Become An Owner

Build Your Legacy with America’s #1 Swim School Franchise

Whether you’re opening your first school or expanding your portfolio, Goldfish Swim School is a family-owned company that offers unmatched brand strength, proven returns, and a mission that saves lives.

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Inc Entrepreneur Most-profitable Top-400
Goldfish Franchise Owners

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Goldfish Franchisee!

Become an owner

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Start with a Proven Model That Makes Waves

Goldfish Swim School gives you the opportunity to own a meaningful, profitable business built on family values and community impact.

With 350+ locations open or in development and over 11 million swim lessons taught annually, Goldfish is the market leader in children’s swim instruction — ranked the #1 Swim School Franchise for nine consecutive years by Entrepreneur, Franchise Times, Inc., and Franchise Business Review.

Whether you’re a first-time business owner or an experienced multi-unit operator, our proven systems, strong financial performance, and world-class support makes growing a thriving business that truly matters, possible.

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Exceptional Unit Economics — for Every Stage of Growth

Goldfish Swim School delivers the kind of results that attract both new entrepreneurs and seasoned multi-unit investors.

Average Performance (Schools Open 12+ Months):

Average Annual Gross Revenue

$2.1M

Profit Before Other Expenses

~$700K

Payback
Period

12–14 mo

Goldfish offers a recession-resistant model built on essential life skills — a foundation that allows owners to scale confidently and build generational value.

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For First-Time Owners

Build a Business That Fits Your Life and Your Community

You don’t need prior swim or franchise experience — just a passion for business and making a difference. Goldfish offers the training, systems, and community support to help you launch successfully and achieve work-life balance.
Start with one school and grow when the time is right — many of our top-performing owners began exactly where you are today.

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First time owner
Multi unit investors

For Multi-Unit Investors

Scale Your Success with a Proven Multi-Unit Model

For experienced operators, Goldfish offers an unmatched opportunity to multiply results with a category-leading brand and operational playbook built for scale. In part, that’s why more than 75% of Goldfish Franchisees are multi-unit operators.

  • Shared staffing, marketing, and management efficiencies
  • Proven territory expansion strategy with brand leadership support
  • Subscription membership model can generate predictable cashflows
  • Access to exclusive, high-potential markets

World-Class Support to Help You Swim Further, Faster

From your first day as a franchisee, Goldfish provides comprehensive onboarding, training, and operational systems that set you up for long-term success.

Goldfish University™:

  • Owner and general manager training (classroom + in-school experience)
  • Full operational, staffing, and business management curriculum
  • Proprietary Science of SwimPlay® curriculum training

The Daily Dive and Technology Platforms:

  • Track KPIs and financial performance in real time
  • Access daily task prompts that drive profitability
  • Real-time data providing information and analytics about student progression
  • Keep employees on track and manage the team’s daily schedule and training remotely via the Goldfish app

Ongoing Support Includes:

  • Regional franchise consultants and site visits
  • National and local marketing guidance
  • Community engagement and brand development programs

A Business That Makes a Difference

Franchise owner
“Six years later, we’re not just business owners — we’re community leaders in water safety education.” — Amy Strozier, Franchise Owner
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Hear From Those Who Dove In

See how Goldfish owners are transforming their communities — and their lives — through franchise ownership.

Katie Lee – A Day in the Life of a Goldfish Owner

Greg DeRise & Anthony Pistilli – Multi-Unit Growth Story

Alex Tyler – Bi-Coastal Multi-Unit Owner

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What It Takes to Get Started

Goldfish Swim School offers an attainable investment range with strong ROI and flexible growth options.

  • Estimated Investment Range:
    $1.66M – $5.97M*
  • Recommended Liquid Capital:
    $1.5M+
  • Recommended Net Worth:
    $2.5M+
  • Multi-Unit Benefits:
    Economies of scale and shared operational costs

* See NY FDD for specifics in the state of NY

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