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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Start the Process to Become a Goldfish Franchisee!
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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.
Start Your Ownership JourneyExceptional 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
$2.1MProfit Before Other Expenses
~$700KPayback
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.
Download The Franchise GuideFor 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.
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.
Multi-unit owners benefit from:
- 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
“Six years later, we’re not just business owners — we’re community leaders in water safety education.” — Amy Strozier, Franchise Owner
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
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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