Established
1985
Franchise Units
150
Minimum Investment
$93,000
Franchise Fee
$25,000
Total Investment Range
$216,000
Home Based
No
Description
Mad Science is one of the most recognized STEM-focused children’s education brands in the world, known for turning science into a high-energy, hands-on experience that kids genuinely love. For more than three decades, the company has used interactive experiments, curiosity-driven learning, and performance-style programming to make science accessible, exciting, and unforgettable. Today, Mad Science stands as a leader in the children’s enrichment industry, serving millions of students each year through after-school programs, in-school workshops, summer camps, assemblies, birthday parties, and special events.
As a franchise model, Mad Science is built on a powerful combination: a proven curriculum, strong brand recognition, and multiple recurring revenue streams across schools, community centers, corporate events, and family markets. With STEM education continuing to accelerate nationwide, the brand is strategically positioned to support passionate entrepreneurs who want to build a meaningful and scalable business that has a real impact on the next generation.
Mad Science offers franchise owners a turnkey system with professional training, marketing support, and access to an award-winning library of educational content. From booking school programs to hiring instructors to setting up your territory operations, the franchise model is engineered to help owners launch quickly, grow efficiently, and build a respected presence in their local communities.
Why Invest in the Mad Science Franchise?
1. A trusted global brand with strong credibility
Mad Science has been a pioneer in children’s STEM learning since the 1980s, giving franchisees an instantly recognizable brand that schools and parents trust.
2. Fast-growing demand for STEM enrichment
STEM fields continue to dominate career projections, and both parents and educators actively seek programs that supplement formal classroom learning. This creates stable, year-round demand for Mad Science programs.
3. Multiple revenue channels
The model does not rely on a single program. Franchisees can generate revenue through:
• After-school classes
• In-school workshops
• School assemblies
• Summer camps
• Birthday parties
• Corporate events
• Community programs
• Special events and seasonal offerings
This diversification helps franchise owners increase client volume and maximize earning potential.
4. Low overhead and scalable operations
Mad Science does not require a retail location. Most franchisees operate from an office or small workspace, which significantly reduces ongoing expenses and allows a high degree of flexibility.
5. Proven curriculum and done-for-you content
The brand provides exclusive access to hundreds of tested lesson plans, proprietary experiments, marketing assets, teacher training guides, and program manuals—saving owners time and ensuring consistent quality across all services.
6. A business with real impact
Owners help children explore science in a fun, engaging, and memorable way. It’s a mission-driven franchise where entrepreneurs make a measurable difference in education and youth development.
Background
Established Year: Mad Science was founded in 1985 in Montreal, Canada.
Founders: Brothers Ariel and Ron Shlien, who started by delivering hands-on science classes in their community.
Franchise Launch & Expansion: The success of the early programs led to the development of the Mad Science franchise system in the early 1990s, which quickly expanded across North America and eventually worldwide.
Current Franchise Footprint:
Mad Science operates over 150 franchise locations globally (USA + international). A significant number of these units operate in the United States, making it one of the most well-established brands in the children’s enrichment category.
Brand Journey & Company History:
What began as a small science workshop has grown into a global educational powerhouse. Mad Science became known for unique demonstration shows and interactive learning experiences that combine real science with theatrical performance. Over time, the brand expanded its catalog of programs, built partnerships with school districts, and developed a franchise model that supports owner success through training, co-branded resources, and marketing technology. Today, the company continues to innovate while staying true to its mission: make STEM learning fun, engaging, and widely accessible.
Ownership & Market Presence:
Mad Science remains an independently operated global education company with a strong presence in the U.S. children’s services and after-school enrichment industry. It serves public, private, and charter schools as well as nonprofits, municipalities, camps, and large event providers.
Industry Category:
Children’s Education, STEM Learning, Youth Enrichment Services, Mobile Education Programs.
Support Training
Mad Science equips every franchisee with one of the most comprehensive training and support systems in the children’s education sector. Support includes:
Pre-Launch Support
• Assistance with territory planning and demographic analysis
• Onboarding manuals, checklists, and step-by-step startup support
• Guidance on hiring instructors and training staff
• Help setting up internal systems, scheduling tools, and program materials
• Access to proprietary curriculum and experiment kits
Initial Training
A multi-day program covering:
• Business operations and administrative setup
• Program delivery and quality standards
• School outreach and partnership building
• Sales training for booking workshops and after-school classes
• Marketing and community engagement strategies
• Safety protocols and child-management training
• Pricing models, revenue planning, and financial management
Ongoing Operational Support
• Continuous curriculum updates and teaching resources
• Regular training webinars and regional meetings
• Franchise portal with manuals, videos, and marketing materials
• Coaching from dedicated franchise support staff
• Access to online learning modules and operational tools
Marketing Support
• National brand awareness campaigns
• Digital marketing assets, brochures, posters, and promotional videos
• Social media templates, parent-outreach materials, and email campaigns
• Guidance on school marketing, community partnerships, and seasonal program promotions
Academic & Teaching Support
• Detailed scripts for instructors
• Experiment procedure guides
• Classroom management techniques
• Workshops to strengthen presentation and engagement skills
Ideal Candidate
A Mad Science franchise is well-suited for individuals who want to run a business with purpose while scaling a profitable operation. The best candidates include:
Professional Background
• Educators, former teachers, or school administrators
• Entrepreneurs with interest in youth programs or community engagement
• Corporate professionals seeking a mission-driven business
• Parents looking to build a flexible business with strong income potential
• Individuals with experience in management, operations, or leadership roles
Personal Qualities
• Passion for children’s education and STEM learning
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills
• Ability to lead and motivate part-time instructors
• Organized, proactive, and comfortable managing multiple programs
• Creative thinker who enjoys delivering memorable experiences
Financial Capability
• Ability to comfortably invest in startup costs
• Access to working capital to support early operations and staffing
• Interest in reinvesting profits to expand territory reach
Location Preferences
Mad Science franchises thrive in:
• Suburban and urban markets with strong school networks
• Areas with robust after-school programming demand
• Communities with high parent involvement and active summer camp markets
Anyone passionate about empowering youth, promoting STEM literacy, and building an impactful business will find Mad Science a fulfilling and rewarding opportunity.
Financial Detail
| Category | Amount / Range |
|---|---|
| Total Investment Required | $93,000 – $216,000 |
| Minimum Cash Required | $50,000 – $75,000 |
| Franchise Fee | $25,000 – $45,000 |
| Infrastructure Cost | $10,000 – $40,000 |
| Initial Marketing Budget | $5,000 – $15,000 |
| Working Capital | $20,000 – $40,000 |
| Royalty Fee | 8% – 12% of Gross Revenue |
| Ongoing Marketing Fee | 1% – 2% of Revenue |
| Expected ROI | Varies by Market |
| Break-Even Timeline | 12 – 24 Months |
| Potential Revenue Streams | 8+ Streams |