The Goddard School

I can’t say enough good things about Goddard. One of our daughters was there from the time she was 2 until pre-​K «graduation» and our other daughter was there from the time she was 3 months old. The teachers aren’t just amazingly kind and caring, but they’re true teachers, with a passion for early education. The administrators are the epitome of professional. They’re extremely buttoned up and are always available to chat about anything at all. The added bonus was meeting and becoming friends with so many of our daughters’ classmates’ families. It really feels like a community. We recently moved out of state, and every school we look at we compare to Goddard. It might seem a bit weird to miss a pre-​school, but we do.

EVERYTHING! Goddard is run as a true business, so we never worried about anything while our son was at school as we knew he was in a clean, organized, structured environment cared for by the best of childcare professionals. The curriculum is not only impressive but strategically designed for both development and engagement. Although our son was only in one classroom, the classroom and resource teachers who cared for our son truly loved him and he was so comfortable with all of the Goddard staff. Jason, Gina and Lauren are true professionals, not only friendly but organized and always available for any questions.
The Goddard school is far more impressive than any local schools competing in the Chicago-​city area. We have been so blessed to have been part of the Goddard family and truly miss the entire Goddard team! Thank you, Goddard, for joining the Lincoln Park neighborhood 4 years ago!

Excellent school, amazing teachers, incredible staff, and most important, a creative, fun, play-​based learning environment that motivates my son as he *wants* to go to school each day.
We started our son at the Goddard School shortly after it opened a few years ago. We selected this school as the directors and teachers expressed an interest in a collaborative approach to our son’s adjustment as we recently adopted him from the another country. It was a difficult transition for him and each day, the educational director and teachers met with us, talked to us and suggested strategies on how to help with the adjustment. Additionally, our son initially had some developmental delays and the teachers worked with us and his therapists and this approach was quite successful. Within a year, he exceeded the benchmarks and milestones for his age and loved going to school and playing with his friends each day.
I share this as I think it is very important to find a school that embraces that collaborative approach, values and appreciates your child, listens and works with you to make sure you and your child have the most positive educational experience possible.
The play-​based curriculum is so important for learning and also for developing social and emotional learning (SEL) skills for your child. The teachers are caring, passionate and creative and encourage parent involvement and volunteerism. The facility (and security) are excellent as well. It’s a wonderful community at the Goddard School, and I’m proud to be a Goddard parent.
We recently relocated and based upon our experience at the Goddard School in Chicago, we selected another Goddard school near our new home in Maryland until he starts kindergarten in the fall. We are so grateful to all of the teachers (special thanks to Kay, Cara, Stephanie, Hannah, Kathryn, Amanda and Bridgid), Jason, Gina and Lauren… as their devotion, compassion and passion for learning have helped our son develop into the wonderful little person he is today. I can only hope the rest of his educational experience can be this positive!

Bad school. Promises are made but not kept. Don’t rely on having a start day even if already confirmed. Complaints are not taken seriously but met with offensive replies. Definitely nothing I want to teach my kids!

Goddard is amazing… although just a short stint due to a move in a different location, we are amazed at the progress our son has made. He has been thru two rooms, i love the attention, the curriculum, but most of all the amazing staff and teachers and their dedication to the kids. I’m super bummed i have to leave but couldn’t end without saying amazing things about this place and how much i’ll miss the teachers… i can only hope for a daycare as good as this for my kid.

Our daughter started at Goddard when she was 2.5 in 2012 and recently just «graduated» as she will be moving on to Kindergarten this fall. We LOVED attending Goddard and already miss the sense of «community». We’ve been living in a bi-​coastal situation so our daughter has attended a few different pre-​schools. Rest assured, she always missed Goddard when we are away.
Jason, Gina, and Lauren are fantastic administrators. They hire bright, enthusiastic, educated teachers (not just day care workers!) that love what they do. Every teacher our daughter had was lovely and we had no complaints (at other preschools we found ourselves begging to get into another class).
The facility is shiny and new (it’s SO clean)!!! And we took great comfort that the food was always organic and the kids learned to eat different things through normal peer influence (the food is family style — all the kids are eating the same thing).
We really had a great experience at Goddard. It’s comforting to know the kids are in good, loving, capable hands. And wow — our daughter is reading, writing, doing math and FULLY ready for Kindergarten. We couldn’t be happier with this decision.

