Eye Level Learning Centers Franchise
Audited FinancialsRisk Score
Pending analysis
Investment Range
$55,318 - $129,150
Franchise Fee
$5,000
Total US Locations
118
Business Summary
Eye Level Learning Center offers a franchise to operate a learning center specializing in mathematics and English programs for students from pre-school through high school. Eye Level Learning Centers provide proprietary educational services, teaching methods, and curricula for math, reading, and writing in English, focusing on self-directed learning and disciplined practice through instructional materials.
Corporate History
Daekyo America, Inc. was incorporated in California in November 1990, operating as the franchisor for Eye Level Learning Centers in the United States. Its parent company, Daekyo Co., Ltd. (DCL), was established in Seoul, South Korea in 1976 and has been operating and franchising learning centers globally since then. Daekyo America, Inc. began offering franchises for Eye Level Learning Centers in the United States in 1991. The company underwent corporate restructuring involving predecessors: Daekyo USA, Inc. offered franchises from 2003 to 2006, and Daekyo North America, Inc. offered them during 2007. In December 2007, these predecessors merged into Daekyo America, Inc., which became the sole surviving corporation for U.S. and Canadian franchises. From 1991 through August 2012, Daekyo America, Inc. operated its learning centers under the trade name "E.Nopi" before transitioning to "Eye Level" in August 2012, which is the English translation of E.Nopi, while maintaining substantially the same teaching methods and curricula.
Financial Overview
Investment Range
$55,318 - $129,150
Franchise Fee (Low)
$5,000
Franchise Fee (High)
$10,000
Equipment Costs (Low)
$24,000
Equipment Costs (High)
$59,000
Working Capital
$14,750
Audited Financials
Yes
Offers Financing
No
Audit Opinion
Unqualified opinion
Financial Health Notes
Daekyo America, Inc.'s financial statements are audited and received an unqualified opinion from its independent auditor, meaning the financial statements are presented fairly in all material respects. The company reported a net income of $150,189 for the year ended December 31, 2024, following losses of $736,204 in 2023 and $77,884 in 2022. The company maintains positive stockholders' equity. While the auditor's report does not raise a 'going concern' qualification, the notes to the financial statements indicate that Eye Level recognized full valuation allowances for deferred tax assets. This decision was based on management's assessment that it is more likely than not that the company will not realize the benefits of these deductible differences, despite having significant net operating loss carryforwards for federal income tax purposes.
Financing Details
Eye Level does not offer any direct or indirect financing to its franchisees. Daekyo America, Inc. also does not guarantee any franchisee's notes, leases, or other obligations.
Performance Metrics
Total US Locations
118
Franchised Units
118
Corporate Units
0
Avg Square Footage
1,050
Franchising Since
1991
Legal & Compliance Analysis
Recent Litigation
No
Bankruptcy
No
Litigation Count
3
Litigation Summary
Eye Level has had three administrative actions disclosed, all of which are historical and none are currently ongoing or recent. In March 2016, Eye Level entered into a Consent Order with the State of Washington's Securities Division for selling a franchise in 2013 after its registration expired, agreeing to cease and desist such violations. In January 1996, Eye Level entered into a Consent Order with the Maryland Securities Commissioner for violating the Maryland Franchise Law, agreeing to pursue registration and make rescission offers to affected franchisees, which were completed. A second Consent Order with the Maryland Securities Commissioner in February 2018 addressed further violations of the Maryland Franchise Law and the previous order, requiring Eye Level to cease and desist, reimburse former Maryland franchisees for initial fees, provide necessary notices, ensure officers responsible for sales complete a training program, and pay a $15,000 civil penalty. All required payments and notices under this second order have been made.
Bankruptcy History
Eye Level has no bankruptcy history to report. The FDD explicitly states that no bankruptcy is required to be disclosed in Item 4.
Agreement Terms
Initial Term
3 years
Renewal Term
5 years
Renewal Conditions
To renew their franchise agreement, Eye Level franchisees must maintain possession of their learning center premises or secure an acceptable substitute location. They are required to remodel and/or expand the learning center, and add or replace improvements and operating assets to comply with Eye Level's then-current standards for new centers, regardless of the cost. Franchisees must also sign Eye Level's then-current franchise agreement, which may contain materially different terms, and execute a general release of claims against the franchisor (if permitted by law). Additionally, franchisees must provide all requested documentation for renewal and ensure all student information is fully and accurately updated in the Key and Manager system.
