The Goddard School Named to Entrepreneur's Franchise 500 Hall of Fame

Premier early childhood education provider recognized as a strong franchising opportunity for 25^th consecutive year

The Goddard School was named to Entrepreneur’s first-ever Franchise 500 Hall of Fame. This prestigious list honors the elite franchise brands that have ranked in Entrepreneur’s Franchise 500 ranking for 25 or more years consecutively. The Goddard School was ranked #60 in the 2023 Franchise 500, up 36 spots from 2022. The premium early childhood education provider was also ranked #3 in Entrepreneur’s recent list of the top children’s franchises.

“We are honored to be recognized by Entrepreneur as a leading franchise brand for the 25^th consecutive year,” said Dennis R. Maple, chairman and CEO of Goddard Systems, LLC. “Being included in the Hall of Fame is further recognition of our franchise system’s growth and success as we continue to deliver a rewarding business experience for our franchisees and high-quality education and care for families across the country.”

Entrepreneur’s Franchise 500 has been evaluating and ranking franchise opportunities for 44 years. The company’s proprietary ranking formula analyzes brands based on more than 150 data points in the areas of costs and fees, size and growth, franchisee support, brand strength, and financial strength and stability. The ranking grows more competitive each year—1,321 companies applied for a chance at a spot in the top 500 in 2023—and only 49 franchise brands have managed to rank every year for the last 25 years or more, and thus earn a spot in the 2023 Hall of Fame.

“We’re honoring these A-list brands who have shown through and through their commitment to growth, to their franchisees and to their communities,” said Entrepreneur Senior Vice President of Franchising Liane Caruso. “Ranking in the Franchise 500 is highly competitive, and achieving that distinction year after year is quite an accomplishment. We’re thrilled to recognize so many brands who have thrived over the years!”

Ranking in the Franchise 500 and subsequent induction into the Hall of Fame come on the heels of a history-making era for Goddard, which includes the opening of its 600th location. Further recent accolades that underscore the strength of the Goddard brand and the opportunity it affords franchisees are inclusion in the 2023 Franchise Business Review Top 200 Franchises, being ranked #94—the highest-ranking childcare provider—in the 2022 Franchise Times Top 500 and an industry-leading 2022 FUND® Score.