The Goddard School®
What Is The Goddard School?
The Goddard School is a franchise in the Children's Services category offering franchised schools that provide preschool programs and childcare. The operational model is brick-and-mortar, licensed Schools—typically about 10,500 to 12,500 square feet and ordinarily open weekdays (e.g., 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.) with on-site full-time directors and trained staff. It serves individual consumers, primarily families (including those where parents work outside the home), and the core service bundle is academically endorsed, age-tiered preschool programs and care for children from approximately 6 weeks to 10 years of age.
The Goddard School Franchise: Pros and Cons
With 642 total outlets — placing it in the top 5% for children's services and offering strong brand recognition and operating examples — the franchise still poses a major financial risk, requiring a minimum Item 7 fee of $205,000 plus $444,000 in minimum assets and reserve requirements starting at $100,000.
Pros
Cons
Lawsuits & Legal Risk
The franchise reported no material legal proceedings.
Territory Protection
Grants a protected operating area where the franchisor will not place other physical units. The franchisor retains rights to sell via e-commerce and alternative distribution channels, operate under different trademarks and retail venues, acquire and convert units, and conditions protection on performance contingencies (including quotas); the franchisee may relocate.
Training & Support
The Goddard School provides a robust 92-hour training curriculum designed to prepare two managerial staff members for launch. The program includes on-site launch support for operational readiness; franchisees are responsible for travel and living expenses, and on-site support incurs an additional cost.
Unit Growth Analysis
This franchise is growing but decelerating: units rose from 575 (2022) to 642 (2025), a net +67 units (+11.7% cumulative), with YoY growth of ~4.0% (2022–23), ~4.8% (2023–24) and 2.4% (2024–25). For investors this indicates generally healthy expansion (including +15 net units in the most recent year) but the drop from 4.8% to 2.4% is a notable slowdown that warrants checking for pipeline, market saturation, or operational constraints before assuming continued robust growth.
How Much Does It Cost to Open a The Goddard School Franchise?
Opening a The Goddard School franchise requires a total initial investment of $753,750 to $1,363,000, according to the 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document. This range covers the franchise fee, real estate, equipment, training, and initial working capital needed to launch and operate through the early months.
Minimum Investment
Maximum Investment
Minimum Investment Breakdown
Maximum Investment Breakdown
Investment Analysis
This investment analysis is coming soon. Have ideas for other analyses you'd like us to add? Get in touch.
The initial investment amounts shown are estimates only. Actual costs may vary based on location size, business model, and multi-unit ownership arrangements. We recommend reviewing the full Franchise Disclosure Document for complete details.
How Much Do The Goddard School Franchise Owners Make?
The Goddard School franchise locations reported average gross sales of $2,417,129 and median gross sales of $2,267,646 in 2025, based on financial performance data disclosed in Item 19 of the Franchise Disclosure Document.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to open a The Goddard School franchise?
The total initial investment for a The Goddard School franchise ranges from $753,750 to $1,363,000, according to the 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document. This includes the franchise fee, real estate, equipment, training, and working capital.
What is the The Goddard School initial franchise fee?
The initial franchise fee for The Goddard School is $135,000, as stated in the 2025 FDD. This fee is paid upon signing the Franchise Agreement.
How much do The Goddard School franchise owners make?
The Goddard School franchise locations reported average gross sales of $2,417,129 and median gross sales of $2,267,646 in 2025, based on Item 19 of the Franchise Disclosure Document. Actual earnings vary by location, market, and operator experience.
Does The Goddard School have any franchise lawsuits or legal issues?
The Goddard School received a legal risk score of 100 out of 100 in the 2025 FDD analysis. The franchise reported no material legal proceedings.
Does The Goddard School offer exclusive franchise territories?
The Goddard School received a territory protection score of 50 out of 100. Grants a protected operating area where the franchisor will not place other physical units.
What training does The Goddard School provide to new franchisees?
The Goddard School received a training and support score of 56 out of 100. The Goddard School provides a robust 92-hour training curriculum designed to prepare two managerial staff members for launch.
How many The Goddard School franchise locations are there?
The Goddard School had 642 total locations as of the 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document.
What type of business is The Goddard School?
The Goddard School is a franchise in the Children's Services category offering franchised schools that provide preschool programs and childcare.
Interested in The Goddard School?
Get more information and connect with the franchise directly.