The Goddard School Franchise FDD, Profits & Costs
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.
Initial Investment
How much does it cost to start a The Goddard School franchise? It costs on average between $1,004,000 - $8,908,000 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.
The Goddard School’s Item 7 provides separate investment estimates based on how the School facility is acquired and developed: a leased facility improved by the landlord, a leased facility requiring improvements, or a site where you purchase the land and construct the School.
| School Format | Initial Investment Range |
|---|---|
| If You Lease the School and Landlord Constructs the Improvements | $1,003,500 – $1,503,000 |
| If You Lease the School and Find a Building that Needs Improvements | $1,736,500 – $5,032,000 |
| If You Purchase the Land and Build the School | $5,493,500 – $8,908,000 |
The detailed expenditure breakdown below applies when the School is leased and the landlord constructs the improvements.
Additional information regarding these estimated costs is provided in the Franchise Disclosure Document (Item 7).
| Type of Expenditure | Amount |
|---|---|
| Initial License Fee | $135,000 |
| Initial Training and Opening Support Fee | $35,000 – $42,000 |
| Initial Marketing Fee | $55,000 – $75,000 |
| Site Development Fee | $35,000 |
| Background Check (up to four individuals) | $1,500 – $6,000 |
| Lease Deposit | $25,000 – $50,000 |
| Project Management Fee | $0 – $75,000 |
| Furniture, Fixtures and Equipment | $243,000 – $307,000 |
| Playground Equipment | $140,000 – $240,000 |
| Marketing Materials, Stationery, Forms, and Curricular Resources | $15,000 |
| Signs | $28,000 |
| Computer System, IT Security, network equipment / wireless access point devices, installation, Telephone System, Interactive Flat Panel and Digital Signage Package | $26,000 – $40,000 |
| Security System | $45,000 |
| Miscellaneous Opening Costs | $120,000 – $135,000 |
| Additional Funds – 3 months | $100,000 – $275,000 |
| Total Estimated Initial Investment | $1,003,500 – $1,503,000 |
Average Revenue (AUV)
How much revenue can you make with a The Goddard School franchise? A The Goddard Schoolfranchised facility makes on average $2,330,000 in revenue (AUV) per year.
The Goddard School Franchise Disclosure Document
Frequently Asked Questions
What funding options are available for a The Goddard School franchise?
Most franchise buyers in The Goddard School’s investment range finance their unit through an SBA 7(a) loan, with some multi-unit operators using SBA 504 loans for real estate. Buyers with rollable retirement funds sometimes use a ROBS structure to reduce debt service. See SharpSheets’ financial model hub for funding guidance.
How long does it take to pay back a The Goddard School franchise investment?
Payback periods for franchises in The Goddard School’s category typically run 3-7 years, depending on investment level, location performance, and financing structure. Actual payback varies significantly by unit performance and debt service obligations.
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.
SharpSheets Editorial Team | sharpsheets.io | Last Updated: September 2026
Disclaimer
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Research The Goddard School franchise data: For the full FDD cost breakdown, investment tables, and Item 19 disclosures, visit FranchisePayback.com → The Goddard School FDD Review.
