Sell My Preschool

Connect with Specialized Preschool Business Brokers to Maximize Your Exit

If you're considering selling your Preschool, Daycare Center, or Montessori School, we will confidentially connect you with business brokers who specialize in the childcare industry.

Sell Your Preschool

Preschool Business Broker discussing valuation with an owner

Work With a Top Preschool Business Broker

Whether you operate a single location or a multi-center preschool chain, we connect you with preschool business brokers who understand licensed capacity, state regulations, and real estate value.

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Preschool Owners

How We Help You Sell Your Preschool

Selling a preschool involves valuing intangible assets like enrollment lists and reputation, as well as tangible assets like real estate and playground equipment.

Understanding Your Business Before Recommending a Broker

We start by analyzing your capacity. What is your licensed capacity vs. actual enrollment? Do you accept state subsidies or are you 100% private pay? Do you own the real estate?

From there, we identify business brokers who specialize in the childcare sector. Some are experts in selling smaller centers to owner-operators, while others work with large national childcare chains looking to acquire profitable locations.

Key Value Drivers for Preschool Buyers

• Licensed Capacity & Enrollment – A center operating near full licensed capacity with a waiting list commands a premium valuation.

• Real Estate – Owning the building and land is a major asset. Many buyers prefer to acquire the real estate along with the business.

• Staff Retention – A stable, qualified team of teachers and a director who can stay on post-sale are critical for continuity.

• Tuition Rates – Competitive private pay tuition rates with strong margins are more attractive than centers heavily reliant on government subsidies.

Sell Your Business

Discover the true market value of your business

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Valuation

What Drives the Value of a Preschool?

Buyers evaluate your capacity, facility, and staffing when valuing a childcare center.

Enrollment & Capacity

The ratio of enrolled students to licensed capacity is the #1 metric. Centers with long waiting lists and high utilization rates sell for maximum multiples.

Real Estate

Centers that include the real estate are highly desirable. Buyers look for purpose-built facilities with safe playgrounds, ample parking, and room for expansion.

Staff Stability

In childcare, the teachers are the business. Low staff turnover and a qualified, non-owner Director in place are critical value drivers for passive buyers.

Deep Dive: Recasting Preschool Financials

To get the highest price, we work with brokers who "recast" your P&L to show the true Seller's Discretionary Earnings (SDE). In the childcare industry, this involves specific add-backs:

Owner Director Salary: If you act as the Director, your salary is added back (adjusted for the cost of hiring a replacement).
Facility Upgrades: One-time costs for new playgrounds, security systems, or major building repairs are added back to profit.
Personal Expenses: Family members on payroll who don't work, personal vehicles, and travel expenses are adjusted.

Who is Buying Preschools Right Now?

The childcare market is consolidating, creating a diverse buyer pool.

1. National Chains & PE:
Large childcare franchises and Private Equity groups are aggressively rolling up profitable centers with $1M+ revenue and licensed capacity of 100+ children.

2. Strategic Local Buyers:
Existing preschool owners in your city often buy competitors to expand their footprint and share administrative resources.

3. Owner-Operators:
Individuals with education backgrounds often use SBA financing to buy a school to run themselves, replacing their corporate salary.

Confidentiality is Critical

Selling a school is sensitive. If parents hear rumors, they may pull their children out of fear of change. If teachers hear, they may look for new jobs.

Our Approach: We utilize strict NDAs and "blind profiles." We market the capacity, location type, and financials without revealing the school's name until a buyer has been vetted.

Next Step

Talk Confidentially About Selling Your Preschool

If you are exploring a sale now or in the next few years, your first move should be speaking with someone who understands the childcare industry.

On our first call, we will discuss your enrollment, capacity, and exit goals. From there, we will suggest one or more brokers or M&A advisors who are best positioned to sell your specific type of preschool.

In Action

See How We Help Owners & Business Brokers

$3.5 Million in 6 Months

“Six months after partnering with Centergrowth, we secured over $3.5 million worth of listings in Florida.”

