The Goddard School

The Goddard School is a franchised early childhood education network headquartered in King of Prussia, Pennsylvania. Founded in 1983, the company operates 430 locations across 35 states as of December 2025, serving children from six weeks through six years old. The system employs approximately 9,000 people and generates roughly $873 million in annual revenue.

The company's educational model centers on play-based, inquiry-driven learning with a focus on social-emotional development. Teachers work with parents to build confidence and curiosity in young learners, preparing them for academic success and 21st-century demands. Many locations pursue NAEYC accreditation, with recent certifications including a Long Hill Township, New Jersey center in 2025.

The Goddard School operates entirely through franchising, with individual owners managing centers in their local markets while maintaining brand standards and curriculum consistency. This model has attracted experienced multi-unit operators who manage three or more locations, signaling both system maturity and franchisee confidence in unit economics and operational viability.

Expansion activity accelerated significantly in 2025. The company signed 60 new franchise agreements during the year, with recent openings in Nashville, Frisco, Rochester, Charlestown, and Shelton. The geographic diversification spans the Southeast, Southwest, Midwest, Northeast, and Mid-Atlantic regions. Additional locations are under development in Fort Myers, Florida, with a summer 2026 opening targeted, and Wadsworth, Ohio, where groundbreaking occurred in November 2025. This pipeline activity demonstrates the company's focus on suburban and secondary markets with strong demographic fundamentals and childcare demand.

Typical Goddard School locations range from 12,500 to 20,000 square feet and operate as either standalone or co-tenanted facilities depending on market conditions. The brand's 42-year operating history, combined with sustained franchisee interest and multi-unit operator presence, reflects a stable system with proven real estate economics and consistent market demand for quality early childhood education.