Goddard School

My two children went to the Goddard school on Higley road for about a year. We left two months ago moving to another Goddard school on East Coast. While I did appreciate the school on Higley Road very much, I didn t bother of writing a review until now. After being in another Goddard school, I now feel compelled to tell people how special a place we had back in Gilbert, Arizona! The one on Higley Road is definitely special. There were a lot of small things the new owner brought to the school which made the experience very memorable. From the Keurig coffee machine in the foyer, to the care and warmth of the staff. From the quiet determination to improve the education level to the free Parents Night Out (and they even watched the siblings of the enrolled students for free). From the first rate reading program to the first rate Phoenix Zoo visit. What we miss most is the personal attention given to us parents. When we were there, we thought those things were nice to have. Now in another environment, we know those were the luxury we deserved. We like the school we are in now. But we definitely LOVE the one we left behind. Good luck, you guys! With affection, Cindy
--Submitted by a parent

My husband is a Quality Engineer. His approach to finding a school for our 2 years old girl was a quality audit. He audited procedures, lesson plans, other corp audit results, etc. My approach was totally intutiative. I talked to other parents, looked at the students and how they behaved, walked around to get a feel, etc. Both of our approaches arrived at the conclusion this school on Higley Road was the best of all 6 schools we seriously looked at. All other things are excellent. But the thing I like most is they don't seem to focus so much on the money. Most of the talk was about how they want to make it convenient for the parents to feel good when they leave their children here to go to work. I like that a lot. Three months in, everything confirmed our initial assessment. We score again! Madison -
--Submitted by a parent

I don't write reviews - correction: I did not write review until today, when I feel compelled to start since I really want to give this school the credit for what a wonderful job it has done to serve our daughter and our family. Earlier this week I asked them (sincerely) if there was anything I could do for them to return the favors. They said "words of mouth is the best thing for the school". So, here I am, telling you what my husband and I said in the last 4 months: We wish we discovered this school sooner. Mary S.
--Submitted by a parent

This is just a great place to be in - from both our daughter's view and my husband's and my perspective. The programs are very strong with a perfect combination of development through play and learn. The reading program is first rate. Our daughter goes around town sounding out the letters on signs. She also learns about music and talks about whole notes and half notes and white keys and black keys. The staff is very committed and friendly. It is rather obvious they want to excel and I think they are indeed on their way to building the best pre-school in town. I strongly recommend you to check this school out for your children.
--Submitted by a parent

I picked this school over a more covenient Primrose school because of the chemistry and atmosphere. My son is a shy boy and always has a heard time adapting to new people and new environment. We visited about 7 schools and he always clinged to me without any desire to explore the schools we toured. For whatever reason, that stopped when we were at this Goddard school on Higley road for the first time. He actually smiled with the owner. One better, he held the potential teacher's hand and sat down at circle time which happened to be going on when we were touring. And that has not changed 2 months after. He is going through a transformation now with such ease. I attribute that all to his teacher and the supporting staff there at the school. I am thrill with what we have now. Penny Penskee - Gilbert, AZ
--Submitted by a parent

Once a month they hold a Parents's Night Out. I would be glad to pay $30.00 or so for them to take care of my child while my husband and I go to a nice dinner and a movie. They didn't do that but they took care of my son for FREE. Not only that, some parents have siblings (not enrolled in the school) and they watched them for FREE too. I don't know how they do it, but I am glad they are doing that. And they have extra clean facility, smell good, caring staff, great reading programs, etc... too. But Parents' Night Out is the BEST. Alice
--Submitted by a parent

"Forget all the comments about this school before the change of ownership because the change has brought the school to a completely different direction". That was what my girl friend told me about the school two months ago when I read some of the reviews to her. I took my infant girl to the school to check out and I was very very happy with what I saw. The building was bright, spotless. The owner was a real educator and did not seem to be in business for the money. The teacher in the infant room (Wendy) was just fantastic. I signed up on the second visit when I took my husband with me. We have been with the school for over a month now and everyday I am more happy with my choice than the day before. It is that good!
--Submitted by a parent

I was searching for a school for my 3 years old daughter. This school was the last after a long line of 6 other schools in the area. I was reluctant after reading some bad reviews. But the last reluctant school turned just blew me away. They have new ownership, new director and what a vision! The envirornment was so clean and warm. The programs are just so unique. It is now 180 degrees from what the old reviews reflect. I enrolled my daugter there after barely 24 hours of thinking. she has been there for 6 weeks and is very happy. I myself have seen so much new stuff the owner put in during those 6 weeks alone. Highly recommeded.
--Submitted by a parent

Highly and Baseline- I highly recommend this school. A wonderful, caring enviroment with educated and passionate teachers. I have been to about four of the "top" preschools and made my decision soon after entering the school. There is an "it" factor that you feel. Very happy with my decision!
--Submitted by a parent

Higley and Southern - this school used to be good but has gone down quick! After 3 years, i pulled my kids out. Should have done it a year ago! Teachers are unhappy and not treated like humans! Very high turn over in teachers. For the price, not worth it!
--Submitted by a parent