Goddard Franchise vs. Lightbridge Academy

Child care is an essential service for busy working families, making it a great investment opportunity with strong growth potential. The child care industry is booming and is on track to grow significantly, soaring from $61.7 billion to more than $91 billion by 2030. Several child care opportunities exist, including The Goddard School and Lightbridge Academy.

Interested in buying a Goddard franchise? Learn how it compares to Lightbridge Academy so you can choose the best opportunity for you.

Side-by-Side Comparison

	Goddard Franchise Cost	Lightbridge Academy Cost
Franchise Fee	$135,000	$40,000
Initial Investment	$902,500 to $8,514,000	$621,233 to $5,202,5000
Net Worth Requirement	$750,000*	$750,000
Liquid Capital Requirement	$250,000 – $275,000**	$250,000
Royalty Fee	7%	7%
Ad/Brand Development Fee	4%	3%
Average Gross Revenue	$2.3 million for schools open 18+ months***	$2.7 million for centers open 24+ months***

* According to Franchise Business Review
** According to Goddard Franchise’s website
*** According to their latest FDDs.

Behind the Goddard Franchise

The Goddard Franchise has established itself as a reputable name in early childhood education, with a curriculum centered on play in a nurturing environment. Since its founding in 1983, the franchise has grown to over 600 locations in 38 states.
The Goddard franchise cost is significant, often higher than many other child care franchises. The Goddard School franchise system can also be more rigid in operational structures.

The Goddard School franchise provides 10 to 15 days of virtual and in-person training on marketing, operations, management, and education methods. Franchise owners are also advised by a real estate manager who helps them through the real estate process.

The Lightbridge Academy Franchise Opportunity

At Lightbridge Academy, we’re more than just a daycare. Our brand stands out for our innovative approach to early childhood education, integrating technology and educational advancements to enhance the customer experience, learning experience, and operational efficiency. Lightbridge Academy focuses on the Circle of Care philosophy, ensuring that the needs of children, families, staff, community, and franchisees are equally prioritized. This comprehensive approach offers a community-centric business model.

Founded in 1997, we’re highly motivated to grow and help our franchisees succeed. We offer opportunities in the child care space where many franchises, like Goddard, have already sold out. With a franchise fee and total initial investment cost lower than Goddard’s, we provide a premier opportunity for entrepreneurs to grow and expand beyond one location.

Franchise investors looking to make a difference in their community can invest in Lightbridge Academy. Our innovative use of technology engages parents and streamlines operations. We are The Solution for Working Families®.

You’re never alone as a franchisee in the Lightbridge Academy family. Each center has a dedicated business coach who guides you through every step of the franchising process, from construction to grand opening and beyond. Before opening your center, you’ll receive three weeks of virtual and in-person training on everything from your roles and responsibilities as an owner to financing, operations, marketing, and curriculum planning.

“We have a good reputation because we were guided and trained on how to execute the education aspect of children in our care,” said Raj and Veenu Parkash, Lightbridge Academy multi-unit franchise owners in New Jersey. “When you’re not from this field, you need to know and understand. So, the training department helps us understand the business’s education aspect.”

Inspired by the idea of joining an education franchise that not only cares deeply about the success of its franchisees but also continuously pushes the boundaries of what’s possible in early childhood education? Lightbridge Academy offers an unparalleled opportunity to become part of a community that’s as committed to your growth as it is to the families it serves.

As a Lightbridge Academy franchisee, you’re not just a number. To learn more about the Lightbridge Academy franchise opportunity, contact us.