The Goddard School Builds on Record-Setting Start of 2026 with Continued Growth Through Third Quarter

The Goddard School awards 82 franchise licenses year to date, marking 40% year-over-year growth, and expands to more than 690 locations nationwide

• 82 franchise licenses awarded year to date, representing a 40% increase over the same period in 2025.
• Licenses awarded were nearly evenly split between existing Goddard School franchisees and new franchisees joining the system.
• Through September 30, The Goddard School opened 41% more schools in 2026 compared to the same period in 2025, bringing the system to more than 690 locations nationwide.
• The Goddard School expanded into key markets, including its first school in San Francisco, its first school in Brooklyn and its first franchise license awarded in Maine.

KING OF PRUSSIA, Pa. (October 20, 2026) - Goddard Systems, LLC (GSL), manager of The Goddard School® franchise system, the nation’s leading premium early childhood education provider, continued its record-setting growth trajectory through the third quarter of 2026, awarding 82 franchise licenses year to date, which is a 40% increase over the same period last year.

Building on a record first quarter, The Goddard School’s growth continues to be driven by both new entrepreneurs entering the system and existing franchisees expanding their portfolios. The 82 licenses awarded were nearly evenly split between existing Goddard School franchisees, reflecting their continued confidence in the brand and its growth opportunities, and new franchisees joining the system. Licenses awarded to new franchisees rose 42% year over year.

The development pipeline is also translating into new schools. Through September 30, The Goddard School opened 41% more schools in 2026 compared to the same period in 2025, bringing the system to more than 690 locations nationwide.

Among the year’s notable openings is The Goddard School of San Francisco - Northern Waterfront, the brand’s first location in San Francisco and third in the Bay Area, expanding The Goddard School’s presence in California. In New York, The Goddard School of Greenpoint became the first Goddard School in Brooklyn. GSL also awarded its first franchise license in Maine in the second quarter.

Franchise development activity during the second and third quarters extended across markets nationwide, with licenses awarded in states including Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Iowa, Maryland, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Texas and Virginia.

“The momentum we’ve sustained throughout 2026 speaks to the strength of The Goddard School brand and the confidence entrepreneurs have in our system,” said Tim Linderman, senior vice president and chief growth officer, GSL. “It’s especially meaningful to see existing franchisees choosing to grow with The Goddard School while we continue welcoming new entrepreneurs who share our commitment to bringing exceptional early childhood education to more families and communities.”

The growth of The Goddard School is also creating new paths to ownership for people with longstanding connections to the brand. Krystle and Nick Molite opened The Goddard School of Aberdeen, MD, in June after experiencing The Goddard School from multiple perspectives. Krystle began her career as a toddler teacher at The Goddard School of Forest Hill, MD, before joining The Goddard School of White Marsh, MD, where she spent nearly 19 years, growing from assistant director to director and ultimately to franchise owner. The couple also experienced The Goddard School as parents, with all three of their children graduating from the White Marsh school.

“As The Goddard School continues to grow, it’s exciting to be part of that momentum by bringing a new school to the Aberdeen community and introducing more families to an experience that has meant so much to our own family,” said Krystle Molite. “I already believed deeply in The Goddard School, but watching my own children experience it made that connection even stronger. Becoming owners felt like a natural next step, and I couldn’t imagine doing it with any other brand.”

For individuals interested in building a purpose-driven business, particularly in Arizona, California, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Missouri and Texas, now is an ideal time to explore franchise opportunities with The Goddard School. Visit GoddardSchoolFranchise.com to connect with GSL’s franchise sales team and learn more about bringing high-quality early childhood education to your community. Commercial real estate professionals with sites that would be a great fit for a Goddard School are encouraged to connect with the GSL real estate team.

###

ABOUT THE GODDARD SCHOOL®

The Goddard School—the trusted leader in early childhood education—has partnered with families for nearly four decades to create joyful, supportive environments where children flourish. With a commitment to nurturing curiosity, character and a love of learning, The Goddard School fosters social, emotional and academic development to empower each child to grow into the best version of themselves.

The Goddard School’s approach to education starts with a simple belief: children learn best when they are encouraged to explore their natural curiosity. Through its exclusive inquiry-based education program, Wonder of Learning®, children learn through hands-on discovery, while teachers thoughtfully build on their interests to create engaging, personalized classrooms. Supported by expert knowledge, data-driven insights and a deep understanding of child development, Wonder of Learning helps children build critical thinking and problem-solving skills while inspiring a lifelong love of learning.

The Goddard School serves almost 100,000 students from six weeks to six years old in 37 states and Washington, D.C. To learn more, visit GoddardSchool.com.

ABOUT GODDARD SYSTEMS, LLC

Established in 1988, Goddard Systems, LLC, is the manager of The Goddard School® franchise system. The Goddard School is the acknowledged leader in the premium early childcare and education market segment. Headquartered in King of Prussia, Pennsylvania, The Goddard School has been consistently named one of the leading franchises in the United States by Entrepreneur (#68 in the 2026 Franchise 500) and one of the top franchise systems in worldwide sales by Franchise Times (#58 in the 2025 Top 400). Additionally, The Goddard School is included in Franchise Business Review’s 2026 Top 200 Franchises, a recognition of the best franchise opportunities based solely on ratings and reviews provided directly by franchise owners. Goddard Systems currently licenses more than 690 Goddard School franchises that serve almost 100,000 students in 37 states and Washington, D.C. For more information, visit GoddardSchoolFranchise.com.