Recently named #1 Childcare Franchise in the United States, by Entrepreneur magazine, for the eighth consecutive year (January 2009) and one of the Top 200 Franchise Systems (in worldwide sales), by Franchise Times, for the second consecutive year (October 2008); Goddard Systems, Inc. (GSI) is expanding The Goddard School® network throughout the United States. Headquartered in King of Prussia, Pennsylvania, GSI currently licenses 320+ franchised schools in 37 states.

President and CEO, Philip Schumacher, has committed GSI to providing a level of quality that surpasses anything currently available in the industry. To that end, he has reinforced the already formidable corporate Quality Assurance requirements for Goddard franchisees.

Goddard Schools receive unannounced visits from GSI Quality Assurance representatives several times a year. The Goddard QA evaluation meticulously examines all aspects of health and safety as well as providing a detailed assessment of curriculum and programming. This absolute commitment to quality is strongly supported by franchisees as affirmed by an impressive 30% who have already purchased second franchises.

Goddard franchisees share a common entrepreneurial spirit and a commitment to providing the highest quality childcare in their communities, as evidenced by each School’s on-site management. With a successful system in place and dedicated franchisees, GSI has achieved its initial goal as the acknowledged leader in franchised childcare. The company now has its sights on the next level - recognition as the premier childcare provider in the United States.

Goddard School buildings are custom designed and planned to provide safe, healthy, and stimulating environments for children from six weeks to six-years-old. Two separate playgrounds are designed to challenge and delight each age group.

Every Goddard School:
  • Is a fully licensed childcare facility
  • Has highly qualified staff trained in Early Childhood Education or Child Development.
  • Provides children with carefully planned educational programs 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.


    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
  • Current 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
  • Phil 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 company-wide accreditation from the Commission on International and Trans-Regional Accreditation (CITA).