Is The Goddard School right for you?
Established Scale
665 franchised schools with consistent net unit growth of 15 to 29 locations per year from 2023 through 2025.
Financial Disclosure
the financial-performance disclosure reports actual 2025 gross revenue, payroll, occupancy, and EBITDA for 620 mature schools (open >18 months) and 37 new schools.
Defined Investment Range
Total initial investment estimated between $1,003,500 and $1,503,000 for a standard 10,000-12,500 square foot school.
About The Goddard School
The Goddard School is a franchise system of premium preschools serving children ages 6 weeks to 10 years. Founded in 1983 in Pennsylvania and franchised since 1988, the brand operates 665 locations across 37 states and the District of Columbia as of year-end 2025. All locations are franchised; the current franchisor entity, Goddard Franchisor LLC, assumed the role in 2022 following a securitization transaction.
Each Goddard School occupies a purpose-built or adapted facility of 10,000 to 12,500 square feet and delivers a proprietary, academically endorsed curriculum through licensed, state-regulated early-childhood programs. Schools are managed by an on-site owner-operator or designated operator supported by directors and staff. The model combines paid childcare with structured educational programming that emphasizes play-based learning, individualized progress tracking, and parent communication.
Goddard Systems, LLC (Goddard Manager) is the immediate predecessor and indirect parent of the franchisor; it offered Goddard School franchises from March 2002 to August 2022 and now provides support and services under a management agreement.
The business model
How a The Goddard School territory actually makes money at the unit level.
Initial Franchise Fee
Standard fee is $135,000. Existing franchisees in good standing may qualify for a reduced fee of $60,000 on an additional school; qualified veterans pay $115,000; buyers of an existing operating school pay $40,000.
Ongoing Fees
Royalty is 7 percent of gross receipts (reduced in year one for certain additional-school purchases). Marketing fund contribution is 4 percent of gross receipts. Monthly proprietary curriculum and technology fee is currently $700 plus applicable taxes.
Facility and Staffing
Schools require an on-site owner-operator or designated operator. State licensing, accreditation maintenance, and compliance with brand standards for curriculum delivery and health/safety are mandatory.
Supply Chain Control
Franchisees must purchase proprietary curriculum, software (Franchise Management System), furniture, fixtures, and specified equipment from the franchisor, affiliates, or approved suppliers. The franchisor may earn revenue on these sales.
Territory Structure
No exclusive territory is granted under the franchise agreement. A non-exclusive development area may be secured under a separate development agreement that includes a right of first refusal and performance schedule.
Unit Economics Disclosure
the financial-performance disclosure provides unaudited actual financial results for 657 schools as of December 31, 2025. Averages are referenced for mature schools; individual school data is presented in worksheet format within the the filed disclosures.
Quick facts
Initial franchise fee
$135,000
Total investment range
$1,003,500 to $1,503,000
Royalty
7.00% of gross revenue
Marketing fund
4.00% of gross revenue
Founded
1983
Headquarters
King of Prussia, PA
Active US franchisees
n/a
Total US units
n/a
Training & support
What the franchisor + parent platform provide. And what they don't.
What's provided
- +Initial training program for up to two individuals (franchisee/owner or designated on-site operator) included in the initial training and opening support fee.
- +Blend of online coursework, virtual sessions, live sessions, and in-person training delivered at corporate offices or another selected training site.
- +Training on proprietary programs, platforms, reporting systems, and use of proprietary curricular materials.
- +Ongoing advisory assistance for operations, local marketing and lead management, construction plan review, and township approval processes.
- +Opening promotion, brand development, public relations, and initial marketing support.
- +National, regional, and local marketing executed through the TGS Marketing Fund administered by the franchisor.
Honest disclosure: what's NOT provided
No initial training program is required to be provided for the designated on-site operator when adding a companion school, as trained individuals from the associated school provide oversight. No initial training is provided under renewal franchise agreements because the school is already operating.
Multi-unit growth path
Existing franchisees in good standing may open additional schools at a reduced initial license fee of $60,000. A separate development agreement can secure a non-exclusive development area with a defined schedule and right of first refusal on sites. Multi-unit operators must maintain performance standards across all locations and may incur additional training and transfer support fees when adding schools.