"In our first six months with Centergrowth, we secured over $3.5 million in high-quality listings across Florida. One of them received over 40 inquiries in just two days."

Joe RamOrlando, FL · @FL Business Brokers

3 Listings in 2 Months

“Within the first two months of partnering with Centergrowth, we secured three business listings in the Phoenix area.”

"Within the first two months of partnering with Centergrowth, we secured three business listings in the Phoenix area. Centergrowth has delivered tremendous value, and we’re thrilled with the results. We look forward to continuing our partnership and future success."

Dr. Fernando AcostaPhoenix, AZ · @First Choice Brokers

Dr. Fernando Acosta, First Choice Business Brokers Phoenix

2 Listings in 2 Weeks

“Within just two weeks of partnering with Centergrowth, I secured two business listings in my area of Pittsburgh.”

"Within just two weeks of partnering with Centergrowth, I secured two business listings in my area of Pittsburgh, one of which included real estate in the deal. We're very happy with the results and have already recommended Centergrowth to other industry brokers we know in different states."

Helen BergerPittsburgh, PA · @PGHBIZ Business Brokers

Helen Berger, Pittsburgh Business Brokers

1 Listing in First Month

“It’s currently the first month of working with Centergrowth, and we’ve already signed our first listing.”

"It’s currently the first month of working with Centergrowth, and we’ve already signed our first listing. In addition, they’ve over-delivered on appointments, and we’re reviewing financials from a few more companies."

Russell KitzbergerCincinnati, OH · @CincyCRE

1,065 Appointments in 6 months

"Centergrowth booked over 480 appointments in 3 months directly onto our calendar."

Eurasian Capital was facing a number of difficulties as they tried to increase their top-of-funnel sales activity. They can only function with top-notch appointments (the majority of the time, funding has been successfully raised), but Centergrowth was consistently able to attract high-quality appointments from the beginning.

Read the Eurasian Capital case study →

Jeff StonePartner @Eurasian Capital

Read Case Study

Business Broker Directory

Selling an Preschool in Your State?

We support Preschool owners across the United States. Select your state to find local assistance.

Market Coverage

Other Education & Other Businesses We Sell

Specialized Experience in Education & Other

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Serving Preschool Owners Nationwide

We Connect You with Top Brokers Across the USA

Centergrowth works with specialized Preschool Business Brokers in every state to help owners of preschools, early-childhood learning centers, and multi-location childcare facilities sell efficiently, confidentially, and for maximum value. If it is too early to sell, growing is the next best move. Our Preschool Marketing programs turn searches into booked jobs and long-term value.

Frequently Asked Questions About How to Sell My Preschool

Can you help me sell my preschool?

Yes. We specialize in connecting owners of preschools and daycare centers with experienced business brokers who understand how to package enrollment lists, licensing, and facilities to serious buyers while maintaining confidentiality.

How are preschools valued?

Valuations are typically based on a multiple of SDE or EBITDA. Key drivers include your licensed capacity vs. actual enrollment, the ratio of private-pay to subsidized tuition, and whether the real estate is included in the sale.

Do I need a specialized broker for my preschool?

Yes. Selling a childcare center involves transferring state licenses and adhering to strict regulatory requirements. A specialized broker knows how to navigate these hurdles and market the business to qualified buyers like national chains or experienced operators.

Can I sell if I'm the Director?

Yes, but buyers often prefer a turnkey operation with a Director in place. If you are the Director, we will help you build a transition plan or adjust the valuation to account for the cost of hiring your replacement.

How confidential is the sale process?

Confidentiality is critical. If parents hear the school is selling, they may pull their children out of fear. We use blind listings and strict NDAs so families and staff remain unaware until the deal is secure.

What is recasting financials?

Recasting means adding back owner perks, one-time facility upgrades (like a new playground), and non-recurring expenses to your P&L. This shows buyers the true profitability and justifies a higher asking price.

How do I get started?

Click any "Schedule Confidential Call" button on this page to book a conversation. We'll discuss your enrollment numbers, facility details, and goals, then connect you with the right broker for your specific situation.