Top Markets for Goddard School Locations
Goddard is expanding nationwide and several top markets have immediate opportunities for new school locations. Don’t see your city listed? We can help you identify strong neighborhood markets in your area.
Frequently Asked Questions
We’ve gathered answers to some of the most common questions prospective franchise owners ask. Explore the FAQs below to get a clearer picture of what it means to join the Goddard network.
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Will Goddard provide assistance with finding a location?
You will be assigned a real estate manager to assist you throughout the real estate process. If you do not already have a relationship with a commercial real estate broker, we’ll help you connect with one who understands our location requirements. The bottom line is The Goddard School will be there to guide you every step of the way to help you find a location.
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How much does it cost to open a Goddard School Franchise?
Startup costs vary based on location and whether you lease, build, or buy an existing school. For example, build-to-suit lease costs range from $952,500 to $1.36 million, while purchasing land and building a school ranges from $5.23 million to $8.57 million.
These estimates include franchise fees, marketing, site development, initial operations, and ongoing expenses post-opening. We also offer financing support and lender introductions. The average cash injection for a borrower is between 10-15% of the total project costs. Many franchisees also choose to partner with investors to help fund their school. Check out our financial requirements page to learn more. Please also refer to Item 7 of Goddard Franchisor, LLC's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document for more detailed information on these costs.
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Do I need to have a background in childcare to own a Goddard School?
Not at all! The Goddard brand is centered on fostering a love of learning for our students and our franchisees who come from a variety of industry backgrounds. Our team of business and education experts will work with you to understand and create a fun learning environment for the families in your community.
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Will I be required to work in the school?
One of the hallmarks of The Goddard School is that every school has either an on-site owner or an on-site operator to provide day-to-day leadership.
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Do I need to be a U.S. citizen to own a Goddard Franchise?
Yes, you either need to be a U.S. citizen or have already obtained your green card in order to become a Goddard School franchisee.