Frequently Asked Questions About The Goddard School® Franchise Opportunity

When deciding how to start a daycare business, consider how much independence and support you want. An independent daycare offers complete control, but you must develop the brand, curriculum, operations and marketing yourself. A childcare franchise provides an established, recognized brand, proven systems, comprehensive training and ongoing support.

The Goddard School® offers local business ownership backed by support in site selection, construction, training, marketing, curriculum, health & safety and operations.

Becoming a Goddard School franchise owner is a guided, six-step process that takes you from initial interest to opening your early childhood education franchise.

1) Schedule an initial conversation with a Franchise Sales Consultant to learn about the opportunity and ask your questions.

2) Complete the franchise application so we can understand your background, goals, and fit for owning a preschool franchise.

3) Review the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) and discuss the market where you’re interested in opening, whether pursuing a new market or exploring existing opportunities.

4) Participate in a financial review so we can guide you on available franchise financing options.

5) Attend school tours and leadership interviews to experience a Goddard School firsthand and meet Franchise Sales and Operations leadership.

6) Sign the Franchise Agreement, then begin site selection and school development as you officially start your ownership journey.

SBA loans are government-backed loans that offer favorable terms for small business owners. The Goddard School works with a network of nationwide lenders and helps franchisees navigate the SBA process. With a low default rate and a top-tier FUND score of 930 for four consecutive years, Goddard is a strong candidate for SBA financing.

The Goddard School has opportunities in numerous growing markets across the United States. We also provide support throughout site selection and school development to help you identify the right location and bring your school to life.

Yes, Goddard supports multi-unit ownership, allowing franchisees to own and operate multiple Goddard School locations. This structure makes it possible to build a thriving, scalable business with several schools under your ownership.

Yes, you can purchase an existing Goddard School. There is a selection of established schools available for sale in specific markets across the United States.

Opening a Goddard School franchise typically takes 12-18 months or more from initial interest to opening. The timeline varies based on several key factors including site selection, lease negotiation, construction, and training. Actual timing depends heavily on your location, local approvals, and build-out speed.

The Goddard School offers financing help by providing funding options, connecting prospective owners with approved lenders, and assisting with SBA loan disbursement.

The Goddard School is a growing, nationally recognized franchise in the early childhood education industry. With more than 665 schools and 84 new franchise licenses awarded in 2025, the system continues to expand into markets across the country. Goddard was also the highest-ranking childcare and early childhood education provider in the 2025 Franchise Times Top 400.

Goddard franchise reviews and testimonials featured on this website describe their experience as purposeful, rewarding and well-supported. Franchisees discuss the value of a proven franchise model, ongoing training, a knowledgeable corporate team and a collaborative franchisee community. Many also appreciate the opportunity to build a business that serves local families while supporting their personal and professional goals.

The day-to-day experience of a Goddard School franchise owner centers on leading the business, supporting the School’s administrative team and building relationships with families and the local community. Goddard School franchise owner responsibilities may include conducting tours, supporting enrollment and local marketing, hiring and mentoring team members, monitoring daily school operations and helping the School follow brand, educational, and health and safety standards.

The schedule and level of involvement in running a Goddard School franchise vary based on the School’s stage of development, staffing structure and ownership model. New franchisees typically spend more time building their team, supporting enrollment and establishing the School’s reputation. As the business matures and a strong leadership team is established, the owner may shift toward a more flexible or strategically focused role.

Goddard School franchise owners have multiple opportunities to provide feedback, exchange ideas and contribute to systemwide initiatives. These franchisee feedback opportunities include the Leadership Advisory Council, Franchisee Input Groups, town halls, surveys, listening tours, market visits and ongoing communications.

The Leadership Advisory Council includes franchisees from across the system and Goddard Systems executives, while Franchisee Input Groups connect owners from diverse markets to discuss key initiatives. These structured feedback channels support two-way franchisor-franchisee communication and collaboration.