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Mathnasium®

Children's Services Year: 2026
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What Is Mathnasium?

Mathnasium is a franchise for the operation of Mathnasium Centers that provide math instruction to children using the Mathnasium Method. It operates through brick-and-mortar learning centers that are open to the public during after-school hours and is primarily marketed to parents of children (B2C). The core service bundle is the Mathnasium Method, which uses diagnostics, customized learning plans, live instruction, and worksheets for children ages 4–17.

Mathnasium Franchise: Pros and Cons

The brand's major strength is its scale, 1,047 outlets (1,043 franchised), which provides strong recognition, supplier leverage and tested operating playbooks; the biggest risk is weak territory protection (Territory Protection Score 35, bottom 10%), so you likely won't have meaningful exclusive territory and nearby competitors can be approved.

Pros

The system operates 1,047 outlets (1,043 franchised), well above what's typical in Children's Services - that scale gives you stronger brand recognition, supplier leverage and tested operating playbooks to tap into.
Franchise Stability Score is Good (79/100), above typical for the industry - a positive sign that franchisees generally stick around, which supports predictable revenue and peer support.
The initial franchise fee low range is $0, far below industry norm, which materially lowers upfront cash needed; additionally, initial fees are refundable on failure (an unusual concession) and the franchisor cannot materially change the training program, giving you more financial flexibility and consistency in onboarding.

Cons

Territory Protection Score of 35 is well below typical for Children's Services (bottom 10%), meaning you will not have meaningful protected territory and the franchisor can approve nearby competing locations.
There are 15 reacquired outlets, well above typical (top 5%), which indicates a notable level of franchisee exits and operator turnover in the system.
There are four government agency penalties/orders and four disclosed lawsuits (both above typical), plus two cases alleging fraud - these legal and regulatory issues increase compliance and reputational friction for operators.

Territory Protection

35/100
NORMAL

Mathnasium grants a designated, protected, site-specific territory for a single Center with non-exclusive protective rights, contingent on system standards and performance contingencies (e.g., maintain at least 75 students after month 16 and a minimum gross-receipts percentile). The franchisor retains rights to develop nearby units, reconfigure boundaries, and sell via e-commerce and other alternative distribution channels.

Training & Support

84/100
NORMAL

Mathnasium provides a comprehensive 135-hour training curriculum designed to prepare the two individuals included in the initial franchise fee for operational and instructional responsibilities at launch. The program includes on-site launch support for operational readiness, with travel and lodging expenses borne by the franchisee; the materials do not specify the number of pre- or post-launch on-site days, and on-site support is provided without an additional fee.

Franchisee Stability

74/100
NORMAL

Mathnasium earns a Good Stability Score. Three-year turnover of 2.09% is well below the typical Children's Services franchise (around 3.5%), and sits closer to the lowest-churn 10% of Children's Services systems. Out of 61 total exits across the three reported years, ceased operations dominated with 60, alongside 1 franchisor buyback and no terminations or non-renewals, and this came from about 995 franchised outlets in the most recent year.

The dominance of ceased operations points to location-level economics: operators appear to have chosen to close underperforming centers, suggesting issues like site selection, local demand shortfalls, or operator execution rather than franchisor-franchisee friction. Beyond its industry-relative position, a 2.09% three-year turnover rate is genuinely exceptional in absolute terms across all of franchising. For prospective franchisees, examine unit-level economics in the geographies where closures have concentrated.

Unit Growth Analysis

Unit Growth Chart

Mathnasium is at 1,047 locations and has been expanding at about 4.8% per year recently. At this scale the system reads like a "sleepy giant" - you’re buying a proven, steady business (likely a job) rather than a breakout growth play; with 1,043 franchised and just 4 company-owned centers, prime territories are mostly claimed and your main risks are local competition, execution, and paying appropriately for an occupied territory.

How Much Does It Cost to Open a Mathnasium Franchise?

Opening a Mathnasium franchise requires a total initial investment of $104,816 to $143,346, according to the 2026 Franchise Disclosure Document. This range covers the franchise fee, real estate, equipment, training, and initial working capital needed to launch and operate through the early months.

Minimum Investment

$104,816
Minimum Investment Breakdown
Franchise Fee
Real Estate
Equipment & Assets
Reserves
Training
Other

Maximum Investment

$143,346
Maximum Investment Breakdown

Minimum Investment Breakdown

Franchise Fee$26,766
Real Estate$14,000
Equipment & Assets$17,500
Reserves$35,000
Training$2,500
Other$0

Maximum Investment Breakdown

Franchise Fee$50,596
Real Estate$28,500
Equipment & Assets$27,500
Reserves$45,000
Training$3,000
Other$0

Investment Analysis

This investment analysis is coming soon. Have ideas for other analyses you'd like us to add? Get in touch.

The initial investment amounts shown are estimates only. Actual costs may vary based on location size, business model, and multi-unit ownership arrangements. We recommend reviewing the full Franchise Disclosure Document for complete details.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Mathnasium a good franchise to own?

Whether Mathnasium is a good franchise depends on your goals, experience, and local market. Key factors from the 2026 FDD: Mathnasium operates 1047 locations, received a legal risk score of 82/100, a training and support score of 84/100. Financial performance data is disclosed in Item 19. Prospective franchisees should review the full Franchise Disclosure Document and consult with a franchise attorney before making any investment decision.

Is a Mathnasium franchise worth the investment?

The value of a Mathnasium franchise investment depends on factors such as location, operator experience, and market demand. The initial investment ranges from $104,816 to $143,346. Mathnasium disclosed average gross sales of $384,874 in 2026. Franchise investments carry inherent risk, and prospective buyers should conduct thorough due diligence before committing capital.

How long does it take to break even with a Mathnasium franchise?

Break-even timelines for Mathnasium franchises are not disclosed in the 2026 Franchise Disclosure Document. Break-even periods vary significantly based on initial investment level, local market conditions, operating costs, and revenue ramp-up speed. Prospective franchisees should build a pro forma financial model using Item 7 cost estimates and, where available, Item 19 financial performance data from the FDD.

Is Mathnasium a franchise or a corporate-owned business?

As of the 2026 FDD, Mathnasium operates 1043 franchised locations and 4 company-owned locations. Franchise opportunities are available through the franchisor's disclosure process.

Interested in Mathnasium?

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