries. Classes are held on site in child care centers, recreation centers, hospitals, military bases, bowling alleys, fitness centers and many other locations that have space that can be utilized as an additional learning center...

Brain Balance Achievement Centers Seeking Single and Multi- Unit Operators
JERSEY CITY, N.J. - April 2, 2013 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) - For seven years, Brain Balance Achievement Centers has helped thousands of children with neurobehavioral issues reach their academic, social and behavioral potential through a non-medical, brain-based program. The success of the program has positioned the company for aggressive franchise growth this year.
With nearly 50 centers in 23 states, the company plans to open approximately 15 additional centers in 2013. This is part of the company's nationwide growth initiative to have 120 total centers open and operating by 2016.
"There has been a growing demand by parents for programs that offer a healthy solution for eliminating the symptoms tied to their children's behavior or learning issue and this has positioned Brain Balance Achievement Centers for growth," said William Fowler, CEO and Co-Founder of Brain Balance...

ST. AUGUSTINE, Fla. - April 2, 2013 - (BUSINESS WIRE) - Creative Learning Corporation (OTCBB:CLCN) owner and developer of Bricks 4 Kidz®, the highly-popular children’s education and enrichment program, is pleased to announce that the Company reached its 280th franchise on February 25th, a milestone that was not projected to be achieved until the end of August, 2013. The 280th franchise is located in Chelsea, Michigan. Creative Learning Corporation now has franchises in 39 states plus the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and 12 foreign countries. The Company has recently accepted deposits from prospective franchisees/Master Franchisees in Spain, Malaysia and Botswana.
About Creative Learning Corporation
Creative Learning Corporation, operating under the trade name Bricks 4 Kidz®, offers programs designed to teach children ages 3-12+ the basic principles of engineering, architecture and physics using LEGO®, bricks...

HOUSTON, TX - (Marketwire - Apr 1, 2013) - Computer Explorers awarded their highest honor to Debra Moorer of New Jersey this month at their annual convention in Houston. Moorer started her business in 1994 when searching for curriculum to teach senior citizens. With close to twenty years of experience, Moorer contributes energy and passion to her success.
Computer Explorers is a franchise turnkey program that provides technology education to afterschool programs and childcare centers throughout the world. Over 33,000 students are instructed by Computer Explorers each week. Classes include Lego robotics, digital photography, programming, and app building among many others. Children of all ages gain skills that apply to daily life and will help them be successful in the future...

Brain Balance Achievement Centers Provide Tips in Honor of Autism Awareness Month
March 29, 2013 // Franchising.com // Jersey City, N.J. – According to a 2013 survey conducted by The Centers for Disease Control (CDC), every 1 in 50 children have an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). With National Autism Awareness Month taking place in April, Brain Balance Achievement Centers, nationwide specialized achievement centers for children with neurobehavioral issues, is educating families on ASD and steps that can be taken to potentially prevent the development of it.
ASD can be reliably detected by the age of three, and in some cases as early as 18 months. Children with ASD often have trouble with social interaction, verbal and nonverbal communication, as well as repetitive behaviors or narrow, obsessive interests...

Children's art and creativity programs set to get underway in Northwest Arkansas this spring.
March 29, 2013 // Franchising.com // Reston, VA - Abrakadoodle Remarkable Art Education is expanding its reach to children with the addition of its first franchise unit in Arkansas. The mother/daughter duo Cora J. and Joy Davis of Fayetteville will be providing a wide range of art programs to include visual arts classes, camps, workshops, as well as in-school field trips, special events and arty parties at schools, community centers, faith-based locations and other sites that serve children throughout Northwest Arkansas to include Bentonville, Fayetteville, Rogers and Springdale.
"We are delighted to welcome Joy and Cora to our award-winning Abrakadoodle franchise system," said Rosemarie Hartnett, CFE, President and Co-Founder of Abrakadoodle, Inc...