School of Rock is a music education franchise offering performance-based guitar, bass, keyboard, and drum lessons for students of various ages and skill levels. The company combines private instruction with ensemble performance opportunities to develop musical proficiency and confidence.
Canton, MA · Founded 2004 · Franchising since 2005 · schoolofrock.com →
The School of Rock franchise requires a total investment of $30K – $30K with a 8.0% royalty fee in the Education & Tutoring category. This report analyzes the full Franchise Disclosure Document including unit economics, fee structure, growth trends, and risk indicators to help you evaluate the cost of investing in School of Rock.
Critical issues identified from FDD analysis that warrant serious consideration before investing.
Composite quality score based on growth, stability, efficiency, fees, transparency, and system size.
Estimated initial investment range as disclosed in the most recent FDD.
Related Franchise Investments:
| Line Item | Low Estimate | High Estimate |
|---|---|---|
| Franchise Fee | $29,950 | $29,950 |
| Total | $29,950 | $29,950 |
Financial performance data as disclosed in FDD Item 19.
| Metric | Value | Unit | Cohort | Period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average Annual Total Sales | $925,351 | USD | Company-Owned | 2024 |
| # and % of Schools At or Above Average Total Sales | 0.0 | COUNT | Company-Owned | 2024 |
| Median Annual Total Sales | $824,785 | USD | Company-Owned | 2024 |
| Highest Annual Total Sales | $1,894,803 | USD | Company-Owned | 2024 |
| Lowest Annual Total Sales | $268,332 | USD | Company-Owned | 2024 |
| Average Annual Total Sales | $672,488 | USD | Franchised | 2024 |
| # and % of Schools At or Above Average Total Sales | 0.0 | COUNT | Franchised | 2024 |
| Median Annual Total Sales | $640,486 | USD | Franchised | 2024 |
| Highest Annual Total Sales | $2,091,171 | USD | Franchised | 2024 |
| Lowest Annual Total Sales | $173,015 | USD | Franchised | 2024 |
| Metric | Value | Unit | Cohort | Period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total Sales (1) | $925,351 | USD | -- | 2024 |
| % of Total Sales | 100.0% | PCT | -- | 2024 |
| Number and Percentage of Schools At or Above Average | 0.0 | COUNT | -- | 2024 |
| Median (Annual) | $824,785 | USD | -- | 2024 |
| Cost of Sales (2) | $327,300 | USD | -- | 2024 |
| % of Total Sales | 35.4% | PCT | -- | 2024 |
| Number and Percentage of Schools At or Above Average | 0.0 | COUNT | -- | 2024 |
| Median (Annual) | $309,140 | USD | -- | 2024 |
| Gross Profit (3) | $598,051 | USD | -- | 2024 |
| % of Total Sales | 64.6% | PCT | -- | 2024 |
| Number and Percentage of Schools At or Above Average | 0.0 | COUNT | -- | 2024 |
| Median (Annual) | $508,704 | USD | -- | 2024 |
| Management Labor (5) | $105,662 | USD | -- | 2024 |
| % of Total Sales | 11.4% | PCT | -- | 2024 |
| Number and Percentage of Schools At or Above Average | 0.0 | COUNT | -- | 2024 |
| Median (Annual) | $99,569 | USD | -- | 2024 |
| Admin Labor (6) | $40,524 | USD | -- | 2024 |
| % of Total Sales | 4.4% | PCT | -- | 2024 |
| Number and Percentage of Schools At or Above Average | 0.0 | COUNT | -- | 2024 |
| Median (Annual) | $37,745 | USD | -- | 2024 |
| Rent (7) | $93,259 | USD | -- | 2024 |
| % of Total Sales | 10.1% | PCT | -- | 2024 |
| Number and Percentage of Schools At or Above Average | 0.0 | COUNT | -- | 2024 |
| Median (Annual) | $91,349 | USD | -- | 2024 |
| Marketing Expenses (8) | $33,969 | USD | -- | 2024 |
| % of Total Sales | 3.7% | PCT | -- | 2024 |
| Number and Percentage of Schools At or Above Average | 0.0 | COUNT | -- | 2024 |
| Median (Annual) | $31,292 | USD | -- | 2024 |
| IT Fees (9) | $4,141 | USD | -- | 2024 |
| % of Total Sales | 0.4% | PCT | -- | 2024 |
| Number and Percentage of Schools At or Above Average | 0.0 | COUNT | -- | 2024 |
| Median (Annual) | $4,141 | USD | -- | 2024 |
| Imputed Royalties (10) | $74,028 | USD | -- | 2024 |
| % of Total Sales | 8.0% | PCT | -- | 2024 |
| Number and Percentage of Schools At or Above Average | 0.0 | COUNT | -- | 2024 |
| Median (Annual) | $65,983 | USD | -- | 2024 |
| Other Expenses (11) | $39,375 | USD | -- | 2024 |
| % of Total Sales | 4.3% | PCT | -- | 2024 |
