The "#1 Childcare Franchise in the United States" for nine consecutive years.
Entrepreneur magazine (January 2010)

The Goddard School® franchise system is an expanding network of accredited childcare centers committed to providing quality preschool education that surpasses industry standards.

Licensed under Goddard Systems, Inc. (GSI), each Goddard School location:

  • Is a fully licensed childcare facility that follows the FLEX Learning Program™
  • Has highly qualified faculty trained in Early Childhood Education or Child Development
  • Provides children with carefully planned lesson plans that meet the social, emotional, cognitive and physical needs of each child
  • Maintains a small group atmosphere to provide individual attention
  • Offers open and honest communication with parents in an atmosphere of mutual trust and respect

Goddard Curriculum: AdvancED Accreditation
Programs of The Goddard School are accredited by AdvancED, a global accreditation system delivering unified quality standards for education. AdvancED -- the same accreditation board that accredits private and public schools, colleges and universities -- evaluates quality, continuous improvement and student success in early childhood education centers.

Goddard Quality Assurance: Advanced reassurance for families Although every state has a licensing agency that oversees state requirements, Goddard Schools are additionally obligated to fulfill the Goddard Quality Assurance (QA) review to support the health and well-being of every enrolled child.

Goddard University (GSU): Comprehensive training for all Goddard faculty
Goddard Schools provide a unique advantage to their teachers: ongoing professional development through GSU. GSU training has been approved as an Authorized Provider by the International Association for Continuing Education and Training (IACET).

To contact the GSI franchise development department, please call 1-800-272-4901. Or, locate a school near you to talk with the school owner, schedule a tour and see the difference for yourself.

GSI Corporate Facts
Headquarters: King of Prussia, Pennsylvania
Chief Executive Officer: Joseph Schumacher
Number of schools: 340+ franchised schools are currently licensed in 37 states
Curriculum is AdvancED accredited (2009)

The Goddard School® Timeline

1986

  • The first Goddard Early Learning Center opens in Malvern, Pennsylvania.
  • The first Goddard School television ads air on Nick at Nite, Lifetime, USA and TNT.

1988
Carousel Systems, Inc. is formed by Anthony A. Martino, founder of the Aamco Transmissions and Maaco Auto Painting and Bodyworks franchises, for the purpose of offering Goddard Early Learning Center childcare and preschool franchises.

1990
The first Goddard School franchise opens in Marshallton, Pennsylvania.

1992
Former Goddard Systems, Inc., CEO and President Philip Schumacher joins Carousel Systems, Inc.’s franchise sales team.

1993
Goddard Early Learning Centers are renamed The Goddard School®.

1994
Goddard Quality Assurance develops its quality scoring system, one of the most stringent QA programs in the industry.

1996
Philip Schumacher becomes president of Carousel Systems, Inc.

1997
Goddard Schools in Piscataway and Ramsey, N.J., are the company’s first to generate $1 million each in annual revenue.

1998
Carousel Systems, Inc. founds Goddard Systems University to provide comprehensive and continuing education to franchisees and their staffs.

1999

  • 100th Goddard School opens in Pickerington, Ohio.
  • Goddard Press publishes Me, Myself and I, by Dr. Kyle Pruett, the renowned Yale University psychologist and early child development expert.

2002

  • Wind River Holdings LLP (formerly known as AMC) acquires franchise assets of Carousel Systems, Inc. and continues franchising as Goddard Systems, Inc.
  • First west coast Goddard School opens in Portland, Oregon.
  • Dr. Kyle Pruett becomes an advisor to The Goddard School®.

2004
GSI hosts first convention for education directors in Philadelphia.

2005

  • 200th Goddard School opens in Vancouver, Washington.
  • Goddard Schools in Fishers, Indiana, and Rockville, Maryland, are the company's first to generate $2 million each in annual revenue.

2007

  • The first metro/downtown Goddard School opens in Columbus, Ohio.
  • After representing the company as outside counsel for 20 years, Joe Schumacher joins Goddard Systems, Inc., as Chief Operating Officer.
  • Rockville, Maryland, location becomes first Goddard School to reach $3 million in annual revenue.

2008

  • First-ever Anthony A. Martino scholarship goes to high school junior Connor Sullivan, a graduate of The Goddard School® located in King of Prussia, Pennsylvania.
  • Goddard School adds Mandarin Chinese to its list of 15 enrichment programs, including learning opportunities in yoga, Sign Language, science, music, world cultures and more.
  • The Goddard School® releases its first-annual top holiday toy list, recognizing affordable toys that are "interactive, engaging and appropriate for the developmental stages of young children."
  • The 300th Goddard School opens in Centennial, Colorado.

2009

  • Goddard Systems, Inc. receives curriculum accreditation from the Commission on International and Trans-Regional Accreditation (CITA). Renamed AdvaceEd.
  • Anthony A. Martino scholarship goes to high school junior, Marjorie Berman, graduate of The Goddard School located in Wyomissing, Pennsylvania.
  • Goddard Systems, Inc. announces discount to honorably discharged United States veterans.
  • Goddard Systems, Inc. introduces a Facebook page, a Corporate Blog and a Twitter account.
2010
  • Joseph Schumacher is appointed Chief Executive Officer of Goddard Systems, Inc.

    Locate a school near you to talk with the school owner, schedule a tour and see the difference for yourself.


    • Goddard School franchises is an expanding network of early childhood education centers committed to providing a level of quality that surpasses anything currently available in the industry.