Goldfish Swim School
Financial Plan
Liquid capital
The amount you need to secure the necessary loans.
Total investment
Total Investment to launch the business, including initial fees ($50,000)
The Concept
Goldfish Swim School is a U.S. swim-school franchise specializing in swim instruction and water-safety education for children ages 4 months to 12 years. Its tropical-themed schools offer group and private lessons, swim clinics, open swim, birthday parties and other aquatic activities, supported by Goldfish’s proprietary curriculum. The concept was founded in 2006 in Birmingham, Michigan, and began franchising in 2008.
Goldfish has grown to 199 locations, including 192 franchised and 7 company-owned schools at the end of 2025, and says more than 350 schools are open or in development across North America. The franchise model is highly capital-intensive, with Goldfish currently requiring $1.5 million in liquid capital and $2.5 million in net worth for a single location.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to open a Goldfish Swim School franchise?
The total initial investment for a Goldfish Swim School ranges from $1.66 million to $3.75 million in non-registration states. In registration states, the investment ranges from $2.58 million to $5.97 million, while New York has a range of $2.58 million to $7.57 million. The initial franchise fee is $40,000–$50,000.
What are the requirements to become a Goldfish Swim School franchisee?
Goldfish Swim School requires prospective franchisees to demonstrate at least $1.5 million in liquid capital and $2.5 million in net worth for a single location. The company considers both first-time business owners and experienced multi-unit operators, although its model is particularly suited to operators interested in developing multiple schools.
What ongoing fees does a Goldfish Swim School franchisee pay?
Franchisees pay a 6% royalty on gross sales and a 2% marketing/brand fund contribution. The franchise agreement also includes local advertising obligations. These fees are in addition to the costs of operating the swim school, such as staffing, rent, insurance and utilities.
How much revenue can a Goldfish Swim School generate?
According to Goldfish’s 2026 FDD, 169 franchised schools open for at least 12 months generated average total revenue of $1,994,169 in 2025. The median was $1,781,634, with reported revenue ranging from $528,953 to $6,383,493. These figures represent gross revenue, not profit, and individual results vary by location and operator.
Can franchisees own multiple Goldfish Swim Schools?
Yes. Goldfish Swim School supports multi-unit development and highlights economies of scale and shared operational costs for owners who develop multiple locations. The company currently has 192 franchised schools and 7 company-owned locations, with more than 350 locations open or in development across North America.
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