| Number and Percentage of Schools At or Above Average | 0.0 | COUNT | -- | 2024 |
| Median (Annual) | $40,259 | USD | -- | 2024 |
| Total Expenses (12) | $390,958 | USD | -- | 2024 |
| % of Total Sales | 42.2% | PCT | -- | 2024 |
| Number and Percentage of Schools At or Above Average | 0.0 | COUNT | -- | 2024 |
| Median (Annual) | $366,856 | USD | -- | 2024 |
| Net Operating Income (13) | $207,093 | USD | -- | 2024 |
| % of Total Sales | 22.4% | PCT | -- | 2024 |
| Number and Percentage of Schools At or Above Average | 0.0 | COUNT | -- | 2024 |
| Median (Annual) | $147,522 | USD | -- | 2024 |
| Metric | Value | Unit | Cohort | Period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average Enrollment | 215.0 | COUNT | Company-Owned | December 31, 2024 |
| Number and Percentage of Schools At or Above Average Enrollment | 0.0 | COUNT | Company-Owned | December 31, 2024 |
| Median Enrollment | 197.0 | COUNT | Company-Owned | December 31, 2024 |
| Highest Enrollment | 402.0 | COUNT | Company-Owned | December 31, 2024 |
| Lowest Enrollment | 91.0 | COUNT | Company-Owned | December 31, 2024 |
| Average Enrollment | 180.0 | COUNT | Franchised | December 31, 2024 |
| Number and Percentage of Schools At or Above Average Enrollment | 0.0 | COUNT | Franchised | December 31, 2024 |
| Median Enrollment | 173.0 | COUNT | Franchised | December 31, 2024 |
| Highest Enrollment | 448.0 | COUNT | Franchised | December 31, 2024 |
| Lowest Enrollment | 69.0 | COUNT | Franchised | December 31, 2024 |
Based on financial performance data disclosed in Item 19 of the FDD.
| Line Item | Amount | % of Revenue |
|---|---|---|
| Gross Revenue | $858,602 | 100% |
| COGS | $-0 | 0% |
| Labor | $-135,659 | 15.8% |
| Occupancy | $-86,719 | 10.1% |
| Marketing | $-31,768 | 3.7% |
| Other Costs | $-412,129 | 48.0% |
| Owner's Profit | $192,327 | 22.4% |
Model your personal financial scenario by adjusting the assumptions below.
Automated risk indicators based on FDD data analysis.
Franchise unit trajectory based on FDD Item 20 data.
| Year | Start | Opened | Closed | Transferred | End | Closure Rate | Net Growth |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 199 | +17 | -- | 4 | 211 | -- | -- |
| 2023 | 211 | +25 | -- | 1 | 234 | -- | -- |
| 2024 | 234 | +24 | -1 | 3 | 254 | 0.4% | -- |
| 2025 | -- | +32 | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- |
How School of Rock compares to peer brands in the Education & Tutoring category.
Ratio = Investment midpoint ÷ median annual revenue. Lower is better. A 0.5x ratio means the initial investment equals half of one year's gross revenue. Does not account for operating costs, margins, or time value of money.
| Brand | Total Units | Investment Range | Median Revenue | Royalty | Inv/Rev Ratio |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kumon | 1671 | $73K – $165K | No Item 19 | 30.0% | -- |
| Sylvan Learning | 478 | $98K – $200K | $842K | 11.0% | 0.2x |
| Huntington Learning Center | 259 | $159K – $298K | $590K | 9.5% | 0.4x |
| Goldfish Swim School | 177 | $1.66M – $3.75M | $2.15M | 6.0% | 1.3x |
| Code Ninjas | -- | $150K – $378K | $695K | 8.0% | 0.4x |
| Snapology | -- | $95K – $138K | $212K | 7.0% | 0.6x |
| School of Rock | -- | $30K – $30K | $925K | 8.0% | 0.0x |
| Bach to Rock | -- | $254K – $544K | $583K | 7.0% | 0.7x |
| JEI Learning Centers | -- | $65K – $115K | No Item 19 | -- | -- |
| ABRAKADOODLE | -- | $39K – $65K | $739K | 8.0% | 0.1x |
Performance-based music schools with a rock music program. The schools offer individual music lessons, group rehearsals, and performance experience where students play in ensembles and perform in front of live audiences at real rock venues.
Franchisees receive a limited protected territory. The franchisor will not establish or operate, nor license any other person to establish or operate, a School under the System and Proprietary Marks at any location within the Territory. The size varies based on population density.
None disclosed for the franchisor. One concluded landlord/tenant dispute involving the parent company (SOR Parent) was settled in 2021 for $35,000. Several affiliates (Arby's and Dunkin') settled 'no-poaching' and data privacy actions with various state attorneys general.
