Sell Your School.
A deliberate, confidential process for owners who have spent decades building a school worth preserving.
Selling a preschool or private school in California.
If you own a preschool, child development center, child care facility, or independent private school in California and are considering a sale within the next one to three years, we work with owners like you every day. School Brokers, Inc. is a California-licensed brokerage (DRE # 02443413) that specializes exclusively in the confidential sale of early childhood and private-school businesses throughout the state — from Los Angeles and Orange County through the Bay Area, San Diego, Sacramento, and the Central Valley.
The owners we work with
Most of our sellers are owner-operators of Title 22-licensed single-site preschools, small multi-site operators of three to twelve centers, and independent private K–8 schools. Trailing-twelve-month revenue typically falls between $500,000 and $10 million, with a credentialed site administrator in place and three or more years of stable enrollment history. You do not need to have made the final decision to sell to have the first conversation — most of our engagements begin twelve to twenty-four months before an actual listing.
What a complimentary preliminary valuation covers
Our complimentary valuation looks at the four factors that most consistently move the final sale price of a California preschool: trailing enrollment consistency, normalized seller discretionary earnings, staff tenure and administrator credentials, and the structure of the underlying real estate or lease. You will receive a defensible preliminary value range, a short written summary of what drives it, and a candid conversation about what moves the number up or down before you go to market. For a deeper look at how private schools are priced, see How Private Schools Are Actually Valued.
Confidentiality from the first conversation
Nothing is shared with anyone outside our firm without your written authorization — not your staff, your families, your landlord, or your competitors. Public listings are blind. Every prospective buyer signs a non-disclosure agreement and clears a financial pre-qualification before any school-identifying information is released. See how we structure confidentiality during a sale for the full framework. If you’re beginning to think about selling but have not yet committed, our 24-month pre-sale framework is the right place to start.
How a sale works at our firm.
Most owners we represent began conversations with us several months before going to market. Our process is unhurried, and every step is structured to protect the value of what you have built.
Confidential Consultation
Every engagement begins with a private conversation to understand your school, your objectives, and your desired timeline. There is no obligation, and every discussion remains strictly confidential.
Valuation & Sale Strategy
We prepare a comprehensive valuation and develop a customized strategy for bringing your school to market. Pricing, positioning, timing, and transition planning are carefully considered before marketing begins.
Confidential Market Preparation
We prepare professional marketing materials that highlight your school's strengths while protecting its identity. Listings are published discreetly, with all identifying information withheld.
Qualified Buyer Outreach
Your opportunity is introduced confidentially to qualified Buyers through our private network and broader market. Every prospective Buyer is financially vetted, pre-screened, and required to execute a Non-Disclosure Agreement before confidential information is shared.
Offer Review & Due Diligence
We present and negotiate every offer on your behalf, working to achieve the strongest overall outcome. Once an offer is accepted, the Buyer conducts a confidential review of the school's financial, operational, and licensing records before deciding to proceed.
Escrow & Licensing Coordination
Following the successful completion of due diligence, escrow is opened and the transaction enters its final phase. We coordinate with escrow, attorneys, landlords, lenders, and licensing agencies while guiding the Buyer through the licensing process.
Closing of Escrow
As all conditions are satisfied, we oversee the final steps leading to the successful close of escrow. Throughout the process, we keep all parties informed and focused on a smooth and timely completion.
Transition Support
Our involvement doesn't end at closing. We assist both Buyer and Seller during the ownership transition, helping ensure continuity for staff, families, and the educational community while supporting a seamless transfer of operations.
Confidentiality is the foundation of every transaction we manage. We understand that protecting your relationships with staff, families, and the broader community is just as important as achieving the right outcome.
From blind listings and pre-qualified Buyers to Non-Disclosure Agreements, private showings, and carefully managed communications, every stage of our process is designed to safeguard your school's identity. As a result, most of our transactions are completed without staff or families learning of the sale until the new owner is formally introduced after closing.
Request your confidential preliminary valuation.
Provide a few details about your school, and one of our senior advisors will prepare a complimentary preliminary valuation. Every request is handled in strict confidence. We never contact your staff, families, landlord, or any third party without your written authorization. Complimentary. Confidential. No obligation.