Now if my son could write the review he would say «this is the best place, ever!» I cannot say enough about The Goddard School. From the staff, the owner, teachers — the facility and playground… everything is top-​notch! I have toured a lot of preschools around the city that this was hands-​down the place we felt happy and safe. Very clean, organized, secure and current with curriculum and technology. It’s a place full of love (I know it sounds cheesy, but true). I’m always greeted with a smile, and the teachers are just wonderful! I have 2 boys in the preK and jrK classes. I highly recommend!
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I feel that I need to update my post 6 months later. We moved to another area of the city which offers 2 preK classes within walking distance. We toured and my son actually sat in for a little play to feel out the new spots. He (nor I) felt the same comfort and love that we did at Goddard. My 4yo turned up to me and said, «mommy, can we go back to my regular school now? I need to go to Goddard.» And just like that, we re-​enrolled for the jrK class. I go out of my way 4 times a week to take him there. And I’m glad we did! This place is just the best! He has learned so much in the preK class that folks are just amazed at what he knows. Now, can I give them 10 stars?

My daughter attended the Goddard School for pre-​school and pre-​K before starting kindergarten in August 2013. I didn’t want to write a review until I could see how well Goddard actually prepared her for kindergarten. Not only did Goddard prepare her for the academic aspect of kindergarten, but it prepared her for the emotional and social parts as well. Though being the youngest in her class, my daughter is excelling at Ogden International. She wasn’t afraid, she made friends quickly, and she’s ahead of almost all of her peers academically. And while I’d love to take credit for that, most of the credit is due to Goddard.
Jason, the owner, and Gina, the educational director, are nothing short of amazing. They work tirelessly for the kids and you can tell. They learn your names immediately and somehow know everything that’s going on with your child (it truly is incredible). They are in constant contact with the students, teachers, and parents and there is a full line of communication among all three. Whenever I emailed a question, Gina or Jason would answer it ASAP. I felt that my daughter and I were the most important people there. And while I know that this is obviously not the case, it’s great to feel that way.
The teachers are just as wonderful. All they want is for your child to reach his/​her potential while, at the same time, having fun and making friends. They care so much for each of their students – you can see it. They have «report cards» that they complete so you can see how your child is progressing and what he/​she needs to work on (on all levels – social, academic, emotional – it’s an exhaustive list). The teachers also email daily reports that include not only what your child did that day and what he/​she learned, but you also get pictures! I loved seeing those every day. It was one of the selling points of Goddard.
And when my daughter finally «graduated,» they gave me a book with actual pictures of her and all her drawings, report cards, and just little notes about her. That was above and beyond and I cherish it. Because I couldn’t be there (I work), they were. And they took care of her. And now I can share her memories of Goddard with her and feel like I was a part of it.
My daughter loved going to school and I loved taking her there. If they had a program that extended through kindergarten, 1^st grade, etc. I would have kept her there. She was safe, she had fun, and she learned more than her peers in kindergarten. Goddard made it as easy as possible for me (and her) to transition to kindergarten.
One final note (re: security): This seems to be a hot-​button issue these days so I feel like I should mention it. The school is extremely secure. In order to even enter the main entrance, you need to scan your hand print. There is always someone at the front desk, too, watching the comings and goings of everyone through those doors. I always felt that my daughter was safe and I was never concerned about her safety.
I strongly recommend Goddard to anyone who wants to prepare their children for kindergarten. They will arrive more confident, less scared, and they will be ahead academically.
Thank you, Goddard!

The Goddard school has been great for my daughter. She has been going since about 19 mo and is now 27 mo. She loves it there, knows all the teachers by name, always talks about her friends, literally runs to school in the mornings and doesn’t want to leave in the evenings. They have also potty trained her, taught her how to dress herself, and otherwise really encouraged her independence. She takes great naps there as well. The facilities are always clean and their outdoor space is excellent — fenced in and away from any roads and noise. The most important thing for me is of course that my child be happy and thriving and she is.

I’m surprised by the few negative reviews I see here and totally unsurprised by the positive ones. Our daughter has attended for two years now, and she loves it. We love it. She loves her teachers, her teachers love her. She has a blast, she’s in a mentally stimulating, creative environment, and she gets to do lots of things she loves like music and art. She taught my husband and I a song in Spanish last week, and last night she was singing a song in Mandarin (all learned at Goddard). Her teachers are very focused on the kids’ emotional development, which is totally appropriate for three-​year-​olds, and the play-​based curriculum is nicely balanced with the academic material that they’re working on (letters, reading, basic math concepts, etc.). We get videos and photos of the kids throughout the day every day, which we love, and the school has been generally receptive to feedback. We have experienced a bit of turnover, but not an excessive amount and not anything to be concerned about. I can’t speak about every teacher in this school, but the ones we have experienced have all been wonderful, nurturing, smart, and creative. Our only complaint is that it is very expensive — but, unfortunately, it’s right on par with similar preschools in Chicago. If you can afford it, it’s a wonderful, safe, fun place to send your child.

