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.
Selling a preschool involves valuing intangible assets like enrollment lists and reputation, as well as tangible assets like real estate and playground equipment.
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.
• 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.
Buyers evaluate your capacity, facility, and staffing when valuing a childcare center.
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.
Centers that include the real estate are highly desirable. Buyers look for purpose-built facilities with safe playgrounds, ample parking, and room for expansion.
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.
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:
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.
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.
$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 Ram
Orlando, 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 Acosta
Phoenix, AZ
@First Choice Brokers
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 Berger
Pittsburgh, PA
@PGHBIZ 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 Kitzberger
Cincinnati, 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.
Jeff Stone
Partner @Eurasian Capital
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.
We support Preschool owners across the United States. Select your state to find local assistance.
Don't see your specific niche listed? We likely still cover it.
Discuss Your IndustryCentergrowth 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 you’re a broker specializing in pre schools, our business broker lead generation can put more qualified business owners into your pipeline each week.
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