Training & Support Program
Franchisor Assistance
Eye Level provides comprehensive support to its franchisees. Before opening, Eye Level helps with site selection criteria, approves the learning center's lease, provides mandatory and suggested specifications and layouts, identifies approved suppliers for operating assets and instructional materials, loans a confidential Operations Manual, advises on grand opening advertising, trains the franchisee and one manager-level employee, and assigns an Eye Level Learning Center microsite for marketing. During operation, Eye Level advises on various aspects, including standards, purchasing, advertising, and administrative procedures. It also provides ongoing training opportunities, issues and modifies System Standards, inspects centers, and permits the use of its confidential information and trademarks. Eye Level also manages a Brand Development Fund for advertising and marketing, offers optional Cooperative Advertising Programs, maintains a Franchise Advisory Council, and provides a Computer System and Eye Level email address. Franchisees are also required to set up a Google Business Profile with co-ownership from Eye Level.
Initial Training Hours
94
Training Location
Franchisor headquarters in NJ or online/virtual
Ongoing Support
After opening, Eye Level franchisees and their Center Directors are invited to complete Follow-Up Training, typically 6-12 months after the center opens. This training, lasting 6-8 hours, is conducted virtually and includes case studies and practical Q&A sessions. Eye Level also provides ongoing guidance on the learning center's operations based on franchisee reports or inspections, and offers direction on System Standards, purchasing, advertising, and administrative procedures through its Operations Manual, emails, phone consultations, and in-office visits. Franchisees are required to attend a minimum of four virtual Franchisee Meetings per calendar year. Eye Level maintains a Brand Development Fund for system-wide advertising, marketing, and public relations programs. Additional or special guidance and training are available upon request, subject to applicable charges. Franchisees also have access to the Key & Manager computer system for center management and receive support in setting up and co-managing their Google Business Profile.
Franchise Requirements
Ideal Candidate Profile
Eye Level seeks highly dedicated and hands-on franchisees. If an individual, the franchisee must devote full-time, which is defined as at least 30 hours per week, to being physically present at the learning center during all center sessions (a minimum of 12 hours over three days). Absentee ownership is not permitted. If the franchisee is an entity (corporation or LLC), this full-time commitment applies to the designated Operating Principal, who must also be an equity owner with authority to make operational decisions. The franchisor limits an entity to a maximum of three owners, all of whom must reside in the same state as the franchised location. Eye Level may also require at least one principal to hold a majority ownership stake. Both the franchisee (or Operating Principal) and the Center Director must satisfactorily complete the Foundational and Intensive training programs.
Industry Experience Required
No
Management Experience Required
No
Sales Experience Required
No
Technical Skills Required
No
Operational Details
Location Type
Retail
Owner Participation
Full-Time
Territory Type
Non-Exclusive
Territory Size Requirements
Eye Level Learning Centers do not receive an exclusive territory. Eye Level retains the right to establish, operate, and franchise Eye Level Learning Centers at any location, engage in other business activities under other trademarks (including competing ones), and establish alternative distribution channels (such as the Internet or mobile apps) without compensating the franchisee. Eye Level franchisees may accept students residing anywhere, as long as the enrolled children can be physically present at the Learning Center at least once per week. If there is a dispute regarding which Learning Center a student should attend, Eye Level retains unfettered discretion to make that determination. Franchisees may not target advertising to potential students in close vicinity of another Eye Level Center without prior written approval, nor may they advertise for students enrolled at other Eye Level Learning Centers to transfer to their own.
Staffing Notes
Eye Level franchisees are required to be hands-on, with individual owners or the Operating Principal of an entity devoting at least 30 hours per week to the learning center, including being physically present during all center sessions. Absentee ownership is not permitted. The Center Director, who may or may not be the Operating Principal and does not need an equity interest, must also complete the New Franchisee Training. To terminate the probationary period, at least two staff members (one English Instructor and one Math Instructor) must complete the franchisor's Instructor Support Program (ISP). Franchisees are responsible for conducting criminal background checks on all instructors aged 18 or older and must comply with all applicable laws and regulations related to working with children.