Capital + financing paths
Most operators use one of these four paths to fund the initial investment.
SBA Loan Programs
Franchisees may pursue SBA 7(a) or 504 loans. The brand appears on the SBA Franchise Registry, which can streamline lender review of franchise documents.
Veterans Discount
Qualified veterans receive a reduced initial franchise fee of $115,000 under the VetFran program.
Third-Party Lenders and Equipment Financing
Conventional bank loans, equipment leasing, and working-capital lines are commonly used to fund portions of the $1.0 million to $1.5 million investment range.
Real Estate Support Program
Participation in the franchisor's affiliate real-estate support program can structure project management fees and potentially assist with site development financing relationships.
Process timeline: inquiry → grand opening
Typical 12-16 week path from first call to launching your first customer route.
Preliminary Agreement
Sign preliminary agreement and pay $30,000 deposit. Background checks initiated.
Site Selection and Approval
Identify and secure location meeting demographic and brand criteria. Submit plans for franchisor review and approval.
Franchise Agreement Execution
Pay balance of initial franchise fee ($105,000), initial marketing fee, and other opening invoices.
Build-Out and Training
Complete construction or tenant improvements. Attend initial training program. Install furniture, equipment, and technology systems.
Pre-Opening Preparation
Hire and train staff, obtain state licenses and accreditation, implement marketing plan, and prepare for enrollment.
Grand Opening
Open the school and begin operations. Receive on-site opening support.
Ongoing Operations
Deliver curriculum, manage enrollment, submit reports, and participate in required quality assurance reviews.
Match assessment
Are you a The Goddard School match?
12 questions. Math-first. No high-pressure sales call afterwards. Just your match assessment and the reasoning behind it.
Start nowCommon questions
How much does a Goddard School franchise cost?
Total initial investment ranges from $1,003,500 to $1,503,000 according to the investment disclosure of the the filed disclosures. This includes a $135,000 initial franchise fee, build-out, equipment, marketing, training, and three months of working capital.
What is the Goddard School franchise fee?
The standard initial franchise fee is $135,000. Existing franchisees may qualify for $60,000 on an additional school, qualified veterans pay $115,000, and buyers of an existing school pay $40,000.
What royalties and marketing fees does The Goddard School charge?
Royalty is 7 percent of gross receipts. The TGS Marketing Fund fee is 4 percent of gross receipts. A monthly proprietary curriculum and technology fee is currently $700 plus taxes.
Does The Goddard School provide financial performance representations?
Yes. the financial-performance disclosure discloses unaudited actual gross revenue, operating expenses, and EBITDA for 620 mature schools and 37 new schools for the year ended December 31, 2025.
How many Goddard Schools are there?
There were 665 franchised schools in operation at year-end 2025. The system added a net 29 schools in 2023, 15 in 2024, and 23 in 2025.
Is territory exclusivity granted with a Goddard School franchise?
No exclusive territory is granted under the franchise agreement. A non-exclusive development area may be obtained under a separate development agreement that includes performance obligations.
What training and support does Goddard provide?
Initial training for up to two people is included in the opening support fee and delivered through online, virtual, and in-person sessions. Ongoing operational advisory, marketing fund management, and quality assurance visits are provided.
What is the typical size of a Goddard School facility?
Schools are typically 10,000 to 12,500 square feet. Larger facilities may be approved in special situations and will increase project costs.
How does The Goddard School compare to competitors like Kiddie Academy or Primrose Schools?
Goddard emphasizes an academically endorsed, play-based curriculum and requires an on-site owner-operator model. Investment ranges, royalty rates, and disclosed financial results differ; prospective franchisees should compare the respective FDDs directly.
Are multi-unit Goddard School franchises common?
Existing franchisees may open additional schools at a reduced fee. A development agreement can formalize a multi-unit schedule within a defined non-exclusive area.
Does Goddard offer financing or discounts for veterans?
Qualified veterans receive a reduced initial franchise fee of $115,000. The company does not offer direct financing but appears on the SBA Franchise Registry.
What are Goddard School franchisee reviews like?
Prospective buyers should review the most recent publicly filed disclosures, speak with current and former franchisees listed in the the filed disclosures, and evaluate the the financial-performance disclosure financial performance data for mature schools.
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