The Goddard School Continues to Expand, Opens 600th Location

Nationally acclaimed early childhood education provider is meeting increased demand for high-quality childcare

Goddard Systems, LLC, manager of The Goddard School franchise system, the nation’s leading premier early childhood education provider, is celebrating the opening of its 600^th location in Murfreesboro, Tenn., in the greater Nashville area.

For nearly 35 years, Goddard’s proven franchise model has supported its franchisees with best-in-class operating standards, marketing, proprietary educational programing, training and more. The Goddard School franchise is poised to continue its growth and success as one of the nation’s top franchises as it delivers not only a rewarding business experience for its franchisees, but also outstanding early childhood education results for the families and communities they serve.

“We are proud that for nearly 35 years Goddard has been a leader in early childhood education, as well as one of the top franchise systems in the country, due in large part to our dedicated franchisees and the enthusiasm they bring to their schools each and every day,” said Dennis R. Maple, chairman and CEO, Goddard Systems. “The need for high-quality childcare has never been greater, and as we open the 600^th Goddard School, we remain committed to building upon Goddard’s rich history while making the world a better place through early childhood development.”

Since beginning its franchising journey in 1988, Goddard Schools have opened in large cities and small towns across 37 states and Washington, D.C., becoming an essential part of communities across the country. Parents nationally are desiring an early childhood education partner that can help their children reacclimate to in-person learning, support social-emotional development and thrive academically. According to research commissioned by The Goddard School, 61% of parents with children ages 0-6 believe the pandemic has put their child behind both socially and developmentally, while 70% feel social-emotional learning is the most important growth area for their child. As Goddard Schools expand into new and existing communities, they continue to provide not only essential, high-quality childcare and early childhood education, but also a foundation for academics and social-emotional development.

The childcare industry is the backbone of the American economy, as many parents cannot return to work without access to safe, quality care options. While childcare centers across the country were forced to permanently close their doors during the COVID-19 pandemic, Goddard has accelerated its growth. Since the start of the pandemic, Goddard has opened more than 70 schools and student enrollment is at an all-time high.

“Despite the challenges all early childhood education providers have experienced over the past few years, Goddard continues to see success for both franchisees and students, opening schools at a record pace to meet the national demand for childcare providers,” said Kevin Brickner, vice president, franchise sales, Goddard Systems. “There is significant demand for the Goddard brand from both existing and prospective franchisees, and we look forward to partnering with them to serve even more families across the country.”

The 600^th Goddard School in Murfreesboro is led by experienced educators and longtime Goddard franchisees.

“We are thrilled to open our third Goddard location because we’ve experienced the strength and support of the brand, are inspired by its mission, and see in our schools every day how important it is for children to receive high-quality education in a safe and nurturing environment,” said Leisa Byars, who co-owns three Goddard Schools in the greater Nashville area, including the Murfreesboro location. “Goddard offers a compelling proposition for franchisees, providing a rewarding business experience by being an essential community partner. I’m proud to be a Goddard franchisee and am excited to expand Goddard’s positive impact to more families in the greater Nashville community.”

For more information about The Goddard School, please visit goddardschool.com, and to learn about Goddard Systems and how to become a franchisee, go to goddardschoolfranchise.com.