At a Glance: Key Differences
Data-driven observations based on disclosed figures. Not investment advice — verify current numbers in each franchise's FDD.
Detailed Analysis: School of Rock vs Kumon
According to FranchiseStack.ai's franchise database of 188+ FDD-sourced opportunities, School of Rock and Kumon are among the most-researched franchise comparisons. The choice comes down to your investment capacity, risk tolerance, and operational preferences. Both operate in the Education & Children sector, which means they compete for similar customers and territory. Kumon has a larger footprint, which typically translates to stronger brand recognition but potentially more territorial saturation.
From a capital perspective, Kumon has a lower entry point. However, initial investment alone doesn't determine ROI — ongoing royalties, revenue potential, and failure rates all factor into long-term returns. Kumon charges a lower royalty rate, which means more of your gross revenue stays in your pocket.
Franchisee satisfaction is one of the strongest predictors of long-term success. School of Rock leads with a 80/100 satisfaction score, indicating that existing owners are more positive about their decision. Before committing to either franchise, we recommend running both through our Financial Model tool to project personalized 5-year P&L scenarios. You should also review each franchise's complete Franchise Disclosure Document using our FDD Checker to understand litigation history, termination rates, and territory restrictions.
Investment & Fees
| Metric | School of Rock | Kumon |
|---|---|---|
| Min Investment | $248K | $67K |
| Max Investment | $514K | $146K |
| Franchise Fee | $50K | $2K |
| Royalty Rate | 7.0% | 0.0% |
| Ad Fund Rate | 2.0% | 0.0% |
Unit Economics
| Metric | School of Rock | Kumon |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Unit Revenue | $700K | $350K |
| Avg Profit Margin | N/A | N/A |
Scale & Growth
| Metric | School of Rock | Kumon |
|---|---|---|
| Total Units | 350 | 26,000 |
| Annual Growth | 6.0% | -0.5% |
| Failure Rate | 3.0% | 4.0% |
Franchisee Performance
| Metric | School of Rock | Kumon |
|---|---|---|
| Franchisee Satisfaction | 80/100 | 67/100 |
Track Record
| Metric | School of Rock | Kumon |
|---|---|---|
| Years in Business | 26 | 66 |
| Years Franchising | 17 | 46 |
Financial Requirements
| Metric | School of Rock | Kumon |
|---|---|---|
| Min Net Worth Required | $400K | $150K |
| Liquid Capital Required | $150K | $70K |
Operations
| Metric | School of Rock | Kumon |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Employees | 12 | 3 |
| Training Weeks | 3 | 2 |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is School of Rock or Kumon a better franchise investment?
The answer depends on your goals, budget, and market. School of Rock has 350 total units and a 80/100 franchisee satisfaction score. Kumon has 26,000 total units and a 67/100 franchisee satisfaction score. Use our ROI Calculator to model both scenarios.
How much does it cost to open a School of Rock franchise?
Based on data in our database, opening a School of Rock franchise requires an initial investment of $248K – $514K. The franchise fee is $50K, with ongoing royalties of 7.0%. Always request the current FDD for exact figures.
How much does it cost to open a Kumon franchise?
Based on data in our database, opening a Kumon franchise requires an initial investment of $67K – $146K. The franchise fee is $2K, with ongoing royalties of 0.0%. Always request the current FDD for exact figures.
What is the royalty rate for School of Rock vs Kumon?
School of Rock's royalty rate is 7.0%. Kumon's royalty rate is 0.0%. That means Kumon has the lower ongoing royalty burden.
Which has more locations — School of Rock or Kumon?
School of Rock has 350 total units. Kumon has 26,000 total units. A larger system can mean more brand recognition, but also more territorial competition.
Is School of Rock or Kumon semi-absentee friendly?
School of Rock is typically run as a owner-operator model. Kumon is typically run as a owner-operator model. If passive income is your goal, semi-absentee models let you hire a manager to run day-to-day operations.
Related Comparisons
Data sourced from franchise disclosure documents and public records. Investment ranges, royalty rates, and unit counts change — always request current FDD before making investment decisions. Last updated March 2026.
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