Children’s Art Classes

Children's Art Classes is a studio-based art education franchise for ages 3 and up, founded in 1997 by certified art educator Barbara Gay. This is not afterschool enrichment. CAC is a structured art academy with a 27-year proven curriculum that grows with the student through progressive levels. Average student retention is 4-5 years.
Owners operate a recurring-revenue, part-time management business. One trained instructor per studio. 85% of current owners keep their W-2. Multiple revenue streams: weekly classes, workshops, summer programs, birthday parties, and school partnerships.
37 franchise owners across 28 states in just four years of franchising. Ranked #380 on the Entrepreneur Franchise 500 (2026) and #1 in Education and Children's category. SBA approved. Total investment: $95K - $250K, with many owners all-in around $100K.
View our Franchisee Interviews: Children's Art Classes Owner Interview - Marie
Children's Art Classes Owner Interview - Martha
Children's Art Classes Owner Interview - Montessa
WHY Children's Art Classes?
Art education is disappearing from public schools. Parents are pulling kids off screens and looking for structured creative alternatives. CAC fills that gap with a real art academy, not a drop-in craft program. Recurring enrollment. High retention. Low employee count. Part-time management model that works alongside existing income.
OUR IDEAL FRANCHISEE
Community-minded professional with a manager's mindset. Comfortable leading a small team. No art background required. Owner manages the business, trained instructors teach. Strong fit for candidates building their exit ramp while keeping W-2 income. Multi-unit ready once the first studio is running.
AVAILABLE MARKETS
US markets available: AL, AZ, CA, CO, CT, DC, FL, GA, ID, IL, IN, LA, MA, MD, MN, MS, MT, NC, NJ, NY, OH, PA, SC, TN, TX, UT, VA, WI
HOT Regions/Desirable: All available markets
NOT available: Any not listed above
Available in Canada: No
International Referrals: Yes
BACKGROUND
Year founded: 1997
Year Franchised: 2020
Number of franchises currently operating: 14
Number of Franchise Owners: 37
Additional Units in Development: 25+
Number of corporate owned franchises: 2
Home Based: No
Absentee ownership available: Yes
Accepting Master Franchisor and Area Developer Referrals: No
Average number of employees required: 2
E2 Visa Friendly: NO
FINANCIAL DETAILS
Franchise Fee: Single: $59,950
Providing earnings guidance in Item 19 in FDD: Yes
Total investment range: $95,000 to $250,000
Net worth requirement: $300,000
Royalty: 8.25%
Additional fees: N/A
Financial assistance available: No
VetFran program: Yes (5% veteran discount)
SUPPORT & TRAINING PROVIDED
Training and support program details:
Business training at corporate headquarters in Jacksonville, FL (2 days)
On-Site teacher/owner training provided (2-3 days)
Monthly on-going teacher training
Cost for Training: Included
Lodging and airfare included: No
Site Selection Assistance: Yes
Lease Negotiation Assistance: No
Mentor following training: Yes
Length of mentoring Franchisee: Ongoing