Opens in a new tab

FRANCHISE RESALES

Buy a Challenge Island Franchise

Challenge Island is a mobile STEAM enrichment franchise delivering hands-on, screen-free programs for children aged 5 to 14 and older. Founded in Atlanta in 2002 and franchising since 2013, the brand serves schools, libraries and community centers through after-school classes, camps, field trips, birthday parties, Girl Scout workshops and community events.

The business model is home-based and mobile, with no retail premises required. Franchisees operate within a protected territory, traveling to client locations to run program sessions. This multi-stream model spans recurring after-school contracts, seasonal camps, one-off events and school partnerships, covering the full school year and summer calendar.

Challenge Island programs use a 100% screen-free, project-based format aligned with Common Core and Next Generation Science Standards. Franchisees work from over 100 proprietary lesson plans, continuously updated by the corporate team. The brand has served more than 5 million children across 15,000 schools and organizations, with franchise locations active in 36 states and several international markets.

Latest Resales

Why buy a Challenge Island Franchise?

Parents and educators are actively seeking screen-free, skill-building enrichment for school-age children, and Challenge Island has built its brand around this demand for over two decades. With recognition across thousands of schools, libraries and community organizations, the brand carries credibility that territory owners can leverage when approaching local school districts, after-school programs and community partners.

The home-based, mobile model removes commercial lease costs typical of brick-and-mortar enrichment businesses. Partnerships with organizations including Girl Scouts and Boys and Girls Clubs extend territory reach beyond school-only relationships. For those considering whether to buy a Challenge Island franchise, the brand’s multi-venue delivery model creates opportunities across schools, nonprofits and community organizations within a single territory.

Challenge Island Franchise Costs & Information

Based on 2024 data reported in the 2025 FDD

  • Brand Profile

    • Year Founded

      2003

    • Franchising Since

      2013

    • New Startup Cost

      $58,465 – $74,050

    • Avg. Resale Price

      Contact us for details

  • Franchise Fees

    • Initial franchise Fee

      $49,900

      for new territories

    • Transfer Fee

      15%

      of the then-current initial franchise fee

    • Royalty Fee

      7%

      of Gross Revenue

    • Marketing Fee

      2%

      of Gross Sales

  • Unit Performance

    • Total Units *

      197

    • New Units Opened *

      20

    • Units Transferred *

      3

    • Avg. Unit revenue *

      Not Disclosed

    * Based on 2024 data reported in the 2025 FDD

Challenge Island – Additional  Information

  1. Training & Support

    Challenge Island provides 24 hours of initial classroom training in Atlanta or virtually, with up to three attendees covered in the franchise fee. Training covers curriculum delivery, business operations, marketing and the Franchise Management Tool (FMT) required for operations and reporting. Ongoing support includes a corporate team with a dedicated Chief of Support, continuous lesson plan updates, national marketing tools, and the Owners Tribe peer network of franchisees. Resale buyers should confirm with Challenge Island what transfer training and FMT system access are available to incoming owners.

  2. Ideal Owner

    Challenge Island suits candidates who enjoy working with children and are committed to building relationships within local school and community networks. The role centers on delivering or overseeing program sessions, selling into schools, libraries and nonprofit organizations, and managing part-time instructors as the business grows. A teaching or child-development background is useful but not required; more important is comfort with community outreach, active local sales and the coordination of regular program delivery across multiple client venues.

  3. Recognition & Awards

    Challenge Island has appeared on Entrepreneur Magazine's Franchise 500 list for nine consecutive years through 2026, earning additional 2025 and 2024 Game Changers Awards and annual Parents Picks Awards. In 2024, the brand ranked #54 in Top Franchises for Less Than $100K, #20 in Top Franchises for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, and #137 in Fastest Growing Franchises. The brand has earned the Parents Picks Award for Best Educational Program in the World and Frantastic 500 recognition across multiple years, and was chosen by the International Franchise Association to represent the children's enrichment sector in a prominent feature campaign.

  4. Industry / Market

    The US STEAM education market is projected to reach approximately $54.5 billion by 2034, growing at around 11.5% annually, according to industry research. Demand is driven by parents seeking structured, screen-free enrichment that builds critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Dual-income families, growing awareness of the STEM skills gap and expanded school enrichment budgets contribute to sustained interest in quality after-school programming. For resale buyers, local school relationships and community visibility are key factors in territory performance.

Learn more about
how to own a Challenge Island franchise resale

Please fill out the form below and a Franchise Flippers expert will be in touch with you shortly.

The Franchise Brand Index

This page is part of Franchise Flippers’ independent franchise Index, designed as an educational resource to help potential buyers explore the franchise resale market and compare brands.

Trademark & Affiliation Disclaimer

This website is an independent, informational resource. All trademarks, logos, and brand names displayed are the property of their respective owners and are used solely for identification and educational purposes. Their use does not imply any affiliation with, endorsement by, or sponsorship from the respective trademark holders.