How much does it cost to open a The Goddard School?

Total investment for a The Goddard School location typically ranges from approximately $784,000 to $1,100,000, with a franchise fee of approximately $135,000. Always confirm against the most current FDD.

How much does The Goddard School charge in ongoing fees?

Royalties run approximately 7.0% of gross sales, plus an advertising fund contribution of about 2.0%. Confirm in Item 6 of the FDD.

Does The Goddard School disclose financial performance (Item 19)?

Yes — Goddard discloses average gross revenues in Item 19; mature schools frequently exceed $2M.

How long does it take to open a The Goddard School?

From signed agreement to opening typically takes 9–18 months depending on site selection, permitting, construction, and training.

What net worth and liquid capital does The Goddard School require?

The Goddard School typically requires approximately $250,000 in liquid capital and a minimum net worth of approximately $1,500,000. Requirements may vary by territory.

The Goddard School Franchise Cost, Fees & FDD (2026)

At a Glance

Total Investment$784,000 – $1,100,000

Franchise Fee$135,000

Royalty7%

Ad Fund2%

Liquid Capital$250,000

Net Worth$1,500,000

Total Units (2025)600

Franchised Units600

Company-Owned0

Term15 years

About The Goddard School

About the The Goddard School franchise

The Goddard School — Premium early childhood education — has built its franchise system in the education category since 1988, headquartered in King of Prussia, PA. Premium early childhood education franchise serving 6 weeks to 6 years.

As of recent disclosures, The Goddard School operates approximately 600 units worldwide. Initial investment for a single location typically falls between $784,000 and $1,100,000, with a franchise fee of approximately $135,000.

Unit economics and ongoing fees

Ongoing royalties run approximately 7.0% of gross sales, plus a brand fund / national advertising contribution of about 2.0%. Model these as recurring overhead — they apply to top-line revenue, not profit. Confirm the exact fee schedule and any local/regional marketing co-op requirements in Items 5, 6, and 11 of the current FDD.

Why prospective franchisees consider The Goddard School

Operators considering The Goddard School typically weigh the following advantages:

Strong unit-level revenue at maturity ($2M+)
High barrier to entry creates moat
Recurring tuition revenue
Demand tailwinds from dual-income households

Where The Goddard School has real trade-offs

Honest diligence also requires looking at where the system has friction:

High capex and real estate cost
Heavy regulation and licensing
Staffing ratios mandated by state
Long ramp to full enrollment

How to evaluate the The Goddard School opportunity

Before signing any franchise agreement, request the current The Goddard School FDD, talk to at least 8–10 existing franchisees (both new and mature), and build a unit-level model that stress-tests labor, occupancy, royalties, and ramp. Pay particular attention to Item 19 (financial performance representations) if disclosed, Item 7 (estimated initial investment), and Item 20 (system size and turnover) trends over the past three years. Validation calls with existing operators are the single highest-leverage step in the process.

Figures above are seed estimates compiled from public sources and may not reflect the most recent FDD. Always verify against the current Franchise Disclosure Document before relying on any number commercially.