Goddard Systems, Inc., (GSI) recently announced that it plans to expand its preschool educational franchise in the Twin Cities with as many as 25 new schools over the next several years.
 
The Pennsylvania-based franchisor of The Goddard School system said it’s seeking entrepreneurs who would like to become franchisees of its early childhood education schools. The school offers year-round programs for children from six weeks to six years old, as well as after-school and summer programs.
 
There are currently three Goddard School locations in Minnesota: one in Brooklyn Park, one in Chanhassen, and one in Plymouth—which together serve about 400 students.
 
GSI claims that its dual-management system distinguishes it from competitors. “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,” the company said. Absentee ownership of franchises are not allowed; 100 percent of current franchisees are owners and operators.
 
The company said it is seeking franchisees that have a minimum net worth of $450,000, which includes $150,000 in liquid assets. It claims its franchisees generate average annual profits of $254,846 per location.
 
“We’re seeking qualified entrepreneurs in the Minneapolis area who are looking to expand their portfolio with a successful early childhood education franchise,” President and CEO Joseph Schumacher said in a statement. “Our goal as a franchisor is to offer our franchisees unmatched training and support, and of course, high-quality education for the families in neighborhoods and communities across the country.”
 
GSI’s expansion plan is to target specific communities across the country with the goal of opening 30 new schools per year by 2019.
 
The Goddard School ranked 113rd on Entrepreneur Magazine’s 2014 “Franchise 500” list and was the number one childcare franchise among three others in the top 500. GSI currently licenses around 410 units in 35 different states.