Safari Kid Franchise

Shahdokht “Shy” Mudakavi opened the first Safari Kid preschool in Newark, California, in 2005. The company added an after-school enrichment program in Northern California in 2009. Its published history describes subsequent expansion into Canada and India, followed in 2020 by expansion of its private school program to include first and second grade. These milestones show the development from one preschool into a broader education brand.

Shy Mudakavi remains identified as founder and chief executive officer, with Deepak Mudakavi as co-founder and chief financial officer. The leadership team also includes dedicated roles in operations, curriculum design, learning and development, marketing, and enrollment and training. This brings educational program development and the business of operating schools into the same organization.

Safari Kid’s curriculum emphasizes the whole child and adjusts learning to developmental abilities. Its published program menu includes early childhood stages, kindergarten, after-school learning and summer camps, with school-age offerings at participating locations. The approach blends established educational philosophies with play-based activities and STREAM: science, technology, reading, engineering, art and mathematics.

The U.S. preschool investment information reviewed for this profile on October 4, 2026 listed $523,900–$2,167,000, including a $70,000 franchise fee and a separate $30,000 pre-opening services fee. These retained figures describe that U.S. offering; separate international and on-premise arrangements should not be combined with it.

Safari Kid’s U.S. franchise FAQ describes training beginning with startup and operating manuals, followed by observations at its Newark, California corporate location and nearby centers. Initial topics include school culture, curriculum, licensing, operations and finance. A further session focuses on preschool developmental stages and the after-school program, alongside staffing, human resources, marketing and public relations. Owners and directors are encouraged to participate.

Before opening, the company advertises demographic analysis and introductions to real estate brokers, plus guidance on letters of intent, zoning, leases and architectural plans. Construction assistance includes reviewing contractor bids, budgets and playground equipment choices. Licensing support is also described. The owner remains responsible for locating the premises and obtaining independent legal advice for the real estate transaction.

Launch support includes local marketing planning, publicity and digital tools such as location websites and enrollment relationship-management systems. After opening, Safari Kid describes ongoing in-person and virtual training across business functions, operational systems and business coaching. Its curriculum specialists provide continuing teacher training as educational materials develop. This separates preparation for opening from the continuing work of developing staff, communicating with families and maintaining the school’s programs.

Safari Kid offers an education concept with several stages of learning rather than a single classroom activity. Its mix of academic, creative and social development gives an owner a clear educational approach to explain to families. The broader program menu can also provide ways to serve changing needs as children grow, depending on the programs offered at the local school.

The opportunity fits someone who wants to lead a people-centered business. Recruiting a capable director, supporting teachers and communicating clearly with parents are important ways an owner can contribute. A well-run center depends on the quality of those relationships as much as the physical learning environment. For an owner motivated by early education, the practical appeal is the combination of a developed curriculum, an established brand history and support for the operational work behind a local school.

For questions about local demand, staffing, program requirements and working capital, use our children’s franchise buyer guide alongside the documents for this opportunity.