How to Franchise a Goddard School

The Goddard School® franchise was founded in 1988 by Anthony A. Martino to offer a state-of-the-art play-based educational program nationwide.

In the 35 years since, our child care franchise has expanded to more than 600 schools across 38 states in the USA. The Goddard School continues to operate on the philosophy that we must first become a successful learning environment before we can be a successful business. At the same time, joining the Goddard family with a new franchise gives you all the support you need every step of the way. This includes the opening process, real estate, construction, finance, marketing, operations phase, you name it. 

Understanding the Goddard School Franchise Model

The Goddard School franchise system is uniquely designed to provide driven franchisees like you with all of the vital tools to open a meaningful business.  As a Goddard School owner, you’ll gain access to our customer base, business models, and proven school philosophies, while also getting the opportunity to pursue your own entrepreneurial passions. Specifically, you’ll have the chance to take advantage of:

• The Goddard School franchise system: Franchisees are provided with everything from operating standards to digital marketing, information systems, and a teaching curriculum infused with widespread knowledge of early childhood development
• The franchise disclosure document (FDD): A franchise disclosure document (FDD) is a legal document the Federal Trade Commission requires to franchise a business and sell franchises. Your FDD will include information on franchise fees, start-up costs, and other financial information, as well as all legal documents you will need to sign to become a franchisee. You will receive your FDD at least 14 days before you are expected to sign the agreement or pay any fees.

• Information from current franchisees: Another unique opportunity that comes when you join the Goddard family is the ability to connect with other Goddard School franchisees throughout our network. You’ll have the chance to hear firsthand accounts of their experiences and get an idea of what the Goddard franchisor-franchisee relationship is really like.

Steps to Franchise a Preschool Business

When you look into how to start a franchise business and join the Goddard School family, there are some key steps to follow along the way, from doing your research to preparing your application, developing your relationships with Goddard School Franchise representatives, and finally signing the agreement. This guide on how to franchise a business –  and in particular a Goddard School – will have you on your way in no time.

• Do Your Research: Like any new business venture, it is important for you to do your research to make sure that The Goddard School franchise is the right fit for you. There are a number of factors you should weigh when considering a Goddard School franchise, such as the building location and financial requirements In 2022, a typical Goddard School franchisee investment is between $879,950 - $1,229,950, which we know is a significant financial contribution. However, Goddard also provides you with a unique business rubric backed by decades of achievement, so your new business is infused from the start with all the necessary tools for success.

• Prepare Your Application: In your application, you’ll provide information like past work experience, financial history, and a variety of other documents for us to review.

• Meet with Goddard School Franchise Representatives: As part of the process, you will meet with a franchise representative of the Goddard School to get to know the team that will be there to support and provide resources for you throughout the entire process of owning a school and growing your business.

• Sign the Franchise Agreement and Get Started: After signing the franchise agreement, our team will help you with real estate, construction, operations, marketing, IT, and anything else you need to successfully open a Goddard School. On top of that, you’ll have access to a  series of training courses to prepare you for running your very own Goddard School franchise.

When your training is complete, the opening team will help you get everything you need in order so you can open your doors and let the children in to learn, play, and grow.