Goddard Systems vs Athena Learning Centers Franchise Comparison

Below is an in-depth analysis and side-by-side comparison of Goddard Systems vs Athena Learning Centers including start-up costs and fees, business experience requirements, training & support and financing options.

Start-Up Costs and Fees
 
Goddard Systems Franchise
Athena Learning Centers Franchise
Investment $697,100 - $863,600$35,000 - $160,000
Franchise Fee $135,000$2,500 - $30,000
Royalty Fee 7%7%
Advertising Fee 3%2% Nat'l $500/Mo Local
Year Founded 19862011
Year Franchised 19882011
Term Of Agreement 15 years-
Term Of Agreement 15 years-
Renewal Fee --


Business Experience Requirements
 
Goddard Systems Franchise
Athena Learning Centers Franchise
Experience
  • General business experience
  • Minimum Cash Injection: $150,000

    • We are glad you have chosen to investigate Athena as a potential opportunity and we look forward to speaking to you, answering your questions, and developing a successful business relationship. We are currently looking for both single and multi-unit franchisees to open our Learning Centers. Franchisee candidates must meet certain qualifications to be considered for both single-unit and multi-unit franchise opportunities. In order to qualify for a single location, you will need a minimum net worth of $150,000 and liquid assets of $50,000. A good credit record / credit history is also required, evidenced by prompt payment of all financial obligations. Multi-unit candidates will be pre-qualified on an individual basis. Total Estimated Investment Range $66,000 to $146,000 The Initial Franchise Fee is $25,000. Franchisees pay royalties of 7% of gross sales, an advertising marketing fee of 2% of gross sales, and must purchase local advertising of at least $500 per month. Franchise candidates will be evaluated based on business abilities and experience, personal drive for success and financial strength. Athena Learning Center franchises are available for ambitious and entrepreneurial individuals willing to assume the risks - and eager to reap the rewards - of owning their own business.

    Financing Options
     
    Goddard Systems Franchise
    Athena Learning Centers Franchise
      In-House/3rd PartyIn-House/3rd Party
    Franchise Fees No/Yes-/-
    Start-up Costs No/Yes-/-
    Equipment No/Yes-/-
    Inventory No/Yes-/-
    Receivables No/Yes-/-
    Payroll No/Yes-/-

    Training & Support
     
    Goddard Systems Franchise
    Athena Learning Centers Franchise
    Training Think you need education experience to open a Goddard School franchise? Think again. Our team will teach you the skills you need to operate a high-quality preschool. Developed specifically for Goddard School teachers and directors, Goddard Systems University (GSU) provides training for faculty, too. Designed specifically for Goddard School teachers and directors, Goddard Systems University (GSU) provides ongoing training and faculty development. GSU’s exclusive training series coaches teachers in various areas, all of which focus on providing excellent care to children. To help reinforce the training GSU provides, our Quality Assurance (QA) team regularly reviews each School’s procedures and program performance. It also offers guidance on how to continuously improve each School for the benefit of the children and their families. On-The-Job Training: 400 hours Classroom Training: 138 hours Additional Training: IACET training for teachers & directors

    Staff Training On-Site and at Athena University On-going owner/center director support training
    Support The beauty of The Goddard School model is that you go into business for yourself, not by yourself. Our team of knowledgeable professionals will assist you with everything from marketing to IT and more. Our leadership team consists of experts who guide The Goddard School Franchise while providing support to franchisees. Dedicated, Experienced, Knowledgeable. The goal of The Goddard School Franchise is to provide franchisees with an extensive support structure to ensure consistency of programs and services for our customers as well as to offer guidance to franchisees as they achieve their personal goals as business owners. Franchise Business Consultants (FBCs) from our Field Operations team regularly visit Schools and check in with franchisees to provide ongoing support. Each FBC is also available via email and phone to assist franchisees. A team of trained experts guides each franchisee through the opening process as well.You can expect support in the following areas: Athena Total Solutions� Products and Services: Math, Literacy, and Science Curriculum powered by Pearson Education In-Center and On line SAT/ACT Prep Courses by The Princeton Review� Diagnostic in-center assessment On line homework help powered by Virtual Nerd Student Progress Tracking System Athena Center Management System, powered by Athena on Demand Automated Center Check-in System for Students Automatic Monthly Billing System Recommended Reading List with Books available for purchase in Center or online through the Athena Store Franchisee Support and Benefits: Athena Brand Recognition; proprietary marketing/advertising strategy plan Franchisee Intranet Communications and Marketing Portal Powered by Athena on Demand Athena Branded National/Local Website for all Athena Locations Owner Hotline via our Toll Free Number Staff Training On-Site and at Athena University Real Estate Location Services; demographic profiles, real estate lease support Turn-Key Interior Design/Build-Out services by industry leading architects/contractors/suppliers Camera Software/Hardware for off-site monitoring of your learning center in real-time Direct Local Marketing Solutions On-going owner/center director support and training Area of protected territory Develop a specified area through multi-unit ownership if you qualify No owner/Operator requirement
    Marketing Getting word out about your Goddard School franchise is crucial for lead generation and enrollment. Our Marketing, Advertising & PR department develops the marketing and advertising materials to help you create awareness of your School through radio, television, search engine marketing and more.-
    Operations 20% of all franchisees own more than one unit

    Number of employees needed to run franchised unit: 25

    Absentee ownership of franchise is NOT allowed. (100% of current franchisees are owner/operators)

