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 Athena Learning Centers
Investment 697100 - 863600 35000 - 160000
Franchise Fee
Royalty Fee 7% 7%
Advertising Fee 3% 2% Nat'l $500/Mo Local
Year Founded 1986 2011
Year Franchised 1988 2011
Term Of Agreement
Term Of Agreement
Renewal Fee


Business Experience Requirements

  Goddard Systems Athena Learning Centers
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 Athena Learning Centers
 
Franchise Fees No
Start-up Costs No
Equipment No
Inventory No
Receivables No
Payroll No

Training & Support

  Goddard Systems Athena Learning Centers
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 Athena Learning Centers
US Expansion Nationwide, Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Guam, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming Nationwide, Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Guam, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming
Canada Expansion 0
International Expansion

Start-Up Costs and Fees Mobile

Investment
Goddard Systems
Athena Learning Centers
Franchise Fee
Goddard Systems
Athena Learning Centers
Royalty Fee
Goddard Systems 7%
Athena Learning Centers 7%
Advertising Fee
Goddard Systems 3%
Athena Learning Centers 2% Nat'l $500/Mo Local
Year Founded
Goddard Systems 1986
Athena Learning Centers 2011
Year Franchised
Goddard Systems 1988
Athena Learning Centers 2011
Term Of Agreement
Goddard Systems 15 years
Athena Learning Centers
Renewal Fee
Goddard Systems
Athena Learning Centers


Business Experience Requirements

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

 
Franchise Fees
Goddard Systems No
Athena Learning Centers No
Start-up Costs
Goddard Systems
Athena Learning Centers
Equipment
Goddard Systems}
Athena Learning Centers
Inventory
Goddard Systems
Athena Learning Centers
Receivables
Goddard Systems
Athena Learning Centers
Payroll
Goddard Systems
Athena Learning Centers

Training & Support

Training
Goddard Systems 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
Athena Learning Centers Staff Training On-Site and at Athena University On-going owner/center director support training
Support
Goddard Systems 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.
Athena Learning Centers 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
Goddard Systems 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.
Athena Learning Centers
Operations
Goddard Systems 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)
Athena Learning Centers

Expansion Plans

US Expansion
Goddard Systems Nationwide, Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Guam, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming
Athena Learning Centers Nationwide, Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Guam, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming
Canada Expansion
Goddard Systems 0
Athena Learning Centers
International Expansion
Goddard Systems
Athena Learning Centers