Goddard Systems, Inc. Reports Strong Results In First Half Of 2014

KING OF PRUSSIA, Pa., Aug. 12, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Goddard Systems, Inc. (GSI), the franchisor of The Goddard School^® preschool system, announced today a strong first half of 2014 with the awarding of 18 new franchise agreements to qualified franchisees and the opening of nine schools in Massachusetts, Missouri, North Carolina, Florida, Maryland and Virginia. Additionally, 16 schools are under construction in California, Connecticut, Maryland, New Jersey, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia and Wisconsin. GSI expects to open a total of 18 schools by year-end.

This momentum is part of GSI's expansion plan in communities across the country. It also follows a new policy statement announced last month by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) regarding the importance of reading and literacy beginning in infancy. The research shows children who are read to have stronger language skills, literacy development and parent-child relationships–cornerstones of The Goddard School brand's playful learning curriculum.

To expand its brand of early childhood education nationwide, the company has set a five-year development goal of awarding 60 new franchise agreements and opening 30 new schools per year by 2019.  

"Increases in the number of working mothers and the desire to provide children with early educational opportunities has increased the demand for early childhood education," said Joseph Schumacher, chief executive officer, GSI. "We credit our continued success to strong franchisees committed to our curriculum's research-driven approach, including strong reading basics and a play-based approach that develop lifelong learners. This year's early expansion success will propel reasonable and responsible system growth in the latter half of 2014 and the years that follow."

GSI launched 2014 with a targeted franchise development strategy focused on eight markets including Boston, Mass.; Houston, Texas; Minneapolis, Minn.; Seattle, Wash.; Portland, Ore.; Philadelphia, Pa.; Hartford, Conn.; and New York City (Manhattan).  The company is seeking qualified franchisees with a minimum net worth of $450,000, including $150,000 in liquid assets.  No education experience is necessary. 

Long recognized as the industry leader, The Goddard School franchise operates on a dual-management system, distinctive in the early childhood education industry. Each location is managed on-site by the franchise owner as well as an educational director responsible for working with teachers and implementing the curriculum. This separation and clear delineation of roles has resulted in The Goddard School system's success and high satisfaction ratings for 25 years.

Goddard School franchisees benefit from a strong average EBITDA** of $254,846* per location, manageable hours in a recession-resistant business and GSI's unmatched support with real estate, site development, operations, IT, marketing, advertising, quality assurance and training.  Interested candidates should expect the initial investment to open a Goddard School to range from $704,700 to $880,000, depending on real estate and other expenses.^* Additional information is available on www.goddardschoolfranchise.com or call 800-272-4901 to speak with a franchise development executive. 

*Average based on mature franchises (those open over 18 months) in 2013.  As reflected in Item 19 of GSI's Franchise Disclosure Document, 158 of 384 (41.1%) of mature franchises did as well or better than the average.  Your individual results may differ.  There is no assurance you'll earn as much. **Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation and Amortization.  ^*This range reflects leased premises. The estimated initial investment for a candidate who plans to purchase the premises will be higher.

ABOUT GODDARD SYSTEMS, INC.
Goddard Systems, Inc. (GSI), franchisor of The Goddard School^® preschools, was recently named the No. 1 Childcare Franchise in the United States by Entrepreneur Magazine for 13 consecutive years (January 2014) and one of the Top 200 Franchise Systems (in worldwide sales) by Franchise Times for the seventh consecutive year (October 2013). Headquartered in King of Prussia, Pennsylvania, GSI currently licenses over 400 franchised schools with more than 45,000 students in 35 states. The Goddard School's AdvancED and Middle States-accredited F.L.EX.^® Learning Program, a comprehensive play-based curriculum developed with early childhood education experts, provides the best childhood preparation for social and academic success. With a proven system in place and a strong network of dedicated franchisees, GSI is the acknowledged leader in franchised childcare and a premier educational childcare provider. For more information, visit www.goddardschoolfranchise.com.

Media Contact:
Andie Biederman
Fish Consulting
954-893-9150
[email protected]

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SOURCE Goddard Systems, Inc.