    		-

    Expansion Plans
     
    Goddard Systems Franchise
    Athena Learning Centers Franchise
    US Expansion YesYes
    Canada Expansion No-
    International Expansion Yes-

    Company Overviews

    About Goddard Systems

    Join The Goddard School and become a member of a franchise system that has been defining educational childcare in the United States since 1988.
    Goddard Systems, Inc. (GSI), franchisor of The Goddard School and the acknowledged leader in the childcare franchise segment, is awarding franchises to qualified applicants who want to go into business for themselves, not by themselves.
    Highlights of a Goddard School franchise include:
    *Our on-site owner/director model supports educational excellence and a thriving business. This dual management system allows the director to observe classrooms, mentor teachers and develop a healthy learning environment, while the owner has the flexibility to operate an efficient, thriving business.
    *Our daily schedule allows franchisees to enjoy a family-friendly lifestyle. Franchisees are able to operate their businesses while balancing time with their families and friends. Most Goddard Schools are open Monday through Friday, 7 AM to 6 PM (hours of operation vary by location).
    * Exceptional training and unparalleled support ensure top performance in Schools. Goddard School franchisees complete a comprehensive two-phase training program prior to School opening and have the opportunity to attend annual franchisee conventions and regional meetings. In addition, franchisees benefit from the extensive support structure that GSI has developed over 25 years in franchising.
    *Goddard Quality Assurance (QA) reinforces the highest standards of care and The Goddard School F.L.EX. Learning Program. While every state has a licensing agency that oversees state requirements, Goddard Schools are additionally obligated to fulfill our own extensive QA Review. Goddard QA Representatives make unannounced semi-annual visits to each School to assess compliance with a full range of health and safety policies and procedures, as well as curriculum and program performance. As a result, The Goddard School has earned AdvancED and Middle States accreditation.
    *Goddard Systems University (GSU) prepares faculty to follow The Goddard School's high standards. Funded by GSI, GSU supports ongoing director and teacher training through regional, online and on-site classes lead by corporate representatives. GSU training has been approved as an Authorized Provider by the International Association for Continuing Education and Training (IACET).
    *Goddard School building design focuses on child safety and efficient operations. The building size provides a manageable environment in addition to two large playgrounds to accommodate age groups separately.

    Veteran Incentives  $20,000 off franchise fee

    ""      "Entrepreneur
    In Franchise Business Reviews' Top 200.
    #88 on Franchise 500 for 2020.
    #76 on Franchise 500 for 2021.




    About Athena Learning Centers

    Athena Learning Centers is a community of year-round Learning Centers where children go to improve their math and reading skills. Each franchised Athena Learning Center offers the Athena Total Solutions package of powerful solutions to help all students meet high standards and prepare them for college and the 21st century workplace. Athena Learning Centers partnered with Pearson Education, the leader in education services. Through the partnership, Athena Learning Centers selected the programs that are aligned with Common Core State Standards (CCSS) to use in each of its franchised locations nationwide. As the leading education services company, Pearson is serious about evolving how the world learns. They apply their deep education experience and research, invest in innovative technologies, and promote collaboration throughout the education ecosystem. For decades, Pearson Education has had a direct impact on the educational success of millions of students across the country. As one of the pioneers of the American standards movement, Pearson Education has contributed to the development of the Common Core State Standards. At Athena Learning Centers, there is alignment between what your child will learn at the Center and what they are expected to learn at school.Athena Learning Centers also partnered with The Princeton Review to offer the best preparation for high stakes tests for your child in PSAT, SAT, SAT subject tests, and AP subject tests. For over 30 years, The Princeton Review's methods and techniques have remained the gold standard in the test prep industry. In addition to personalized instruction in our Learning Centers, Athena also offers online learning solutions for students powered by Virtual Nerd. Virtual Nerd uses their patent-pending Dynamic Whiteboard online instructional platform to help students learn. Virtual Nerd currently offers hundreds of tutorials in Middle Grades Math, Pre-Algebra, Algebra 1, Algebra 2, Geometry, and Intro Physics. Virtual Nerd is best in class when it comes to online tutoring. In addition, ABC Music & Me is now offered at Athena Learning Centers! Created by Kindermusik International, ABC Music & Me is an award-winning music enrichment program for 2 to 6 year olds, designed for early childhood learning centers. Parents are thrilled to have the opportunity to bring the quality of Kindermusik offerings into their children's lives through ABC Music & Me, the premiere enrichment program to promote early childhood skills development and school-readiness.
     
    The Athena Advantage℠
     

    The Athena Advantage℠ encompasses an entire tool box available to students to help them succeed academically, prepare for high stakes exams, and give them the necessary critical thinking skills for the 21st century workplace. Athena’s best-in-class curricula offerings include math, reading, and writing as well as SAT®/ACT® test preparation. These curricula offerings align to new and more rigorous standards, both in Common Core and non-Common Core states.

    At Athena, we will provide your child with a thorough educational assessment and develop a learning plan aligned to meet the standards of your child’s grade, both in Common Core and non-Common Core states. We’ve developed the Athena API-or Assessment for Personalized Instruction. Our assessments are research based, time-tested, and administered with experienced educational staff. Most of the time, certified teachers will tutor your child twice per week for about 60 to 90 minutes of instruction per visit. We work with students individually or in small peer groups. We generally recommend focusing on one subject at a time but will accommodate two subject students by parent request.

    Veteran Incentives   10% off franchise fee