Audited financial statements from the franchisor's FDD (Item 21). These show the financial health of the franchisor entity, not individual franchise units.
| 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total Revenue | $14,640,520 | $19,356,278 | $22,832,323 | $26,136,563 |
| Royalty Revenue | $10,366,008 | $14,230,498 | $12,370,536 | $13,788,868 |
| Franchise Fee Revenue | $1,275,246 | $1,546,324 | $1,719,374 | $1,640,073 |
| Total Expenses | $13,879,790 | $18,274,674 | $17,387,937 | $15,482,936 |
| Operating Income | $760,730 | $1,081,604 | $5,444,386 | $10,653,627 |
| Net Income | $760,730 | $1,084,154 | $5,444,386 | $10,653,627 |
| 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total Assets | $7,215,595 | $8,586,849 | $9,067,259 | $10,748,479 |
| Total Liabilities | $6,835,445 | $7,122,545 | $7,158,569 | $8,186,162 |
| Total Equity | $380,150 | $1,464,304 | $1,908,690 | $2,562,317 |
| Cash & Equivalents | $2,362,775 | $224,630 | $443,518 | $743,592 |
| Current Ratio | 3.42x | 3.73x | 5.02x | 6.92x |
| Debt-to-Equity | 17.98x | 4.86x | 3.75x | 3.19x |
| 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Operating | $570,355 | ($2,138,145) | $5,218,888 | $10,300,074 |
| Investing | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Financing | $0 | $0 | ($5,000,000) | ($10,000,000) |
| Net Change | $570,355 | ($2,138,145) | $218,888 | $300,074 |
Key terms extracted from FDD Items 8-18. Click each section to expand.
Franchisor Financing Available: False
Details: The franchisor does not offer direct or indirect financing and does not guarantee any franchisee notes, leases, or obligations.
Pre Opening Assistance:
Ongoing Assistance:
Training Program:
Initial Training Hours: Approximately 24.25 classroom hours for Management and 10.67 classroom hours for Music Directors
Location: Glen Ellyn, Illinois (Week 5 of Management) and Remote Delivery (Weeks 1-4 and Music Director curriculum)
Description: Blended learning approach including instructor-led training, self-paced homework, and asynchronous online group learning. Management training lasts 5 weeks; Music Director training lasts 4 weeks.
Exclusive Territory: False
Territory Description: A designated 'Territory' with limited protected rights based on population density, ranging from city blocks in urban areas to townships in suburban areas.
Can Franchisor Compete: True
Online Sales Rights: Franchisees are prohibited from offering, selling, or advertising products/services on the Internet without prior approval. Franchisor retains all rights to use the marks for online sales and distribution.
Key marks include 'SCHOOL OF ROCK', 'SCHOOL OF ROCK ROOKIES', 'SONGFIRST', 'SCHOOL OF ROCK ONLINE', and 'SCHOOL OF ROCK METHOD'. Marks are owned by SOR Parent and licensed to the franchisor.
SOR Parent owns utility patents for the 'Method Engine' (U.S. Patent Nos. 10,891,872; 12,165,534; and 12,165,535). Copyrights are asserted over method books and musical curricula. Licensing agreements exist with ASCAP, SESAC, BMI, and GMR.
The franchisee (or at least one owner) or a designated General Manager must devote full-time and best efforts to the management and operation of the School and be on-premises during peak hours.
Franchisees must sell only approved products, merchandise, and services at retail. Wholesale or resale is prohibited. Franchisor may establish minimum and maximum prices.
Term Length Years: 10 years
Renewal Conditions: Three successor terms of 5 years each. Conditions include timely notice, renovation of premises, no defaults, signing the then-current agreement, and paying a renewal fee (1/3 of then-current initial fee).
Termination For Cause Conditions:
Transfer Conditions: Prior written consent required. Conditions include payment of a transfer fee (1/3 of then-current initial fee for 50%+ interest), general release, and transferee meeting qualifications.
Non Compete Post Termination:
Duration: 2 years
Radius: The Territory, 10 miles from the Approved Location, or 10 miles from any School of Rock Business
Scope: Prohibited from owning, operating, or assisting any business substantially similar to a School of Rock or offering similar music instruction/performance services.
None
Required Suppliers:
Purchasing Cooperatives: None
Notes: Franchisees must purchase all products and services for which standards are established solely from approved suppliers. Franchisor receives commissions on GearSelect merchandise sales.
Franchisees are obligated to handle site selection, development, training, fee payments, compliance with operating manuals, trademark usage, insurance, advertising, and personal participation in operations. Detailed references are provided for both Franchise and Development Agreements.
SBA 7(a) loan approvals for School of Rock franchisees from the SBA FOIA public dataset. Lenders report franchise codes at origination — this is real lending activity, not estimates.
Source: SBA FOIA 7(a) public data. Franchise codes matched by brand name. Not all SBA loans are captured; some franchisees finance without SBA programs.
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