Starz Program

Founded in 2005 by Sophia Z. Wastler, Starz Program is a children’s fitness enrichment company that partners with schools to deliver classes on-site during the school day. After more than a decade refining its curriculum and school-partnership model, Starz began franchising in 2017.

The system now spans six program types, including an Enriched Flow yoga curriculum added in 2023. Starz handles equipment, payments, and enrollment — schools only provide space. The company is a VetFran member, and its multi-program catalog distinguishes it from single-class enrichment competitors.

Why Own a Starz Program Franchise?

• Home-based and mobile — no storefront or build-out, so launch costs stay low and startup moves fast.
• Two revenue streams: recurring monthly parent-paid tuition plus hourly school-paid contracts create predictable income.
• Part-time hours let owners build the business around family, an existing career, or semi-retirement.
• Six program types give schools one trusted vendor — an edge single-class franchises cannot match.
• Multi-territory expansion is available once your first market is running, with growth paced on your terms.

Why This Opportunity, Why Now

ABF Market Analysis —

Youth enrichment is a $73 billion market with unusual durability: parents consistently cut other spending before their children’s activities, and Starz corporate locations lost under 10% of revenue even through the 2008 recession. The school-based delivery model also solves a real parent problem — no after-school driving — while giving schools a value-add that influences enrollment decisions. Multi-program breadth is the wedge: schools prefer one dependable vendor over juggling several.

ABF Timing Insight —

Starz pairs a curriculum refined since 2005 with an emerging franchise system: the first unit franchised in 2017, growth paused in 2020, and territory sales resumed in 2024. With 14 franchised and four company-owned units, most markets remain open — early buyers get first pick of school-dense territories. A 90-day royalty holiday eases the ramp-up while owners build their first school partnerships, and demand for convenient, on-site children’s programming continues to climb.

Training and Support

• Required online and in-person launch training covers business setup, classroom and curriculum guidance, and the back-end systems that handle billing and enrollment.
• Marketing and school-partnership support helps you approach, win, and retain the school relationships that drive enrollment growth.
• Hiring guidance covers recruiting, training, and building a teaching team as your classes fill and your schedule expands.
• Complete curriculum across all six programs — sports, dance, cheer, fitness, creative movement, and yoga — with seasonal lesson updates.
• Ongoing corporate support, an owner’s manual, marketing materials, and supplies continue well past launch, including guidance on hiring a manager when you’re ready.

Who Are We Looking For

• Organized self-starters who follow systems and keep commitments.
• Relationship builders comfortable approaching school directors.
• Owners passionate about children’s confidence and development.
• People seeking meaningful part-time work with room to grow.
• Veterans exploring ownership — Starz participates in VetFran.

Who Is Not A Good Fit

• Buyers wanting a fully passive investment from day one.
• Owners unwilling to personally build school relationships.
• Those seeking a storefront retail business with walk-in traffic.
• Buyers expecting full-time replacement income immediately.
• Anyone uncomfortable working around young children daily.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How much can I earn with a Starz Program franchise?
A: Earnings depend on school partnerships and enrollment. Parent-paid tuition starts at $65 per month per student, classes cap at 10 students (up to $650 per class, per month), and school-paid contracts start at $125 per hour. New owners typically enroll 80–100 students in their first year. The franchisor’s FDD includes an Item 19 with additional detail — review it during your evaluation.

Q: How much does it cost to open?
A: The franchise fee is $39,000, with a total investment of $42,000–$70,000 and $25,000 in liquid capital required. Royalty is 8%, with no royalty payments for your first 90 days.

Q: Do I need teaching or fitness experience?
A: No. Required training covers curriculum, in-classroom guidance, marketing, school partnerships, hiring, and operating the back-end systems — everything an owner needs to launch.

Q: Is Starz a semi-absentee franchise?
A: Yes. Starz allows semi-absentee and passive ownership, meaning you can launch and run the business while keeping a job or other obligations. The franchisor recommends staying hands-on until the business is operational — after that, corporate leadership can guide you in hiring and training a manager to run day-to-day operations.

Q: Why do schools choose Starz?
A: One vendor, six programs. Starz handles equipment, payments, and enrollment — schools only provide space. Parents view the on-site classes as a value-add, and some families ask whether Starz is offered before choosing a school.

Next Steps

If you are drawn to a semi-absentee, home-based business with recurring monthly tuition revenue, six enrichment programs that make you a school’s single trusted vendor, and a curriculum refined since 2005 in a recession-tested industry, Starz Program is worth a direct conversation. Complete the form below to request a qualification review and discuss territory availability for Starz Program.

This profile represents general franchise information. Individual results may vary. Refer to the Franchise Disclosure Document for complete details.