The Goddard School vs The Learning Experience
The Goddard School vs The Learning Experience: The Goddard School costs $704K–$8.5M to open; The Learning Experience costs $2.1M–$5.6M. The Goddard School has 453 units, The Learning Experience has 293. SBA loan history: The Goddard School = 687 loans (1.2% default); The Learning Experience = 364 loans (3.0% default). The franchise with more SBA-funded units, lower default rate, and lower royalty load is the safer financing bet, see the comparison below.
The Goddard School vs The Learning Experience: Capital, Scale & Lending Analysis
Data-driven differentiation pulled from FDD filings and SBA 7(a) loan-level data. Each pairing reflects a unique combination of capital intensity, system scale, and financing path.
Capital Intensity
The Goddard School requires the lower minimum capital commitment ($704K vs $2.1M for The Learning Experience), a 67% spread. Initial franchise fees come in at $135K for The Goddard School versus $60K for The Learning Experience, The Learning Experience has the lower entry fee. Ongoing royalty load is 7% for The Goddard School and 7% for The Learning Experience, equal royalty drag.
System Scale & Tenure
On scale, The Goddard School operates 453 units to The Learning Experience's 293. The Learning Experience has been operating 46 years (founded 1980) versus 38 for The Goddard School (founded 1988), a 8-year tenure gap that affects unit-economics maturity and FDD revision history.
SBA Lending Profile
The Goddard School has the deeper SBA lending track record with 687 historical 7(a) approvals versus 364 for The Learning Experience. The Goddard School's peak SBA year was 2019 (69 loans); The Learning Experience's peak was 2025 (46 loans). The Learning Experience's more recent peak generally indicates fresher lender appetite. Both systems concentrate the most SBA-funded units in TX. Borrowers in that state will find the deepest lender familiarity with either brand. Average SBA loan size on funded The Goddard School deals is $1.8M vs $705K for The Learning Experience, useful as a sizing anchor when modeling your own unit.
Risk Signal
SBA default rates are 1.2% for The Goddard School and 3.0% for The Learning Experience, The Goddard School has the cleaner historical loss profile by 1.8 points. PeerSense FPI scores come in at 65 (Strong) for The Goddard School and 79 (Strong) for The Learning Experience, giving The Learning Experience the stronger composite signal across SBA performance, lender appetite, and operational consistency.
Health & Performance
FPI Score | 65/100 | 79/100 |
Health Tier | Strong | Strong |
Confidence | N/A | N/A |
Lending Trend | Declining | Stable |
SBA Lending
SBA Loans | 687 | 364 |
SBA Volume | – | – |
Default Rate | 1.2% | 3.0% |
Peer Tier | major | major |
Investment & Costs
Total Investment | $704K – $8.5M | $2.1M – $5.6M |
Franchise Fee | $135K | $60K |
Royalty Rate | 7% | 7% |
Ad Fund | 4% | N/A |
Liquid Capital | $150K | $150K |
Net Worth Required | $2.0M | $350K |
Financial Performance (Item 19)
Item 19 Status | Disclosed | Not Disclosed |
System Size & Operations
Total Units | 453 | 293 |
Franchised Units | 453 | 293 |
Company-Owned | – | – |
Term Length | 15 yrs | N/A |
Brand Information
Year Founded | 1988 | 1980 |
Franchising Since | 1988 | 1960 |
Years Franchising | 38 yrs | 66 yrs |
Headquarters | King of Prussia, PA | Deerfield Beach, FL |
Category | Child Day Care Services | Child Day Care Services |
Website | ||
FDD Year | 2026 | N/A |
Which Is Better, The Goddard School or The Learning Experience?
Lower upfront capital required
The Goddard School
The Goddard School: $704K starting · The Learning Experience: $2.1M starting
More SBA lender confidence
The Goddard School
The Goddard School: 687 SBA loans · The Learning Experience: 364 SBA loans
Lower historical default rate
The Goddard School
The Goddard School: 1.2% · The Learning Experience: 3.0%
Larger system & brand presence
The Goddard School
The Goddard School: 453 units · The Learning Experience: 293 units
Lower ongoing royalty load
Tie
The Goddard School: 7% · The Learning Experience: 7%
More lender financing options
The Goddard School
The Goddard School: 135 unique lenders · The Learning Experience: 97 unique lenders
Decision matrix uses publicly disclosed FDD and SBA loan data. Not a recommendation. Your best franchise depends on capital, market, operating capacity, and risk tolerance.
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About These Franchises
The Goddard School vs The Learning Experience: Franchise Funding Comparison
Comparing The Goddard School and The Learning Experience is about more than brand preference. It's about which franchise fits your financial profile and funding strategy. Investment ranges from $704K to $8.5M.
Both brands have active SBA lending histories, The Goddard School with 687 SBA loans and The Learning Experience with 364. This means proven lender acceptance and established underwriting paths for franchise buyers.
SBA 7(a) loans are the most common franchise funding vehicle, offering up to $5M with as little as 10% down. PeerSense connects franchise buyers with the specific lenders who have approved loans for these brands, not generic referrals, but lenders with actual franchise lending track records.
Data sourced from SBA loan records, Franchise Disclosure Documents, and public filings. Updated regularly. Not financial advice, consult with a lending professional before making investment decisions.
The Goddard School vs The Learning Experience, Frequently Asked Questions
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