The Goddard School Franchise

About The Goddard School

The Goddard School® is a premium early childhood education and childcare franchise system serving families with children from six weeks to six years old. With 665+ schools and 38+ years of experience it has a national reputation for high-quality, inquiry-based learning and providing a warm, caring and safe environment that supports children’s social, emotional and academic development for long-term success in school and in life.
The Goddard School is a premier childcare franchise opportunity for entrepreneurs seeking both financial potential and purpose-driven ownership in early childhood education.

Values & History

In 1988, entrepreneur Anthony A. Martino established The Goddard School preschool franchise to deliver a high-quality education to families throughout the United States. Since then, The Goddard School has grown into a nationwide brand that serves nearly 100,000 students. The brand is built on the belief that play inspires wonder, imagination, and the joy of discovery. Family remains at the center of its mission, guiding every interaction and decision. By honoring the trust families place in the brand, it fosters meaningful relationships designed to last for years to come.

Industry Performance

For countless working families, reliable, high-quality childcare is essential. Today, childcare is a $65 billion industry in the U.S. and is projected to grow to nearly $110 billion by 2033 (Grand View Research, “U.S. Child Care Market Size & Share Report,” August 2025). Demand continues to rise, making early childhood education a thriving, recession-resilient industry with strong long-term potential. By joining a trusted, proven brand like The Goddard School, you can tap into a growing market and make a meaningful impact in your community.

Purchasing a The Goddard School Franchise

To buy a franchise with The Goddard School, you'll need to have at least $350,000 in liquid capital and a minimum net worth of $500,000. The Goddard School charges a franchise fee of $135,000.

Ideal Candidate & Qualifications

Typical Goddard owners are like you: successful business people who are too young to retire, weary of corporate life and eager to run their own businesses. The best part is that no prior teaching or childcare experience is necessary. The Goddard School Franchise has a recipe for success that has made the brand one of the top childcare franchises in the industry. All you really need is the drive and commitment to run a successful school.

Training & Support

At Goddard, you’ll receive comprehensive training, ongoing support, and clear operational guidance. The research-backed curriculum, Wonder of Learning, enhances classroom experiences, streamlines school operations, and gives your program a competitive edge.

Initial Training:
You’ll receive in-depth onboarding covering aspects of running a school from leadership and staff development to curriculum delivery and day-to-day operations. You’ll learn how to implement Goddard’s educational approach, engage families, recruit and retain top faculty, manage school operations, and elevate the brand in your local market.

Ongoing Training:
Whether it’s marketing your school, managing finances, or optimizing operations, the dedicated team is there to help you achieve your goals and ensure your school thrives.

The Goddard School's dedicated team offers comprehensive support in:

• Real Estate & Construction
• Finance
• Training
• Operations
• Education
• Marketing and Public Relations
• Information Technology
• Quality Assurance
• Advocacy