Address: | 1 E Joyce Ln, Arnold, MD 21012, USA |
Phone: | +1 410-544-0310 |
Site: | goddardschool.com |
Rating: | 5 |
ST
Stacy Allen
I am VERY picky. I want the best for my two boys and I dont apologize for it. I toured many schools and left most feeling defeated. I couldnt understand what most of these places were charging for and WHY. I toured the Goddard School last because it had the highest price point and I wanted to give other places a fair opportunity, as well as gain an unbiased opinion on each of them. When I walked into Goddard, I could see the difference from the main entrance. Parents crowded the main entrance as they waited in turn to use the high-tech security feature (hand-print ID, folks) and no one shoved hurriedly by or snuck past. Parents follow the rules. Once inside the classrooms, I could see the difference right away. My previous tours left me with images of old drab furniture, dirty rugs, and pass-me-down toys. Goddard was incredibly bright and colorful and kids were seated at tables playing with different goop, putty, or paint. I was welcomed with a group hello "Hi, Friend!" I thought, Yes, this is where I want my kids to go. My kids have always been at home with me, but I wanted them to experience a more formal learning environment and socialization. They get that in SPADES. I see images of my son (Tadpoles App) drawing, painting, playing, SMILING! On to the teachers--let me remind parents that being in this job with so many kids is a HARD job. Anyone who can (or pretend to) tolerate that many number of drooling, pooping, sneezy, whiny kids is a SAINT. So this branch of Goddard has many teachers who fall into this category. They also have a few teachers who fall into the category of "Unicorns". These teachers are so amazing I swear they cant be real. My oldest son is with Ms. Lauren and Ms. Kelsey (unicorns) and he has blossomed under their care. I can tell that they genuinely care for my boy. I leave him in their care knowing he will come back to me a brighter, nurtured, social boy. My youngest son is having trouble adjusting, but I know this is par for course. I know that when this stage passes, he will blossom, too.
BE
Bethany Ahlers
We are extremely happy with The Goddard School. Both of my boys have been in daycare since they were 1 and weve had both great and not-so-great experiences. I was a little concerned when we moved from California to Annapolis because I had difficulty finding, what I considered, quality day care and pre-k options for our kids. We started with a different school, closer to home, and quickly determined that it was not the environment we were looking for. I feel so fortunate to have found Goddard in Arnold. The school is clean and orderly. The kids love their teachers and I can tell the teachers adore and respect my kids (one of the most important aspects, in my opinion). The other aspect of Goddard that I love is the breadth of subjects they cover in the classrooms and the integration of technology into their day. All of the pre-school and pre-k classrooms have computers and one room has a smart board. As a trained teacher who now works with technology, that just makes my heart happy. The last thing I will say is that their summer program is as good as their regular program. They had weekly guest visitors ranging from magicians to storytellers to animals and the kids enjoyed a lot of outdoor play all summer. I highly recommend The Goddard School in Arnold, MD.
BR
Brandy Trimm
“I could not be happier with the education that my daughter receives at The Goddard School in Arnold. I brag about her accomplishments to my family, friends and especially to those with children who are looking for pre-school options. I plan to continue using the Goddard School when my daughter progresses to Pre-K, instead of pursuing the public school option. The teachers plan valuable and relevant lessons for their students every day. Recently a new franchise of Goddard opened closer to my home. I have been asked a few times why I do not switch, since this new building would be more convenient to my work commute. My response is always the same. Not all Goddards are created equal. Its not just the name on the building that makes my daughters school unique, it is the teachers and staff that make the experience so positive and impactful.”
RI
Rich Ottoson
My son has gone here since he was 2 years old and the development that has happened since is incredible. Goddard School has great teachers who seem to genuinely be interested in how your child is progressing. Every day we get a detailed report of what our child did in school that day as well as photos and any notes that are pertinent. They work with you through potty training and the socialization our son is getting will no doubt prepare him for school.
JA
Jamie Calloway
Great balance between fun and education. Pick up time is always hectic, so I love the daily email updates on classroom activities so we can talk about what my son is doing at school once we get home. He gets excited to "tell" me about what hes done because I can specifically mention the task he did at school. Otherwise, at age 2 the parents cant really interact with the child about his/her day.
CH
Chris Callaway
My son had a great experience the 3 years he was at Goddard. He looked forward to going to school every day. The teachers were fantastic and he is much farther along in math and reading than his older sister was at this point. Miss Natalie did a great job getting him ready for Kindergarten.