Neighborhood Language School

Parents of children, adult learners, professionals needing a language for work, and sometimes local employers.

Tuition per term or month for group classes, plus higher-priced private lessons. Revenue grows with more classes and teachers.

• Teaching and curriculum planning
• Managing and scheduling part-time teachers
• Marketing and customer service

• Check whether your state requires private school or postsecondary school licensing or registration (rules differ widely, especially for adult programs)
• Check local zoning and any certificate of occupancy for a school use
• Background checks for staff who work with children, as required by your state
• General liability insurance, and workers' compensation once you hire
• Lease commitments are a real risk if enrollment is slow

Startup costs are typically around $8,000 to $40,000, depending on your premises, classroom setup, teaching materials and lease deposit. These are estimates, so get local quotes for space and furnishings before planning.

Monthly revenue is typically around $3,000 to $15,000, depending on enrollment, how many classes you run and your fees. The estimate assumes at least 30 hours of work a week. Slow enrollment is a real risk with a lease.

Check whether your state requires private school or postsecondary licensing or registration, as rules differ widely. Also check local zoning, any certificate of occupancy for school use, staff background checks, and insurance.