The Goddard School

The Goddard School Franchise FDD, Costs & Fees (2025)

Preschool and early childhood education franchise providing a play-based learning environment and comprehensive curriculum for children.

Established in 1988 in King of Prussia, Pennsylvania, The Goddard School has become a leading provider of early childhood education and childcare services in the United States. The company began franchising the same year, expanding its presence to over 600 locations across 38 states.

The Goddard School offers a comprehensive curriculum designed to foster cognitive, social, and emotional development in children from six weeks to six years old. The proprietary F.L.EX.® (Fun Learning Experience) program integrates play-based learning with academic fundamentals, providing a balanced approach to early education.

What sets The Goddard School apart is its commitment to quality assurance and continuous improvement. Each school undergoes regular evaluations to ensure adherence to high standards in health, safety, and curriculum implementation.

This dedication to excellence has earned The Goddard School recognition as a leader in the childcare industry, including being ranked among Entrepreneur magazine's Franchise 500® for over two decades.

Initial investment

Here's what you would need to invest if you were to start this franchise. These costs are provided by the franchisor in the Franchise Disclosure Document.

The Goddard School offers 4 types of franchises:

Description	Initial Investment Range
School (If You Lease the School and Landlord Constructs the Improvements)	$902,500 – $1,309,000
Satellite Location (If You Lease the School and Landlord Constructs the Improvements)	$703,750 – $1,083,250
School (If You Purchase the Land and Build the School)	$5,182,500 – $8,514,000
Satellite Location (If You Purchase the Land and Build the School)	$4,983,750 – $8,288,250

We are summarizing below the main costs associated with opening a The Goddard School(If You Purchase the Land and Build the School). For more information on costs required to start a The Goddard School franchise, refer to the Franchise Disclosure Document (Item 7).

Type of Expenditure	School (10,500 – 12,500 sq ft)	Satellite Location (10,500 – 12,500 sq ft)
Initial License Fee	$135,000	Not Applicable
Satellite Location Fee	Not Applicable	$30,000
Initial Training and Opening Support Fee	$35,000 – $42,000	$7,500
Initial Marketing Fee	$55,000 – $75,000	$15,000
Site Development Fee	$35,000	$8,750
Background Check	$1,500 – $6,000	$1,500 – $6,000
Convention Deposit	$2,000	$2,000
Land Acquisition Cost	$600,000 – $1,400,000	$600,000 – $1,400,000
Building Construction and Site Work	$3,500,000 – $5,500,000	$3,500,000 – $5,500,000
Building Loan Finance Costs	$200,000 – $300,000	$200,000 – $300,000
Construction Manager	$0 – $50,000	$0 – $50,000
Environmental and Soil Testing	$0 – $5,000	$0 – $5,000
Furniture, Fixtures, and Equipment	$214,000 – $259,000	$214,000 – $259,000
Playground Equipment	$140,000 – $240,000	$140,000 – $240,000
Marketing Materials, Stationery, Forms, Resources	$6,000 – $7,000	$6,000 – $7,000
Signs	$20,000	$20,000
Computer System, IT Security, Digital Signage	$26,000 – $40,000	$26,000 – $40,000
Security System	$15,000	$15,000
Miscellaneous Opening Costs	$98,000 – $108,000	$98,000 – $108,000
Additional Funds (3 months)	$100,000 – $275,000	$100,000 – $275,000
Total Estimated Initial Investment	$5,182,500 – $8,514,000	$4,983,750 – $8,288,250

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The Goddard School offers 4 types of franchises:

Description	Initial Investment Range
School (If You Lease the School and Landlord Constructs the Improvements)	$902,500 – $1,309,000
Satellite Location (If You Lease the School and Landlord Constructs the Improvements)	$703,750 – $1,083,250
School (If You Purchase the Land and Build the School)	$5,182,500 – $8,514,000
Satellite Location (If You Purchase the Land and Build the School)	$4,983,750 – $8,288,250

Type of Expenditure	School (10,500 – 12,500 sq ft)	Satellite Location (10,500 – 12,500 sq ft)
Initial License Fee	$135,000	Not Applicable
Satellite Location Fee	Not Applicable	$30,000
Initial Training and Opening Support Fee	$35,000 – $42,000	$7,500
Initial Marketing Fee	$55,000 – $75,000	$15,000
Site Development Fee	$35,000	$8,750
Background Check	$1,500 – $6,000	$1,500 – $6,000
Convention Deposit	$2,000	$2,000
Land Acquisition Cost	$600,000 – $1,400,000	$600,000 – $1,400,000
Building Construction and Site Work	$3,500,000 – $5,500,000	$3,500,000 – $5,500,000
Building Loan Finance Costs	$200,000 – $300,000	$200,000 – $300,000
Construction Manager	$0 – $50,000	$0 – $50,000
Environmental and Soil Testing	$0 – $5,000	$0 – $5,000
Furniture, Fixtures, and Equipment	$214,000 – $259,000	$214,000 – $259,000
Playground Equipment	$140,000 – $240,000	$140,000 – $240,000
Marketing Materials, Stationery, Forms, Resources	$6,000 – $7,000	$6,000 – $7,000
Signs	$20,000	$20,000
Computer System, IT Security, Digital Signage	$26,000 – $40,000	$26,000 – $40,000
Security System	$15,000	$15,000
Miscellaneous Opening Costs	$98,000 – $108,000	$98,000 – $108,000
Additional Funds (3 months)	$100,000 – $275,000	$100,000 – $275,000
Total Estimated Initial Investment	$5,182,500 – $8,514,000	$4,983,750 – $8,288,250

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Franchise Disclosure Document

Number of units

Training

The training provided by the franchisor includes a blend of online coursework, virtual live sessions, and in-person training at corporate offices or other designated locations.

Initial training spans approximately 10–15 days and covers various areas such as school management, marketing, and operational techniques. Additionally, supplemental and refresher training programs, sales meetings, and conventions may be required throughout the franchise term.

For new franchisees or those purchasing an existing franchise, training is comprehensive, often conducted in phases. Phase one typically focuses on marketing and sales during the construction phase of the school, while subsequent phases emphasize operational and educational product aspects.

Franchisees are responsible for expenses related to training, including transportation, lodging, and meals.

Supplemental and refresher training programs can be required periodically, and they are delivered through online platforms, webinars, or in-person sessions. Training for Designated On-Site Operators and directors must be completed satisfactorily, including qualification exams, to ensure the effective management and operation of the school.

Territory Protection

The franchisor provides limited territory protection to its franchisees, allowing operation only at approved locations. While there is no explicit restriction on the franchisor's ability to compete within the territory, the franchise agreement governs the designated operational area.

Franchisees are required to seek prior approval for any changes, such as relocating the business.

Despite these arrangements, territory protection does not extend to guaranteeing exclusivity or shielding from competition. The franchisor retains discretion to approve additional operations or developments that may overlap with the franchisee's area, depending on business needs and strategic goals.

KEY FRANCHISE STATS

All you need to know about this franchise

Started franchising

1988

Franchisees

627

Franchise fee

$135,000

Investment

$704,000 - $8,514,000

Revenue (AUV)

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