My son has attended Goddard in Lincoln Park since opening and has now been there for nearly 2 years. Needless to say I have been pleased with the program, the teachers, the kids, and the development my son has made over the period. I have reviewed many programs in Chicago from Latin to Lil Gems International to paid Pre K and plan to continue comparing but, what I have found in my travels is that Goddard is a safe, warm hearted, friendly environment for my son to grow and learn (no discover) something new about the world around him. The curriculium is vast ranging from introduction to multiple languages, to experiencing productive peer interaction, to experimenting with devisive aids and instruction to keep him engaged and wanted to know more.
I and my wife (like most) take our decisions on our childs education very seriously and through goddard have grown in confidence on the value of a sound early educational program. We may change our minds tomorrow on what is best for our son but to date have no regrets in placing him in the very capable hands of his extended Goddard family.
Also, I care to read other opinions and believe they only hold value equaling their sincerity.

Our almost four year-​old son has attended The Goddard School for almost three months now and we are so pleased to have found such a wonderful school! After moving to Chicago from Texas, we were concerned about finding the right environment for our child. The Goddard School put all of our fears to rest.
The school is staffed by caring, kind, and loving teachers. I have watched my child blossom both academically and socially under the care of the teachers in the «Tiger Room» and can’t begin to express my gratitude for all that they do. Goddard is truly a school rather than simply a daycare. In addition to the «traditional» curriculum, my son has been learning Mandarin and Spanish, music, and even computer skills. Many of the schools we toured took children off campus for recess and this was a huge safety concern for us. Goddard’s building is in excellent condition and has an on site playground and a large indoor play area.
I can’t say enough good things about The Goddard School! The owner, Mr. Jason, and director, Ms. Gina, are both accessible, friendly, and professional. They are very open to hearing parent concerns and handle situations quickly and efficiently. I read in a previous review that someone was concerned about the owner’s focus on money rather than children. Frankly, I’d be worried about sending my child to a facility where the owner WASN’T concerned with making his business a success. The owner’s concern means that he is present at the school, and that the school is clean, well-​run, and staffed with professionals. All of the children know and love Mr. Jason and I often see him playing and interacting with students.
My son is happy each morning when I drop him off, and happy when I pick him up. He tells me stories about his «adventures» with his teachers and friends and these are always positive and sweet. His teachers, Ms. Brigid and Ms, Madelyn, are doing an excellent job working with us to help make my son’s transition to a new school and city as smooth as possible. Our kiddo is so happy here! He even asks to go to school on the weekend! I would highly recommend The Goddard School to anyone looking for a loving, safe, and academically focused environment.

I would normally give 2 or 3 stars for this school… but my niece goes here, and she is in love with her teacher, Miss Kay. She’s her favorite person in the world, and it’s obvious she plays a really positive part in her life. She’s patient, kind and actually has creative and fun activities for the kids, unlike their other teachers in the past. She’s also open to help out and babysit for some of the parents, which is more than a big plus.
Again, this school is.OK. But I haven’t heard my niece stop talking about Miss Kay so she definitely bumped it up for them.

Our son attends Goddard and I couldn’t be happier with the school. The teachers are dedicated to the children’s needs. They have an outdoor play space and an indoor gym which is important for child development. I love when I pick up my child and I see Jason, the owner outside playing with the children. Recently, they brought in a music teacher and my son comes home singing the different songs he learned. I’m an elementary teacher and I’m thrilled with the standards that are set at Goddard.

There are a few pros and cons for the school.
Pros:
1. In general, its a great place for my 2 year old son. It is safe since they have a little park on the school premise and an indoor gym in addition to it. It scares me when these other pre-​schools would bring scores of toddlers and young children crossing busy city streets to parks.
2.The menu is all organic and with a good variety.
3. The premise is clean and beautiful.
4. The teachers are all highly qualified. They have an organised schedule.
Cons:
1. Cannot bring your own food. My son is hungry in between the meals. However, we are not allowed to bring outside food. That is a rule for all preschool. It still makes me sad when I know my baby is hungry in between meals. On the other hand it is probably better for him not to snack too much in between meals anyhow.

Our son (4 yo) attended this school and we are so glad he did. The staff is great and very friendly. His teachers were Miss Ali and Miss Megan who took such great care in making sure our son transitioned well. They were caring, supportive and, most of all, seemed to really enjoy doing what they do.
The day is filled with various activities which include but not limited to language arts, creative art, music and nature study. They also have a private outdoor play space and will use it for water days (weather permitting).
We are moving out of state and that is the only reason we had to leave the school. Would highly recommend!!!

My daughter has been going to this school for just a couple of months (she is 17 mo,). as well as my husband working there, and we couldnt be happier! She has grown so much in such a short time. I know it sounds bias since my husband works there, but honestly he wouldn’t be working there or my child going there if we didn’t believe in this school and the staff. The teachers are warm and loving and it shows her teachers Miss Julie & Miss Charlotte are wonderfull… I couldnt be happier with our choice of school for my daughter to grow in as well as my husband to work for and represent.