The Goddard School Franchise FDD, Profits & Costs (2025)
The Goddard School, founded in 1983, began franchising in 1988. It is headquartered in King of Prussia, Pennsylvania. Today, it has grown into a leading franchise in early childhood education, with locations across the United States.
The franchise is recognized for its commitment to providing safe, nurturing, and engaging learning environments for children. Its play-based educational program distinguishes it from competitors.
The Goddard School focuses on fostering emotional, social, intellectual, and physical development in children. This approach attracts parents and supports franchisees with strong brand recognition, real estate assistance, and ongoing operational support.
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Initial Investment
How much does it cost to start a The Goddard School franchise? It costs on average between $704,000 – $8,514,000 to start a The Goddard School franchised facility.
This includes costs for construction, equipment, inventory, and initial operating expenses. The exact amount depends on various factors, including the type of center you choose, the location, and whether the franchisee chooses to lease or purchase the property. Indeed, The Goddard School offers 4 types of franchises:
| Description | Initial Investment Range |
|---|---|
| School (If You Lease the School and Landlord Constructs the Improvements) | $902,500 – $1,309,000 |
| Satellite Location (If You Lease the School and Landlord Constructs the Improvements) | $703,750 – $1,083,250 |
| School (If You Purchase the Land and Build the School) | $5,182,500 – $8,514,000 |
| Satellite Location (If You Purchase the Land and Build the School) | $4,983,750 – $8,288,250 |
We are summarizing below the main costs associated with opening a The Goddard School(If You Purchase the Land and Build the School). For more information on costs required to start a The Goddard School franchise, refer to the Franchise Disclosure Document (Item 7).
| Type of Expenditure | School (10,500 – 12,500 sq ft) | Satellite Location (10,500 – 12,500 sq ft) |
|---|---|---|
| Initial License Fee | $135,000 | Not Applicable |
| Satellite Location Fee | Not Applicable | $30,000 |
| Initial Training and Opening Support Fee | $35,000 – $42,000 | $7,500 |
| Initial Marketing Fee | $55,000 – $75,000 | $15,000 |
| Site Development Fee | $35,000 | $8,750 |
| Background Check | $1,500 – $6,000 | $1,500 – $6,000 |
| Convention Deposit | $2,000 | $2,000 |
| Land Acquisition Cost | $600,000 – $1,400,000 | $600,000 – $1,400,000 |
| Building Construction and Site Work | $3,500,000 – $5,500,000 | $3,500,000 – $5,500,000 |
| Building Loan Finance Costs | $200,000 – $300,000 | $200,000 – $300,000 |
| Construction Manager | $0 – $50,000 | $0 – $50,000 |
| Environmental and Soil Testing | $0 – $5,000 | $0 – $5,000 |
| Furniture, Fixtures, and Equipment | $214,000 – $259,000 | $214,000 – $259,000 |
| Playground Equipment | $140,000 – $240,000 | $140,000 – $240,000 |
| Marketing Materials, Stationery, Forms, Resources | $6,000 – $7,000 | $6,000 – $7,000 |
| Signs | $20,000 | $20,000 |
| Computer System, IT Security, Digital Signage | $26,000 – $40,000 | $26,000 – $40,000 |
| Security System | $15,000 | $15,000 |
| Miscellaneous Opening Costs | $98,000 – $108,000 | $98,000 – $108,000 |
| Additional Funds (3 months) | $100,000 – $275,000 | $100,000 – $275,000 |
| Total Estimated Initial Investment | $5,182,500 – $8,514,000 | $4,983,750 – $8,288,250 |
Average Revenue (AUV)
How much revenue can you make with a The Goddard School franchise? A The Goddard School franchised center makes on average $2,132,000 in revenue (AUV) per year.
Here is the extract from the Franchise Disclosure Document:
This compares to $1,774,000 yearly revenue for similar preschool franchises. Below are 10 The Goddard School competitors as a comparison:
The most profitable franchises to own in 2025
We have compiled the list of the top 400 franchises across 9 industries. Download the report below.
The Goddard School Franchise Disclosure Document
Frequently Asked Questions
How many The Goddard School locations are there?
As of the latest data, The Goddard School operates over 600 locations across 37 states and Washington, D.C. with all of them being franchise-owned.
The franchise has continued to grow, even during challenging times like the COVID-19 pandemic, opening more than 70 new schools since the start of the pandemic.
What is the total investment required to open a The Goddard School franchise?
The total investment required to open a The Goddard School franchise ranges from $704,000 to $8,514,000.
What are the ongoing fees for a The Goddard School franchise?
The Goddard School franchisees are required to pay a 7% royalty fee on gross sales. Additionally, there is a 4% marketing fee based on gross sales, which supports national and regional marketing campaigns. Franchisees are also responsible for local advertising expenses, which vary depending on individual efforts.
What are the financial requirements to become a The Goddard School franchisee?
To become a The Goddard School franchisee, the financial requirements include a minimum net worth of $750,000 and liquid assets of at least $250,000. These requirements ensure that franchisees have the necessary financial foundation to cover the initial investment, startup costs, and ongoing operational expenses.
How much can a The Goddard School franchise owner expect to earn?
The average gross sales for a The Goddard School franchise are approximately $2.13 million per location. Assuming a 15% operating profit margin, $2.13 million yearly revenue can result in $319,500 EBITDA annually.
Who owns The Goddard School?
The Goddard School is owned by Goddard Systems, LLC, which manages the franchise system. Goddard Systems was acquired by Wind River Holdings, L.P., a private equity firm based in Pennsylvania, in 2002.
Wind River Holdings continues to oversee the operations of The Goddard School and its franchising system, ensuring consistent quality and growth across all locations.
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