Birmingham's Goldfish Swim School Plans 100 Franchises by 2024‬‬‬

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The husband-and-wife team of Chris and Jenny McCuiston, founders and owners of Birmingham-based Goldfish Swim School, are opening their 29th location in Canton Township next month, with plans to expand the franchise network to 100 units by 2024.

“Parents have really embraced our concept of helping kids develop their swimming skills in a fun, bright, and comfortable environment,” Jenny McCuiston says.

The schools, founded in 2006 with a location in Birmingham, are open or in development throughout Michigan, Massachusetts, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Texas, and New Jersey. The new school in Canton Township will open May 18 at 225 Sheldon Rd.

All Goldfish schools keep the pool temperature at 90 degrees, and the water is no more than four and a half feet deep. The schools, decorated with bright colors, faux palm trees, and animal murals, offer classes for children between the ages of 4 months to 12 years.

Revenue for the company totaled $21 million last year. Franchises in Michigan include Ann Arbor, Clarkston, Farmington Hills, Grand Rapids, Macomb Township, and Okemos. Each school requires a $1.5 million investment.

Membership rates and class prices vary from location to location, for example, a year membership at the Canton Goldfish Swim School costs $985.