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

Last updated: 4/30/2026

Liaison: Tanasia DeJesus, CFPC