2018
50
$70,000
$35,000
$100,000
No
Crayola® Imagine Arts Academy™ is a one-of-a-kind children’s enrichment franchise that combines art, imagination, and education to inspire creativity with purpose. Backed by the globally recognized Crayola® brand and the award-winning Mad Science Group, this franchise empowers children to explore art while learning about culture, community, and world issues. The result is an engaging, mission-driven business that nurtures creativity and empathy in young learners.
Designed for today’s parents who seek meaningful extracurricular programs, Crayola Imagine Arts Academy delivers a powerful educational experience that connects art with real-world lessons. From after-school workshops and camps to in-school programs and birthday parties, franchise owners enjoy multiple revenue streams while making a difference in their communities. With a trusted global brand, proven systems, and comprehensive support, this is more than a business — it’s a chance to inspire the next generation through creativity.
Investing in a Crayola® Imagine Arts Academy™ franchise means joining two powerhouse brands in education and creativity. Crayola’s century-long legacy in children’s art products and Mad Science’s 30+ years of franchise expertise form a partnership built for growth, impact, and profitability.
The U.S. children’s enrichment industry continues to expand as parents prioritize experiential learning beyond the classroom. Crayola Imagine Arts Academy stands out by combining creative expression with lessons about global awareness, conservation, and cultural diversity — topics that resonate deeply with today’s families.
This franchise offers a low-overhead, scalable model that can be operated from home or a small office without the need for a fixed retail space. Franchisees benefit from national brand recognition, ready-made curricula, and turnkey marketing tools designed to attract schools, community centers, and parents. For entrepreneurs seeking both financial success and personal fulfillment, Crayola Imagine Arts Academy offers a truly rewarding path.
Crayola® Imagine Arts Academy™ was founded in 2018 as a collaboration between Crayola® and Mad Science Group Inc., the global leader in children’s science and enrichment franchises. Mad Science, established in the 1980s, has built a reputation for delivering hands-on, experiential learning programs to millions of children worldwide.
The partnership with Crayola® — a household name synonymous with creativity and education — was born out of a shared mission: to help children understand the world through art and imagination. The first Imagine Arts Academy programs launched in the U.S. and quickly expanded across North America and internationally, with over 50 franchise units currently in operation.
Each lesson in the curriculum blends artistic exploration with global themes, such as environmental sustainability, cultural appreciation, and social responsibility. Through this unique approach, Crayola Imagine Arts Academy has become a leader in the Children’s Art Education and Enrichment Industry, a sector known for strong parent engagement, recurring demand, and long-term sustainability.
Crayola® Imagine Arts Academy™ provides world-class training and support to ensure every franchise owner is prepared for success — even if they have no prior art or education experience.
Pre-Launch Support Includes:
Territory and Business Setup: Guidance on selecting and securing an exclusive, high-potential territory.
Comprehensive Curriculum Access: A robust, ready-to-use library of lesson plans designed by education experts and child development specialists.
Operational Guidance: Step-by-step setup assistance, from staffing and scheduling to supply ordering and pricing strategies.
Launch Marketing Support: Pre-designed promotional materials, digital campaigns, and public relations resources to help establish brand presence locally.
Initial Training Program:
Franchisees attend a detailed multi-day training session at Mad Science headquarters or through live virtual workshops. The program covers every aspect of running a successful children’s enrichment business, including operations, marketing, classroom management, safety, and sales.
Ongoing Support Includes:
Continuous updates to art-based programs, themes, and educational content.
National marketing campaigns leveraging the trusted Crayola® brand.
Access to an online franchise portal with manuals, templates, and peer forums.
Regular coaching calls and performance reviews to maximize growth potential.
Business development and partnership guidance for working with schools and community organizations.
Crayola Imagine Arts Academy franchisees also benefit from exclusive brand association rights, aligning their local business with a globally admired name in creativity and education.
The Crayola® Imagine Arts Academy™ franchise is ideal for entrepreneurs who are passionate about creativity, education, and making a difference in children’s lives. You don’t need to be an artist — the franchise system is designed for business-minded individuals who value purpose-driven entrepreneurship.
Ideal Candidates Include:
Entrepreneurs and parents who want to operate a flexible, family-friendly business.
Educators, community leaders, or professionals seeking a meaningful career change.
Individuals passionate about art, child development, and social impact.
Franchise investors seeking a low-cost, high-demand business model in education.
Key Qualities for Success:
Strong communication and people skills.
Enthusiasm for working with schools and community organizations.
Leadership and organizational abilities to manage part-time instructors.
Drive to create a positive, inspiring environment for children.
Preferred locations include suburban and urban markets with active school networks, community centers, and high parental engagement in after-school and camp programs.
| Category | Estimated Cost (USD) | Details / Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Initial Franchise Fee | $35,000 | One-time fee granting rights to operate under the Crayola® Imagine Arts Academy™ brand. |
| Total Initial Investment | $70,000 – $100,000 | Includes franchise fee, training, marketing, working capital, and startup supplies. |
| Minimum Liquid Capital Required | $30,000 | Recommended cash available to start operations. |
| Royalty Fee | 8% of Gross Revenue | Covers access to curriculum, brand use, and continuous operational support. |
| National Marketing Fund Contribution | 2% of Gross Revenue | Supports nationwide campaigns, digital marketing, and brand growth. |
| Working Capital (First 3–6 Months) | $10,000 – $15,000 | Covers early operational expenses, instructor payments, and materials. |
| Facility / Lease Costs | Home-Based / Shared Space | Operates without the need for a fixed retail location, reducing overhead. |
| Training & Initial Setup | Included in Franchise Fee | Comprehensive pre-launch and operational training provided by headquarters. |
| Supplies & Equipment | $5,000 – $10,000 | Includes art materials, classroom kits, Crayola® products, and instructor resources. |
| Marketing & Local Advertising Budget | $3,000 – $5,000 | Initial marketing to promote local launch and build early awareness. |
| Insurance, Permits, & Misc. Expenses | $2,000 – $5,000 | Varies by region; covers licenses and business insurance. |
| Average Break-Even Point | 12 – 18 Months | Based on territory size and enrollment growth. |
| Expected ROI | 20% – 35% | Typically achievable within the first 2–3 years of operation. |
| Revenue Streams | – | After-school programs, camps, workshops, private events, and partnerships. |
